More than 50 representatives of Kangaroo Island business gathered at the Kangaroo Island Brewery last week to hear from the new Chairman of the KI Business and Brand Alliance (KIBBA) about the association and its plans and projects for 2019/20.
It was the first networking opportunity for the new amalgamated association and many members took advantage of the opportunity to meet colleagues and make new connections.
The group also heard from Craig Markey (Bedford Industries) about opportunities to assist KI businesses with packaging, labelling, mailout and distribution. Helen Smith from SAFECOM spoke about how businesses could support emergency services volunteers.
“What a fabulous group of keen business leaders,” Ms Smith said. “I really appreciated the opportunity to present to the group and the volunteers were very pleased to be involved as they don’t often get the opportunity. In fact as a result of our presentation two people were interested in joining the SES.”
KIBBA chairman Brett Miller spoke about the new association and its plans and valuable partnerships and collaboration opportunities.
“As the chief body for business on Kangaroo Island we represent 160 businesses – a broad cross-section of trades, services, tourism, food and wine and agriculture – and we are keen to make as many connections as possible with the business community here and with the mainland. We are united to promote the prosperity of Kangaroo Island and our members and committed to the Values that embody the Kangaroo Island Brand,” Mr Miller said.
He invited all Kangaroo Island businesses to joint the association. More information is available at www.authentickangarooisland.com.au.
There was also a sneak preview of the new KI Community Directory – a joint project of KIBBA and Junction Australia (KI Community Centre), which will be launched early in 2020. Members of the association will have premium listings in the new directory and the opportunity to advertise.
Mr Miller also represented KIBBA at the “Towards Developing the Economic Agenda for KI” seminar last week, attended by Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment David Ridgway, Federal trade representatives and leading Kangaroo Island business representatives.
