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Pollies get hands dirty for Illawarra small business
Pollies gets hands dirty for Illawarra small business
Small businesses across the Illawarra put their local politicians to work as part of the ABL State Chamber and Australia Post Pollies for Small Business program, to be held from Monday 21 August to Saturday 26 August 2006.
Details of local MP’s who took place and where are as follows:
Matt Brown – Nowra Tavern, Nowra,
David Campbell - Sisko Café, Corrimal Court,
Jennie George - The Commander Centre, Albion Park Rail,
Shelley Hancock - Scruples Hairdresser, Nowra
Noreen Hay - Port Kembla Post Office,
Marianne Saliba - Victor King & Partners, Dapto,
Peta Seaton - Moss Vale Newsagency, & Moss Vale Cruise and Travel
Illawarra Business Chamber’s CEO, Mark Grimson, said that Pollies for Small Business program provided local MPs with the opportunity to experience first hand some of the problems facing small businesses in the Illawarra.
“This program is vital in ensuring politicians have a clearer understanding of what it’s really like to be a small business owner,” he said.
“Small business plays a key role in providing jobs for local communities and it is important that decision-makers understand the major issues that impact upon the business community,” he said.
Mark Grimson, Illawarra Business Chamber CEO, said that politicians often deal with the big picture when it comes to regulations and legislation, so working in a small business for the day can help them gain some valuable insights.
“Even though many politicians may have run their own business at some stage, the reality is the pressures on small operators are constantly changing,” Mr. Grimson said.
“The Pollies for Small Business program gives small operators the opportunity to deal with their local MP on familiar turf rather than meeting in an electorate office or at Parliament House.
“It helps to level the playing field for a day and hopefully leads to an improved understanding and mutual respect on both sides,” Mr. Grimson said.
The IBC & ABL State Chamber Pollies for Small Business program is run in cooperation with local small business operators. Politicians were asked to donate some time to work in a small business in the lead-up to Small Business September.
Media contact: Mark Grimson on 02 4229 4722 or 0409 155 240
Release date: 21/08/06


























