Come on Wonthaggi businesses

So, Wonthaggi Business and Tourism Association are in trouble again and fighting for survival. This is nothing new to Wonthaggi and it beggars’ belief as to why businesses cannot see the benefits of a representative organisation to act on their behalf in all manner of directions. 

Has anyone asked the business owners directly why they are not involved? Is it because they think they don’t have time, or they have nothing to offer. What is their reason? Why the layback attitude? Is it because businesses are so successful, they can’t see the need. My experience tells me that is not the case. Someone should ask them the questions and then perhaps you may get to the crux of the problem.  

I have been involved in such matters, so I have an understanding, of the benefits of a good working business association. 

Having been involved with a business association in the past that had only 9 businesses turn up for their Christmas breakup I wondered why. The following Christmas 75 businesses turned up.  What changed?  Businesses agreed to give a small amount of time to give a working body of people some direction to encourage benefits to their business and the town. 

They ran a very successful event that brought 12,000 shoppers into the town for a few hours. It was run by one or two people under the direction of the business owners.

What benefits are there to be gained? 

Get very friendly with your Council as there is always State and Federal funding floating around that may allow you to develop a project to suit your town. Don’t wait for Council to come to you.  Why would Council assist if you don’t have a seriously considered project in mind. Get your project together then ask relevant Council people how or if they can help you to achieve it. Get a council representative to come to your meeting to view the project.

Create a social community with like-minded business people. Sometimes it is as simple as a round table discussion that brings the best ideas to the fore and kick starts a new venture. Form sub-committees to lighten the load on everyone.

What will all this take? The involvement of all businesses in the Wonthaggi township to participate in a small capacity. The old saying “Many hands make light work” applies here so C’mon Wonthaggi businesses get your tail into gear. You have a lot to offer but there could be more. Negative attitudes get you nowhere. Enthusiasm builds enthusiasm.

Margaret Murray