November 17, 2016
A Meet and Greet to help build networks for Nanango’s business community seems likely to be the first of a series of similar meetings in 2017.
The get-together was arranged by the Nanango Tourism and Development Association (NaTDA).
It was held in the South Burnett Energy Centre on Saturday afternoon after most of the town’s shops had closed.
Almost 20 guests were given a tour of the Energy Centre by Visitor Information Centre manager Fiona Kemp, where they also learned how local businesses can use the centre to help leverage more customers through their doors.
Then they heard short presentations about the State Government’s new “Back To Work” employment incentives by Tonia Gilbert from JobMatch Employment, and an overview of NaTDA’s current projects as well.
After this, they mingled over Moffatdale Ridge wines and cheeses to discuss anything from the Nanango New Years Eve Mardi Gras to an upcoming regional photo competition being held nearby.
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Earlier this year NaTDA took over the assets of the former Nanango Chamber Of Commerce, and NaTDA president Gloria Kirkness said the group would like to hold regular Meet and Greets for Nanango’s business community to help revive the Chamber’s functions.
The Kingaroy Chamber Of Commerce’s six-weekly Meet and Greets, which have now been running for almost a decade, help that town’s business community stay abreast of new developments, and usually draw between 40 and 60 people.
“We have many events in Nanango that our traders could capitalise on if they were forewarned these things were coming up, such as the Heritage Nanango Music Muster and Waterhole Rocks,” Gloria said.
“And the Mardi Gras Dollars shopping promotion that was rolled out last year turned out to be the most successful ‘Shop Local’ promotion Nanango has ever seen.
“But many businesses who didn’t take part in it didn’t get to hear about this, and they might have taken part in this year’s if they had.”
Gloria said Meet and Greets for the business community could be a great source of news that traders could take advantage of.
But even if nothing came up at a Meet and Greet they could immediately use, they were still a fun way to meet other businesses, talk and swap ideas over snacks and drinks.
The time and venue for the first meeting was a test and future Meet and Greets will probably be held at other times and venues to see what works best for most people.
“Some people like afternoon meetings, some prefer evening meetings, and some people like breakfast meetings,” she said.
“Kingaroy’s meetings are held at a different local business each time they’re run, too. So we’ll likely try all of these until we find a time and format that suits most people.”
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NaTDA represents the interests of businesses and residents in Nanango and its surrounding districts.
The group usually meet every third Thursday in the Nanango RSL’s Long Hai Room at 5:30pm. Meetings are followed by an optional social dinner in the RSL’s dining room.
NaTDA members are involved in a variety of community activities, and the group also organise periodic social outings for members which can include race days, visits to local wineries and bus tours.
New members are always welcome, and membership enquiries can be made by phoning Gloria on (07) 4163-2848.
[Photos: Clive Lowe Photography]
