Local businesses welcome aquatic centre open day

Members of the Timaru business community have warmly welcomed the opportunity to be in the swim for Caroline Bay Aquatic Centre work by attending an open day at the Timaru District Council chamber later this month.

Businesses approached this week say that the initiative breaks new commercial ground and reflects emphasis on local commerce by a council.

Timaru businesses and the wider South Canterbury building industry have received an invitation from mayor Janie Annear to come to the council open day on December 14 and register their interest in aquatic centre work, either to supply materials and services or to undertake contracts and sub-contracts.

Tiling specialist Don McLean, one of Timaru’s newest businesses, said he was delighted to receive the mayor’s invitation and he would definitely be at the December 14 open day.

“I think it is an excellent idea. I’ve never heard of any other council doing this.

“An open day gives us all a chance to see what is required,” Mr McLean said.

“I’m even involving my tile supplier to ensure we can pitch this at the right level.”

Lighting specialist Kevin Pateman congratulated the council on the local business initiative.

“This is just fantastic. It’s a little bit like central government offering ways for national companies to trade their way out of the recession. With this open day, we have that approach right here in Timaru,” Mr Pateman said.

“It gives locals encouragement and is something to look forward to.

“For those who are successful there will be a lot of business pride with the aquatic centre being such a prestigious job.”

Spokesperson for Menzies plumbing company Stuart Loveday also welcomed the mayor’s initiative.

“I strongly support any opportunity for local businesses to be involved and we will certainly be represented at the open day,” Mr Loveday said.

Mike Sugrue, who manages local electrical supply company Redpaths said the council had identified a key recovery plank for local businesses coming out of a recession – “by giving us the opportunity for more work”.

“This is the best way for local commerce to beat the downturn,” Mr Sugrue said.

South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce president Steve Lyttle also supported the open day.

“It’s a great initiative.”

Mrs Annear said in her letter to more than 600 businesses that one of the key priorities for the Council had always been to ensure that the opportunity for local content was optimised.

“This is one of the most significant projects in Timaru for some time, with a construction budget of around $18 million, and in order to give our local businesses the very best opportunity to find out more about the project and enable them to effectively position themselves to bid for work, we are holding an open day where businesses can meet our project representatives such as architects, the project manager and Council staff.”

She said the open day would be held at the Timaru District Council Chambers at 2 King George Place, Timaru, on Monday 14 December from 1pm until 9pm.

ENDS

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