All businesses operating in the Kiama region are being encouraged to register to participate in the Kiama & District Business Chamber’s Buy Local Campaign by 30 June.

Dentocalm’s Dr Nour Shoukry with Kiama Business Chamber Board members, Greg Langford of the ANZ, and Michael Emmett, of Blue Stone Building Group, and Past President Marie Beikmanis. 

The Campaign, which was put into mothballs at the height of the COVID-19 restrictions, is being reactivated on 1 July. People making purchases over $50 at participating businesses until 12 October will go in the draw to win prizes totaling $3,500 (two $1,000 prizes; two $500 prizes; and two $250 prizes).

“All local businesses are eligible to enter, even if they are not Chamber members,” says the Chamber President, Cameron McDonald of Carter Ferguson.

“We have businesses supplying the whole range of goods and services in our area, so no matter what people need they will have an extra incentive to buy local during this challenging time.”

Dentocalm, a new dental practice at The Bathers complex in Manning St, was one of the first businesses to sign up for the campaign.

Dr Nour Shoukry, who opened the surgery with her husband Dr Mahmoud Ahmed in the second half of last year, says she’s impressed by the initiative.

“It is a good chance for people to look at what is available locally before making their purchases.”

Following the success of the inaugural year in 2019, the amount of prize money has been doubled and a system devised to make sure that the money won will be spent locally.

“This year, we are giving out the prize money in vouchers which can in turn be spent at participating local businesses, rather than being spent out of town.”

One hundred and fifty local businesses participated in the campaign last year, and Mr McDonald is hoping for around two hundred this year.

“I don’t think that the penny dropped that no matter what goods or services you are offering you can be involved.

“The Chamber is supporting Buy Local with a strong marketing campaign to attract shoppers into town from nearby areas.”

In addition, participating businesses that supply the main winning tickets could win cash and advertising prizes.

Mr McDonald encourages people to look for the 2020 Buy Local Campaign signs at participating businesses, or to browse through a full list of them at http://www.kiamachamber.com.au

In other Chamber news, it is negotiating with Council to move into the vacant ambulance building on Terralong St, until it is demolished to make way for the Kiama Arts Centre project.

Kathryn Sullivan, of Beachside Emporium (which is now an online store) has also joined the Board, after Naima Brown of the Institute of Interesting Ideas stepped down from the role.