Love Rochy will be the catchcry of a new Rochester Business Network campaign to promote Rochester’s business community.
The campaign is being funded by the state government and includes an update of the RBN Gift Cards which are now in circulation.
Rochester Business Network’s last three months have been the most challenging of its decade-long existence, new issues and challenges arising from the October flood event complicating its charter to support Rochester and district’s businesses community.
The executive committee, consisting of president Glenda Nichol, vice president Tracie Kyne, treasurer Megan Weeks and secretary Beck Wolfe, has shown why they are an integral part of the business recovery in Rochester.
The four business owners bring to the table a varying range of skillsets making them a formidable force when it comes to getting things done to assist and benefit the Rochester district business community.
“We are working closely with the Campaspe Shire Council, the state government, local parliamentarians Sam Birrell and Peter Walsh, Be.Bendigo and many other groups to assist with the recovery,” Mrs Nichol said.
“We are also represented on the Campaspe Recovery Committee,” she said.
Mrs Nichol said available funding options could be complex and the RBN has been assisting businesses navigate what is on offer.
“We are grateful to the Campaspe Shire Council for allowing their grants writing officer to assist business owners in completing various applications,” she said.
The Victorian Government has provided Rochester with small business mentors. They, along with wellbeing officers, have been connecting with business owners when they visit each week.
“These trained professionals help businesses with a range of topics and feedback from businesses owners has been very positive,“ Mrs Nichol said.
“Circumstances are continually evolving, so an effective and efficient way of communicating pertinent information is essential.’’
The RBN has been compiling a comprehensive list of local businesses (bricks and mortar, homebased, online) which is used to distribute information and updates.
“If you operate a business in or around Rochester and have an ABN we want to hear from you. You need to be on the list to ensure you receive emails,“ Mrs Nichol said.
“If there is anyone who would like to check if their business is on our list please email your details to president@rochesterbusienssnetwork.com.au,” she said.
“An opportunity also exists for businesses to be promoted locally and in surrounding regions,” she said
Mrs Nichol said while flood recovery, insurance, grants and getting businesses back up and running is a major focus, the first half of 2023 will also see the RBN finalise the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program.
That program has seen about $1.5 million worth of projects undertaken to develop and promote Rochester as a tourism destination.
If you would like information about becoming a member of the RBN please contact secretary@rochesterbusinessnetwork.com.au