COMMERCE Warrnambool has secured “enormous support” for a new rates-linked program to improve promotion of the city, its committee says.
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The group has been seeking support for the Business Improvement District Program for the past four months which would add between $100 and $6000 a year from each business on rates notices.
The cash would be directed towards implementing a city-wide strategy focused on marketing and promoting Warrnambool in a similar set-up to other regional cities.
The average retail, commercial and industrial properties in the city would pay $446 annually in an attempt to raise $600,000 in 2014-15.
Commerce Warrnambool spokesman Tony Herbert said hundreds of support forms had been signed by operators in the hospitality, accommodation, retail and industrial sectors.
“Commerce Warrnambool will conduct itself like other chamber (of commerce),” Mr Herbert said.
“It will run seminars, train and educate owners, assist planning and advertise and promote our city and region.”
Mr Herbert said only a united approach could bankroll large-scale marketing campaigns for the city and urged business operators to think long-term.
alex.sinnott@fairfaxmedia.com.au