Matt Gatt
Thursday's meeting featured famed local restauranteur and gastronome Matt Gatt. While we all would have loved a presentation on the art of cuisine (or better yet, tasted a sample of his good work!), Matt spoke instead in his capacity as president of the Leeton Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Recapping his year in office, Matt touched on many of the Chamber's hi-lights and of the moves underway to reshape the Chamber into a more inclusive community body.
The Chamber's challenge over the months and years ahead is to transition from an organization focused purely on business issues to one which benefits both business and the community at large. Bringing more functions and events to Leeton is one way to make this happen. Matt spoke of the tremendous response to the recent McLeod's Daughter's Reunion which saw people from near, far and halfway around the world attend! He also commented on the overwhelming success of the Rotary Belle of the Debutants Ball 2018 and of how a business/community partnership can continue to promote and profit from such events.
The Leeton Outstanding Business Awards will be facing a restructure. The event was postponed this year to allow the Chamber to move away from its current alignment with the NSWBC Awards format to a more 'home-grown' event. New categories will be introduced and the nominating/judging system changed to allow for more community input. The Chamber is currently looking at dates in September or October to hold the event.
This year's Leeton Chill and Grill festival is also undergoing a few changes. The event will be moved from its traditional home at Mountford Park to the town ovals car park and will double-up as a food-fest and night market. This year's festival will be opened up to all kinds of food and beverages which, in the past, had been limited to local producers. With the Leeton Multicultural Group on board and the pricing structure changed by abolishing the $5.00/food item limit visitors can expect a wide range of cuisine.
A couple of other things that Matt touched on:
- The Chamber successfully lobbied council to set a flat $25.00 rate for businesses using council footpaths and dining areas.
- The Leeton Chamber of Commerce is considering a possible name change to the Leeton Business Network
- The Chamber is looking for an in-door venue to hold the Leeton Farmers and Makers market to escape the, sometimes, inclement weather.
- the Chamber is always open to suggestions or improvements
The Leeton Chamber of Commerce AGM will be held at The Leeton Soldier's Club Regency Room on Sept, 4th at 6:30. All are invited to attend.
A reminder -
On Thursday, August 9th at 1pm the Yanco Public School will be hosting their annual Long Lunch. The theme for this year will be Mexican Food and they have extended an invitation to anyone in the club who would like to join in. Contact Tarnya Grigg (principal) for more information.
And finally, just to clear up any confusion....
Tasmania
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