Business leaders representing the broad cross-section of the region’s key industry groups have joined together to form the new Tweed Business Advisory Board (TBAB).
A recent call for nominations attracted interest from a high number of quality applications, with the foundation TBAB members selected as follows:
Toni Zuschke – Barking Toad Creative Advertising Agency and Murwillumbah District Chamber of Commerce President, Tania Murdock – Murdock Pharmacy Group, Don Neale – Neale Property Group, Anni Brownjohn – The Right Food Group Pty Ltd, Robert Quirk – Tweed Canegrowers Association President, Adam Smith – Planit Consulting Director, Leone Craydon – On Track Community Program CEO, and Peter Leotta – GJ Gardner Homes Managing Director.
A representative of Tweed Shire Council has also been invited to join the board and Destination Tweed will provide secretariat services.
“We were overwhelmed by the calibre of candidates and the groundswell of support across all industry sectors for the concept of a united forum to discuss and address the region’s diverse business interests,” said TBAB steering committee member and now board member, Don Neale.
“Our overall aim is to serve as a collective voice with a ‘whole of business’ approach, working with Tweed Shire Council to foster economic growth.
“By forging this collaboration, we can also gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by the Tweed’s existing businesses and work together to help new businesses coming into the region.”
TBAB was initiated by Destination Tweed and the region’s combined Chambers of Commerce in response to Tweed Shire Council’s plans to identify partnerships with local “businesses, the community and other key stakeholders involved in creating sustainable prosperity”, as discussed at council’s July meeting.
“Essentially, TBAB is a conduit to the Tweed’s business community with all major industries represented by board members who offer a combination of leadership and grassroots commercial experience in their respective fields.
“We are confident that, working in partnership with council, TBAB can achieve significant gains in driving sustainable, long-term economic development for the Tweed region.”