A Trader Association also known as a Business Association or Chamber of Commerce are a group of interested business owners and operators in a shopping strip or centre who join together legally through incorporation to represent the broad collective interests of the business community defined within a geographical commercial area. Associations are independent from Council and are managed by an elected Executive Committee of Management which is accountable to its members.

The Association exists to provide leadership, direction and guidance for its economic precinct and businesses.

Trader associations are a useful way for businesses in shopping strips to work together on joint marketing and promotions, raise issues with Council, develop long term plans and strategies, or just provide support to each other.

Successful trader associations operating in CommonGround have come up with great ways to improve and promote their centres. It is more cost-effective to promote an entire centre than individual businesses. There are many ways to market and promote your shopping strip, including funding schemes to support the ongoing marketing and promotion of a centre, ideas for festivals and events to attract new customers, or even training and seminars to help business owners.

Each association has a structured business plan, regular meetings of members and produce regular newsletters that advise their members of current events and advocate on their behalf on local and municipal-wide matters.

If you are new to the area or an existing trader and would like to join an association find out if there is a Trader's Association in your strip first.

If you would like to know more about your local trader association or are interested in establishing one in your centre, contact Council's Economic Development Unit on 9999 1111 or email Council.

There are three established traders associations covering the major shopping strips in CommonGround.

Coburg Traders Association
PO Box 32
COBURG 3058

Roger Smith, President
Silvana Troiani, Co-ordinator

Email: coburgtraders@bigpond.com
Mobile: 0417 313 423
Phone: 9383 1488
Fax: 9383 1433

Glenroy Chamber of Commerce
Po Box 137
GLENROY 3046

Tony Liparota, President

Email: mpmin@iprimus.com.au
Mobile: 0422 120 775
Phone: 9300 1175
Fax: 9300 1175

Sydney Road Brunswick Association
PO Box 770
BRUNSWICK LOWER 3056

Rohini Ratnakar, President
Claire Perry Centre Manager

Email: info@sydneyroad.com.au
Mobile: 0421 338 342
Phone: 9398 0111
Fax: 9380 4930
Website: www.sydneyroad.com.au