Chamber drafts report after workshop

The Umina District Chamber of Commerce will draft a report following a public workshop held last month.

Chamber president Ms Sharon Martin said the workshop was the first step in putting together a strategic plan to help coordinate local action and secure future government funding for the area.

"Since we started seven months ago, the Umina District Chamber of Commerce has been working to represent the views of the small business community in the future growth and development of the Umina area," Ms Martin said.

"The chamber hosted a public workshop on June 17 to develop a strategic plan and identify initiatives to provide a positive direction in the development of the Umina district.

"Susan Rowe from the Department of State and Regional Development facilitated the workshop.

"The group identified priorities and ideas for action in the areas of tourism, infrastructure, youth, environment, business development and marketing."

Ms Martin said once the draft report was completed, the chamber would issue a public survey for consultation to help finalise its strategic plan.

"I'm inviting anyone interested to get involved and make a positive contribution to how our local area develops and grows in the future," Ms Martin said.

"The Umina Chamber aims to build a successful business community that works in harmony with local and state government bodies, state and local business chambers and other groups to ensure continuous improvement and growth for the Umina community."

The next chamber meeting will take place on Wednesday, August 12, from 6.30pm at the Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

Manager of Westpac in Umina Ms Julie Cerulli will be guest speaker to talk about the local economy while president of the Central Coast Region of the NSW Business Chamber Ken Baker and deputy mayor Mr Craig Doyle will also be guests at the meeting.

For more information or to become a member of the chamber, contact Sharon Martin on 0413 931 790 or email udcc@bigpond.com.

Press release, 22 Jul 2009 Sharon Martin, Umina District Chamber of Commerce