Commerce Torquay’s events make a welcome return

COMMERCE Torquay has made a long-awaited return to holding functions for the town’s businesses.

The local business advocacy organisation hosted about 40 people at its “Welcome Back” event at Bomboras on Tuesday morning, and gave an update on its planned activities for 2021.

“We’re going to start off this year a little bit slow,” Commerce Torquay president Jeff Crow said.

“Last year we had a pretty massive program scheduled – and that was a year ago, the last time we got to meet.”

The organisation’s next function will be another networking event, to be held at Bells Beach Brewing on March 25, and it will hold similar events on a monthly basis this year.

As well as the previously announced Kick Start grants – for Torquay-based hospitality traders to carry out repairs and maintenance on key assets – Mr Crow said Commerce Torquay was working with the Surf Coast Shire on another campaign, #ILoveTorquay, to support local businesses.

Commerce Torquay’s Les Watson told the crowd it was good to see so many people who had previously attended events run by the organisation in previous years (when it was known as Torquay Commerce and Tourism) at Tuesday’s function.

“These opportunities to network are not only for you but also the person beside you,” Mr Watson said.

“Maybe you need their services, maybe they need yours; you never know.

“It’s all about you staying in touch with people. Lockdown wasn’t easy, and now that we’re out of it, come out of that shell and start to meet people.
“If you’re not a member, it’s cheap as chips – 10 bucks a month. You won’t get any other association in Geelong for 10 bucks a month; you just won’t.”

For more information or to sign up, head to torquaycommerce.com.au.