Community & Business
10 May, 2021
Chamber plans for bumper 12 months
With COVID-19 and other economic issues creating some uncertainty in the community, members of the Oakey Chamber of Commerce have put their heads together to create a plan of action for the next year to support local businesses into the future.
Chamber of Commerce president, Bec Meacham, said with support from Army Aviation Training Centre Colonel Charlie Barton and Regimental Sergeant Major WO1 Paul Simpfendorfer, the group formulated a plan for the coming year as well as a clear mission statement for the organisation.
“We worked to fine tune the values, purpose and mission statement for the Chamber then create a plan of action for the next 12 months,” she said.
“This includes events and initiatives we want to undertake to support Oakey businesses and the wider community.”
Mrs Meacham said one of the first activities on the Chamber of Commerce’s list is to promote local businesses to local residents.
She said the “Why Leave Town” (WLT) program will encourage residents to consider Oakey businesses before shopping in Toowoomba.
She said the program was made possible thanks to funding of almost $5,000 from the Toowoomba Regional Council’s Temporary Covid Pandemic Recovery Community Economic Development grants.
“We were fortunate enough to receive a grant from the Toowoomba Regional Council,” Mrs Meacham said.
“The Why Leave Town program was modelled on the successful Pittsworth Dollars initiative.
“We have tailored it specifically for the Oakey community and businesses.
“The Buy Local idea has been in the pipeline now for a little while but with COVID-19, it has become more imperative to keep business in town and promote the idea of shopping locally.”
Mrs Meacham said when money is spent in Oakey, some of this money is then reinvested in other local businesses with the effect of the initial spend multiplying.
She said more information on the campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.
This will also coincide with the launch of the organisation’s new logo at the end of this month.
