A COMMITMENT to revitalising empty shops in Renmark has helped a Riverland business network defy trends caused by COVID-19.
Renmark Paringa Network chair Clint Lewan said the organisation was likely to reach its “best possible” result – outlined by Pat Mickan at a meeting of local businesses owners in November 2019 – of having more than 160 members by July.
“It’s really humbling to get kudos from people on council who say we’ve exceeded expectations,” Mr Lewan said.
“As a board when we look at what we’ve done it is massive… we’re up over 100 members now.
“Our top of the range goal was to have 165 members signed up by the end of June 2021, because that was the number Pat Mickan had on her contact list at the time.
“That was the best possible scenario and that now is seriously within reach. I think we may well reach it, which is huge.”
Mr Lewan said the network hoped to hold more information sessions and events for business owners this year.
“The members haven’t had the value-add stuff we were promising because of COVID, like the networking and speaking events,” he said. “We are going to have quite a bit coming up before the end of financial year.”
Mr Lewan said confidence remained among Renmark shop operators despite the economic impacts of COVID-19,
“Renmark’s had 22 brick and mortar businesses open in the last 18 to 24 months (and) that’s incredibly impressive during a time like 2020 with COVID,” he said.
“We can’t sit on our laurels as it could easily go back to where we were 18 months ago. It’s so important now for our locals to go and support these shops.
“The tourists are here on average maybe three or four months a year, and for the rest of the time they are relying on locals.
“If you want your main shopping precincts to remain vibrant and full, then get into town and get behind those businesses that are giving it a go.”
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