VECCI

Infobox Organization
name = Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry


size = 282px
motto = Invigorating Business
formation = 1851
type = Non-profit organisation
industry = Business Service
headquarters =
location = flagicon|AUS Melbourne, Australia
membership =
leader_name =
key_people = Wayne Kayler-Thomson, CEO
num_staff =
budget =
website = [http://www.vecci.org.au www.vecci.org.au]

Originally formed in 1851, the Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is Victoria's most influential employer group. Servicing more than 15,000 businesses each year, VECCI is an independent, non-government body.

VECCI was founded by the business community to represent business.

The VECCI membership base is diverse involving all levels and sectors of industry including: business services, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, tourism and emerging sectors.

VECCI is involved in every facet of industry and commerce across the state. The main role of VECCI is to represent the interests of business at a state level as well as nationally in areas affecting the wellbeing of the business community including workplace relations, taxation, regulation, transport, infrastructure and skills training.

VECCI has state affiliations to the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce and the Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC). National affiliations include the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), which VECCI is a foundation member of; and Australian Chambernet. VECCI is internationally affiliated with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

Services

* information phone inquiry service
* business briefings and networking events
* workplace and business training
* workplace services and consulting
* international trade
* VECCI Apprenticeships Services
* business publications
* research and policy development
* representation and advocacy to government
* associated legal practice.

Publications

* Business Excellence Magazine
* Visa/VECCI Business Trends & Prospects Survey

Staff

* Chief Executive Officer – Mr Wayne Kayler-Thomson
* Senior Manager – Public Affairs – Mr Chris James

History

Over the past 150 years VECCI has provided leadership, information, representation and networking opportunities to businesses across the state.

1851-1870

In 1851 Victoria separated from NSW to form its own colonial government. This initiated the first formal moves to establish a Victorian chamber of commerce in Melbourne.

1871-1890

Merchants dominated Victoria’s economy during its early years. By the end of the 19th century, with the improvement in communications, larger companies began to be established. Wholesalers and manufacturers bypassed merchants and undertook more service functions, and associations of manufacturers soon joined the Chambers.

1891-1910

On 1 January 1901 the Commonwealth of Australia was proclaimed. With the opening of the First Federal Parliament in Melbourne came a push for a united parliamentary voice for Australian business through the combined efforts of the Chambers of Commerce in each colony.

1911-1930

During the First World War many Melbourne employees answered the call of duty. Those who stayed at home devoted their time to cooperating with the government in its wartime tasks. Australia's commercial strength and growing industry was used to support its soldiers with vital supplies.

1931-1950

After the First World War and the Great Depression, Victoria moved from being 'the granary of Australia' into wider agriculture such as dairying and irrigation. The gross value of production of Victoria's rural industries rose from £50 million in 1938-39 to £148 million in 1948-49. It then soared to £192 million in 1949-50.

1951-1970

In 1951 the Melbourne Chamber entered its centennial year and continued its effective work, campaigning for the progression of Victoria's commercial interests. A very successful 'Businessman's Convention' was held in Bendigo, the theme of which was the prevailing framework of industrial legislation and its effect on a changing industrial pattern.

1971-1990

Political events during the 1970s changed the distribution of power within our own local and national political system. A forum on 'The New Power Game' at the Australian Chamber of Commerce Conference in Melbourne in 1978 influenced the organisation’s thinking on industrial matters.

1990-today

During the 1990s VECCI's objective was to provide its members with a high-quality, cost-effective service and to give business a greater voice in determining federal and state laws that govern enterprise. The Chamber became Victoria's most influential employer organisation after a merger of the Victorian Employers' Federation and the State Chamber of Commerce and Industry. As we approach 2010, VECCI is increasingly becoming an advocate of Business Excellence in all spheres.

References

External links

* Company site: [http://www.vecci.org.au/default1.asp?campaignid=159 http://www.vecci.org.au]
* International Business Centre: http://www.ibcvictoria.com
* Grow Me The Money: [http://www.growmethemoney.com.au http://www.growmethemoney.com.au]