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Business Boost For BairnsdaleA $30,000 State Government grant will boost the Bairnsdale business community, says East Gippsland Chief Executive Officer Steve Kozlowski. By East Gippsland Shire Council - 12th August 2004 - Back to News The grant of $30,000 was awarded to Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the East Gippsland Shire over two years under the Streetlife program.
"Late last year the Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce and Industry took a forward thinking step and initiated a revitalisation project for the organisation," said Mr Kozlowski.
"Early this year the Chamber approached us seeking partnership in an application to the State Government for funding. Staff from Council’s Economic Development Unit worked with Chamber representatives to prepare the submission and set the goals and outcomes of the program.
"The project will be auspiced by the Shire and managed by the Chamber. It aims to breathe new life into the Chamber and the business community," Mr Kozlowski said.
He added that the funding would help bring the Bairnsdale business community together and draw on the talent and outstanding leadership potential in the town.
"Specifically, the project aims to restructure and develop the Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce and Industry by redesigning its image and identity. It also aims to attract new membership and leadership to gain a wider representation of members from all sectors of the business community."
Stephen Kleinitz, the Shire’s Tourism/Business Support Coordinator said that a networking and mentoring program would be developed as part of the project.
"Essentially, the project will help open the lines of communication and give the Chamber the opportunity to appoint a project manager to work with the whole business community in Bairnsdale.
"A steering committee will be set up to ensure that the project delivered meets the needs of the town and the industries in Bairnsdale. A project manager will be appointed within the next couple of months," Mr Kleinitz said.
Minister for Small Business Marsha Thompson said Streetlife was a grass roots program designed to support the growth of small business though local community partnerships.
"The unique Streetlife approach helps tap the potential of Victoria’s energetic, vibrant and talented small business operators and the communities that they live and work in," Ms Thompson said.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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