SERVING THE ALPINE SHIRE
Choose Local By KELLIE SHEPPARD MYRTLEFORD Chamber of Commerce is standing firmly behind the need for residents to support local business as they clamber to recover from the devastating effects of COVID-19. Arising almost immediately after the 2019/20 summer of bushfires in the region, businesses have now battled more than 20 months of closures and uncertainty showing an unwavering commitment to the community by adapting in the most extraordinary ways to continue providing their services. Chamber president Jim Van Geet, a business owner himself, is acutely aware of the impact these unexpected events have had on the businesses and people of Myrtleford. “Firstly we were hit by the devastating 2019 bushfires followed shortly by COVID-19 and consequently people are out of work and businesses are suffering,” he said. “Our businesses have adapted to the changed circumstances as best as they are able, and support our broader community where possible, but they also need the public’s support to remain viable.” Understanding that many of the town’s residents have also been deeply impacted due to erratic employment or losing their jobs altogether, Mr Van Geet reflects on the generous spirit of the town. “We live in a community where we help each other and are mindful of the impact that disasters have on those less fortunate,” he said. Blessed to have community organisations, not-for-profits and
independent businesses in town that offer food (and other) relief to locals in need, the Choose Local Campaign simply asks residents to consider their local businesses for anything they may need before shopping away from town. Richard Maclean, owner of Future Steel in Myrtleford, says that the flow on effect of shopping locally goes far beyond just the income to that one business. “Obviously our business supports builders and other trades, but having our steel and industrial gas products available for them locally means that there is greater accessibility,” he said, “They can come and look at what we have, compare prices, build knowledge and encourage interaction within the community.” Richard started Future Steel 11 years ago but has a wealth of knowledge gained in the industry over more than 25 years. “It’s really exciting to see the new generation of builders coming up in the valley and great to be able to provide them products and services that help them to grow too,” he said. Offering an extensive range of steel and a full range of industrial gases, local trades have the confidence of knowing that their needs can be met at competitive prices and without delay. Mr Van Geet encourages all Myrtleford residents to think local first. “We would like to remind you to buy and support local wherever possible so that we can continue to help one another and remain the strong, co-operative and friendly town that we are,” he said.
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
$1.50 inc GST
www.myrtlefordtimes.com.au
Your regular Myrtleford Times inside >
CHOOSING GROWTH | Richard Maclean of Future Steel in Myrtleford has witnessed first hand how choosing local helps entire communities thrive and grow.
SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS The Myrtleford Chamber of Commerce is an incorporated professional association of business people that has the prime purpose of advancing the business, commercial & industrial interests of the area while supporting the local community.
To see Myrtleford’s full businesses directory - www.visitmyrtleford.com