New chief up for challenge

A fresh face has stepped into the role of president at the local chamber of commerce, bringing with him years of business and political experience.

Fortesque Bus Services operations manager Tony Simpson was elected president of the Karratha and Districts Chamber of Commerce and Industry last month, as long-serving member of eight years Vaughan Corps stepped down.

A former politician and baker, Mr Simpson, pictured, has lived in Karratha for two and a half years and has been on the KDCCI board for much of that time.

He ran his own bakery for 14 years, and said he understands small business. His political experience has also given him many skills he can bring to the role.

He hopes to enhance the work of the KDCCI and potentially offer more programs to assist local businesses.

“It’s exciting. I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead. I’m looking forward to hopefully delivering and continuing the work of Vaughan Corps. I think it’s a great opportunity,” he said.

“We want to try and find some new initiatives that we could be doing and what we could do better to help business. One of our key roles is to advocate on their behalf and also promote small business.

“Through our membership with the CCI there is a whole raft of programs available in terms of helping with staff, lease agreements and so forth and try to start bringing them into those businesses, especially the smaller ones that are starting up and making sure we can support them in what they have to do to comply with — everything from legislation to occupation and health as well.”

KDCCI chief executive Tanya Dodd said she was looking forward to what Mr Simpson would bring to the table. “I am absolutely excited that Tony is taking on the role because he has got a wealth of knowledge behind him and he’s going to be an asset for our chamber,” she said.