Tony Solin steps down as Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce CEO after 11 years in top job
![Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce chief executive Tony Solin has called time after 11 years.](https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/C-15084489/b775f1cc31fb35b29eae506877e45fc50a6a089d-16x9-x0y543w2828h1591.jpg?imwidth=810&impolicy=wan_v3)
After more than a decade at the helm of the Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce chief executive Tony Solin has decided to call time.
During his 11-year tenure, the former Swan Districts WAFL player and one-time Liberal candidate for the State seat of Mandurah oversaw a tripling of the chamber’s membership.
When Mr Solin started the chamber was based in a small office on Crompton Road in Rockingham.
It desperately needed an injection of new businesses, an events calendar and to provide greater advocacy support for businesses.
The chamber this week said Mr Solin had achieved all the goals set out for him - especially creating sponsorships and building long term partnerships with the cities of Rockingham and Kwinana.
He is credited with being the advocate that led the City of Rockingham to prefer its local businesses during tender processes.
He built a small team that helped grow the chamber from 100 members to 300.
A number of events started under Mr Solin’s watch are now fixtures on the local social scene including the Long Table Lunch, golf days and annual awards nights.
![Promoting the 2018 long table lunch with former Premier Mark McGowan, Rob McGavin and Basil Paparone, Pam Shepherd and Brendan Laraia of Prestige Catering, City of Rockingham deputy mayor Deb Hamblin and Coast FM's Nikki Parkinson.](https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/C-15084489/989ebf05c22a8c0777625383b50ebaa571f1431c.jpg?imwidth=810&impolicy=wan_v3)
Mr Solin said 11 years was a long time at the helm, and he is set for a new challenge.
“The Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce has come a long way over the last decade, and I have decided to call time after 11 years at the helm,” he added.
“I am looking forward to having a short break and then pursue other opportunities in the local region.
“I am extremely proud to have been part of the RKCC team that have built a successful, respected and sustainable organisation to represent and advocate for local business in our region.”
There’s no word on Mr Solin’s replacement as yet, but he has been working on a succession plan for months to ensure the chamber is “in good hands moving forward.”
![Tony Solin in 2020 with the Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce branded vehicle provided with support from Rockingham Toyota.](https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/C-15084489/2b4b10c765307bb336b66d7d1eb484a69d6d0449.jpg?imwidth=810&impolicy=wan_v3)
President Rob McGavin said Mr Solin had been integral to the growth of the chamber.
“He’s implemented some fantastic initiatives and grown the Chamber to where it is today,” he said.
“On behalf of the entire executive committee, and our membership we sincerely wish Tony the very best as we know he will continue to be a great advocate for the RKCC into the future.”
Mr Solin also thanked the businessmen and women who have supported him during his tenure.
“Many have become close friends, and all the assistance has been appreciated,” he said.
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