Published on Wednesday, 23 November 2022 at 4:45:39 PM
The Carnarvon Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI) has launched the Grow Local Program, an initiative in collaboration with the Shire of Carnarvon, Rio Tinto, the Gascoyne Development Commission, and the Regional Chambers of Commerce & Industry WA to benefit local businesses in the region and support their growth through enhanced connection, training, and networking opportunities.
By better supporting and connecting local businesses, the Grow Local Program aims to drive improved economic outcomes for the region. The program’s initial focus is developing a comprehensive business directory and resource-rich website to bring relevant information and capacity building opportunities to local businesses. Following the development of the directory and website, the program will provide further support to local businesses through networking events, workshops, and training.
CCCI President Paul Dixon said the support and generosity from the Grow Local Program partners has enabled the Chamber to better engage with and deliver for businesses in the region. “As part of the CCCI’s mission and vision, we work to provide a vehicle for members to promote their businesses and facilitate change within the region to enhance the economic vitality for our communities,” says Mr. Dixon. “The Grow Local Program supports our mission by providing forums and greater accessibility between local businesses.”
Rio Tinto’s General Manager of Dampier Salt, Laura Thomas said “Rio Tinto is proud to partner with the CCCI to deliver the Grow Local Program to help build the capacity and capability of businesses in Carnarvon which will support local job opportunities and deliver economic outcomes. For more than 50 years, we have been helping build thriving and resilient communities across Western Australia by partnering with community organisations to support meaningful initiatives, just like the Grow Local Program.”
The Shire of Carnarvon is supporting the initiative by providing office space at the Carnarvon Civic Centre as well as administrative support for CCCI’s Grow Local Program Manager who is employed full-time. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Shire and CCCI articulates the responsibilities of both parties.
“Having worked closely with the CCCI for many years, the Shire understands the direct impacts and benefits of the CCCI’s mandate to our community,” says Shire of Carnarvon President Cr Eddie Smith. “We are pleased to contribute our infrastructure and resources towards the Grow Local Program and look forward to seeing the continued impacts of the CCCI and the program’s work in our region.”
Gascoyne Development Commission (GDC) CEO Tym Duncanson said the Pilbara region’s Grow Local Program has had great success in providing opportunities for businesses to access information, receive relevant training, and connect people and organisations to enable growth, and is looking forward to seeing outcomes from the program in the Gascoyne region. “The Grow Local Program is all about building local businesses and building sustainable local communities,” he said. “Having seen the benefits of the program from the Pilbara, we strongly believe in the Grow Local Program’s capabilities to deliver similar successes for Gascoyne.”
Regional Chambers of Commerce & Industry WA CEO Kitty Prodonovich noted that the launch is the result of strong collaboration between local organisations who are committed to the Gascoyne’s region’s communities. “Today is not only the launch of the program but the start of exciting times ahead for our local businesses,” she said. “The Grow Local Program will have a substantial impact to our region.”
Contributing partners, local businesses, and members of the community attended a launch event for the program at the Carnarvon Civic Centre on Wednesday, November 23. Businesses in the Gascoyne region are encouraged to opt-in to the Grow Local Program’s business directory and subscribe to future Grow Local communication channels to find out about news, events, and updates. Feedback is also welcomed from local businesses on what initiatives they would like to see from the Grow Local Program.
To contact the Program Manager Natasha Richards please email enquiries@carnarvonchamber.org.au.
For media enquiries, please contact
Paul Dixon
Carnarvon Chamber of Commerce & Industry
President
E: admin@carnarvonchamber.org.au
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