Meet the Geelong Retailers Association Team

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Bek Koeleman is the owner of Artsy Crafty Lounge, an independent family-owned business in the heart of the Geelong CBD.

Like many small business owners, Bek has experienced the challenges of operating in a constantly changing business environment. Through daily conversations with customers and neighbouring businesses, she recognised that many business owners were facing similar concerns—from parking and accessibility to foot traffic, safety and the overall future of the CBD.

Following a community response to her advocacy around recent parking changes, Bek realised there was a much bigger conversation taking place. Business owners weren't just talking about one issue—they were expressing a desire to be heard and to have greater input into decisions that affect the places they invest in every day.

Rather than allowing those conversations to remain isolated, Bek decided to take the first step towards bringing businesses together by establishing the Geelong Retailers Association.

Her vision is simple: to create an independent, collaborative organisation where businesses can share ideas, identify common challenges and work together to advocate for a thriving, welcoming and prosperous Geelong CBD.

Bek believes the Association should never be about one person or one business. Instead, it should become a collective voice that represents the diverse range of businesses that make Geelong unique.

As Founder, Bek's role is to help bring people together, encourage open and respectful discussion, and create opportunities for businesses to engage constructively with council, government and other stakeholders.

"I didn't create the Geelong Retailers Association because I have all the answers. I created it because I believe the best solutions come from bringing people together. Every business owner has a story, every business faces challenges, and every voice deserves the opportunity to be heard. If we work together, we have the chance to help shape a stronger future for Geelong's CBD—not just for our businesses today, but for generations to come."
— Bek Koeleman, Founder