President, Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce Matt Williamson has told members that local businesses fared better than the corporate-owned chains in the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred.
He said, ‘I was super stoked to see that one of the byproducts of Alfred was to give us all an opportunity to see where the true heart of Byron is, and that hard work and determination beats big and fancy’.
‘It should not go unnoticed that many big national brand retailers and supermarkets shut down, and then struggled to get restocked and trading.
‘The local owner-operated Byron businesses were a different story, as they found ways to keep trading, and supplying the community of Byron. It is just another demonstration that the spark of entrepreneurship is with local owner-operators, not national chains’.
‘Since Alfred has passed, the Chamber has met with officials from the Treasury, worked closely with Council, and this coming week will be meeting with the Small Business Commissioner.
‘Bottom line, we are advocating and engaging on Byron business like never before, and we want to hear from you. Whatever the issue, whatever the concern, we are all ears. Do not hesitate to reach out directly and have a chat, this is why we exist’.
Financial assistance programs and recovery resources available for businesses impacted by Cyclone Alfred. Visit the NSW government’s recovery webpage at www.nsw.gov.au.
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