Business Directory Launched

The first comprehensive survey of Albury Wodonga businesses in more than five years will commence next week.

The survey is the first major project to stem from today's launch of the new Albury Wodonga Business Directory.

The directory is a joint initiative of the Albury Wodonga Corporation, AlburyCity and the City of Wodonga.

AlburyCity Mayor, Cr Patricia Gould said, the directory will provide an important snap shot of local business and industry, which can then be used to help identify challenges and opportunities and ways in which the two Councils can offer assistance.

"So far, close to 3000 businesses are listed on the on-line business directory and we anticipate this number will grow substantially as the value of this resource is recognised."

City of Wodonga Mayor, Cr Mark Byatt said the annual local business survey will help provide a clearer picture of the structure and characteristics of the local economy.

"It will provide an understanding of the benefits and constraints of conducting business in Albury Wodonga; and identify issues and opportunities that affect our business community, Cr Byatt said.

"The database will also enable targeted industry sector surveys to be conducted which is of great benefit in establishing information that will be used to strengthen and support business, lobby State and Federal governments and benchmark the region against other comparable cities."

Albury Wodonga Corporation Chair, Bill Hanrahan said the local business survey questions had been developed in consultation with the Albury, Northside and Wodonga Chambers of Commerce.

"There will be opportunities for the various groups involved in this important project to work together to develop future surveys and encourage participation by all Albury Wodonga businesses".

Businesses can go to www.alburywodonga.gov.au for their FREE listing and to participate in the employment survey. The results will be made public in late September.