The VHBA’s ‘Building Local Networks’ (BLN) has further evolved as a highly successful regular business networking event for VHBA members in Victor Harbor. Originally designed as a way for members to increase their profile with other local business people, the monthly BLNs have now become a means of marketing to a captive audience. After following the one format for two years, the BLNs now focus on showcasing a number of businesses each month from within the four walls of a host business.

Recently the event was hosted by two businesses in the one building while also showcasing the capabilities of another three businesses. The following account of the evening has been provided by a member:

"Ahh! The smell of a fresh curry in the evening while enjoying some wide-screen surround sound entertainment!

Hosted by Tony of Audio Visual Life and Julia of Interno della casa at their Bells Corner location, nearly 60 people gathered and sampled some of the fantastic tastes now on offer at The Boulevard Café on the Lake, thanks again to Ian & Di Sherrah and Master Chef Tony! Without question, it took catering to new and exciting heights.

Wanting to ensure that people could enjoy a tasty beer or fine red with this exceptional food, the VHBA teamed up with the Grosvenor Hotel to set up a mobile bar. It was a great opportunity to demonstrate how Andrew Hill and the team at the Grosvenor Hotel could assist in getting a mobile bar up and running.

President of the VHBA, Mr Gary Clarke, gave a brief overview of the past 12 month's developments, which culminated in the VHBA experiencing a membership growth of 143% over the previous financial year. As is always the case at each BLN, first time attendees were given the opportunity to introduce their businesses, along with a couple of special events being promoted by members.

City of Victor Harbor Mayor Mary Lou Corcoran introduced the newly appointed Director of Planning & Regulatory Services, Mr Graham Pathuis, as well as briefing everyone on the City having just being awarded a substantial Broadband infrastructure project from the Federal Government. This project was one of only six awarded across Australia, and the only one in South Australia. The evening was also attended by Deputy Mayor Pat Chigwidden and CVH Economic Development Officer, Mr Roy Ramage, both regular supporters along with Mayor Mary Lou Corcoran of the BLN events.

Gordon Wright of WWT4 previewed on the big screen the latest updated VHBA website, showing all the features and benefits of the new site. Of particular interest to members was the ability to have their own business profile on the site as well as be included in the VHBA Business Directory. This directory is designed to be updated by members themselves using an easy Content Management System (CMS) and incorporates full search functionality so people seeking to find a local business to support can check the site simply and effectively.

Julia Harrington introduced the extensive range of quality homewares and giftware at Interno della casa, providing people the opportunity to browse the many items at their leisure. Julia takes a great deal of pride in hand-picking the range on show, providing the population of Victor Harbor and its surrounds with wares that rival any store in Adelaide.

Steve Sharp from Audio Visual Life introduced the depth of product and services provided by the business, in particular encouraging the members to view the recently completed Home Cinema rooms. It was an indulgence in the awesome sights and sounds that can be experienced in the home. Everyone certainly appreciated being able to see the exceptional range of products on show first hand.

All in all it was a great night of showcasing the many diverse businesses and their people who serve in the Victor Harbor region - it was a marvellous success. The best advice anyone could offer to people thinking of going along would have to be…get involved!

Until next time, Stig"

If you’re interested in knowing more about the BLNs and how to get involved as a member to showcase your business, contact VHBA President Gary Clarke on 0438 818 972 or email Gary via the CONTACT page.

Keep an eye on where each event is being held through the Calendar of Events found on this website.