Media Release

22nd January 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Year, New Venue for Northern Chamber

After a very successful year in 2007 in terms of implementing their new business meeting format, increased membership and the forging of new partnerships with Tourism Wollongong and the IACC’s Small Business Field Officer Program, the Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce is faced in finding a new meeting venue, after the Austinmer Bowling Club closed its doors this month.

The Austinmer Bowling Club had proved to be an excellent space for the Chamber to conduct its monthly general meetings, seminars and networking opportunities. However after unsuccessful attempts by various entities to rescue the financially ailing Club, the venue is now closed to all patrons including the Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber President, Pauline Lacelles-Smith said “the Austinmer Bowling Club was an important venue for the Chamber not only because of its central location for our members to meet, but also because it fit perfectly the new profile that we now enjoy. We are very disappointed at the closure of such an important facility for this region.”

After their first Executive meeting of 2008, the NICC Committee has voted to trial the Headlands Hotel at Austinmer, now under new ownership, as an alternative venue for Chamber meetings due to commence in February.

“The Heritage Hotel is also an important site for the Northern Illawarra for many reasons, most notably its stunning location, and the venue is really keen to provide the Chamber will the same facilities and level of service that we enjoyed at the Austinmer Bowling Club” offered Lacelles-Smith.

The Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce will host its first 2008 General Meeting on Tuesday 5th February at 6.15pm with a light meal and networking prior to the main meeting at 7.00pm when the Committee will table its strategies and plans for the year ahead.. Non-members are also welcome. RSVP 4294 9295.

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Issued by Lynda Starkey, Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 396 Helesburgh NSW 2508.

Photographs available on request.

For further information contact
Lynda Starkey
Media Liaison Coordinator
Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce
Mobile: 0408 623 420