22 AUG PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
Posted at 14:05h in Chamber Chatter, Council Rates, President's Column by DDCC
As part of the NSW Department of Industry Back to Business Month 1-31st October, 2018, Dungog District Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Dungog Shire Council will run a Shop & Win Campaign.
Based on our very successful buy local promotion in 2013, the campaign, whilst offering a reward to consumers for spending their dollars locally, is designed to raise awareness of the importance of supporting our local economy and showcase our available wide range of businesses and services. All businesses in the Dungog Shire are welcome to take part in the promotion. This is not just for retail businesses and is open to everyone including services providers, trades people etc etc.
To participate in the promotion businesses will be asked to contribute a $100 entry fee. The more businesses who participate the more prize money will be offer by way of Dungog Dollars. Entries close on 31st August, 2018. To find our more go to www.ddcc.org.auor contact me on 0432 128 143 or email president@ddcc.org.au.
Shopping local helps to build a strong and prosperous community for all.
Ivan Skaines, Dungog Shire Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Co-ordinator said that the Buy Local Campaign sits squarely with the recently amended Dungog Shire Community Strategic Plan 2030 as one of the challenges outlined in the plan is about stemming economic leakage from Dungog Shire to other regional centres.
The purpose of the Plan is to identify the community’s main priorities and aspirations for the future, and plan strategies to achieve them. Statistics show that 3,585 people are in the workforce in Dungog Shire but only 1,542 live in the Shire and work locally. The balance of 2,043 people, live in Dungog Shire but travel outside of the area to work with the major destinations being Maitland (730 people) and Newcastle (462 people). Dungog Shire is a net exporter of labour. The Buy Local Campaign aims to keep as much expenditure as possible in the Dungog Shire economy, therefore maintaining and even increasing local jobs.
While Dungog Shire Council has a custodial role in initiating, preparing and maintaining the Community Strategic Plan on behalf of the local government area, it works with other partners such as State agencies and community groups such as the Dungog District Chamber of Commerce in delivering long term objectives of the Plan.
Kind Regards,
Jennifer Lewis
President – Dungog District Chamber of Commerce
