Somerset EXPO 2011 a huge success

The Somerset EXPO organised by the Somerset Region Business Alliance (Chamber of Commerce) in partnership with the Opportune Network last week-end was an enormous success.

130 exhibitors displayed their local products and services to an estimated 7000 visitors over the three days. There was huge support for this event from the local community. All the exhibitors reported they made connections with new customers from our local region and there was strong support for making the Somerset EXPO into an annual event.

Shane Webcke attended the gala dinner at the invitation of one of our Platinum Sponsors, Somerset Regional Council. In addition, Shane Neumann, our Federal member, Wayne Wendt, State member for Ipswich West, Mayor Graeme Lehmann, our local councillors and several of our local flood heroes from Wivenhoe Pocket Rural Fire Brigade were amongst the distinguished guests.

Somerset Region Business Alliance chairman, Bob Whalley of Eagle Forklifts said, “The success of the Somerset EXPO is a clear demonstration that a strong and united business community can achieve great things.”

“I would like to pay tribute to our committee members, our deputy chair, Paul Heymans of Paul Computers; our secretary, Mark Wells of Mitre10/Fernvale Produce, our Treasurer, Marianne Chalk of First Class Accounting; our committee members, Vivienne Pastars of Policy Real Estate in Esk and Toby Whitten of Lowood SUPA IGA; our legal adviser, Jim Madden of David Grants Solicitors; and our consultant and mentor, Deb Ribinskas of Opportune Network who was project manager for this event. I thank them for their hard work in making the Somerset EXPO 2011 such a success.

Project Manager, Deb Ribinskas of Opportune Network said, “I’ve lived in Somerset most of my life and I love our beautiful region and the fantastic community. Local businesses have suffered as a result of the floods. The support shown by the local community for this event has given them an enormous boost that will help them to get back on track. We’re already thinking about future events we can organise for our local business community.”
Bob Whalley said “The Somerset Region Business Alliance would like to thank our sponsors, Somerset Regional Council, NAB, SEQ Water and A & M Civil Contracting who donated a total of $55,000 to make it possible to organise this event free of charge to both exhibitors and visitors. We would also like to thank the Federal and State Governments for their funding of the Community Worklplace Project that employed a team of 12 local people to assist with the business survey and the organisation of this event.”

Paul Heymans, Deputy Chairperson said, “A strong and successful local business community brings economic resilience to our region that will assist with recovery from the January floods and any future disaster events. We would encourage all local business to get behind the Somerset Region Business Alliance as we move on to bigger and better projects that are already in the initial planning stages.”