Friday, September 28, 2012
A Star News Group publication
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New campaign to promote retailers A NEW community campaign aims to reinvigorate Geelong’s retail sector while encouraging excellence in service standards. Shop Local Geelong will tell shoppers why they should support the city’s retailers while awarding and recognising them for outstanding customer service. The Independent and City of Greater Geelong have joined forces to launch the campaign, covering all the municipality. Independent managing editor Tony Galpin said Shop Local Geelong aimed to help retailers deal with the dual challenge of online competition and a generally flat economic cycle. “It’s no secret many traders are finding business conditions tough at the moment. We thought it was the right time for a campaign telling shoppers about the advantages of dealing with their local retailers,” Mr Galpin said. “It’s all about face-to-face customer service, after-sales support, value and supporting the local businesses creating a vibrant retail sector in Geelong. “The retail sector is our largest employer, too, so Shop Local Geelong is also about jobs.” Mr Galpin said the campaign would feature a monthly Independent Shop Local Customer Service Award. “As well as recognition with a story and picture in the Independent, the winner will receive a $1000 advertising package combing the region’s highest circulating newspaper and its EasyFinder business directory. “While the award will be welcome acknowledgement for any
Go local: Geelong Retail Network’s John Sisley, the Independent’s Bernard Perry and Mayor John Mitchell give the campaign their tick of approval. Picture: Tommy Ritchie 87383 retailer, it will also encourage a culture of service excellence in greater Geelong. “Keep reading the Independent in subsequent weeks to find out how to nominate businesses and
to read why everyone should shop local.” Mr Galpin said participation in Shop Local Geelong was free for retailers, with the City and the Independent providing marketing,
advertising and editorial support. Retailers wanting more information should contact the Independent. “Let everyone know you’re committed to service excellence
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with Shop Local Geelong,” Mr Galpin said. Shop Local Geelong is also backed by the city’s chamber of commerce and its Geelong Retail Network.
Coryule election battle on BY MICHELLE HERBISON CORYULE ward candidates have slammed current councillor John Doull for “ignoring” the northern Bellarine for the last four years. Mr Doull decided this week he would stand for election in Austin ward, backing out of another stint in Coryule. Marketing business owner Dean Kennedy said Coryule had “certainly not” had a voice on council this term. “People are disappointed in the way they feel they’re ignored,” he said. Mr Kennedy said he was determined to change council’s perception of the area and to spend time listening to residents. Local printer Lindsay Ellis said he was compelled to stand for council because he was “sick of no representation” in Coryule. “We’ve had no real representation for years. Our people deserve and need a voice,” he said. Community volunteer and former Essendon Mayor Monica Hayes said she would fight for a more “equitable share of rate revenue”. Ms Hayes promised to be more approachable. “I’d certainly be setting up systems that allow people to have ready access to me. The aspects of local government that attract me are those grassroots connections with people and making myself available and open to dialogue,” she said. Cr Doull said a “great discussion around the family table” had resulted in the decision to stand in Austin where he could focus on “big picture stuff” including sustainable development, buildings, energy, transport and food. Psychologist Judith Baldaccino and former councillor Tom O’Connor are also standing for Coryule ward.