The Macleay Valley Business Chamber Breakfast meeting this morning saw a diversity of local business people come together to hear from two large enterprises, who are committed to investing in the Macleay.
Both presentations demonstrated these businesses have done their homework. They understand their business operations, culture, industry and markets. They have a vision. Both presenters spoke about the importance of the community element.
Keiren Dell, CEO of Majestic Cinemas provided a background and insight into the Kempsey Cinema Project saying he was looking forward to having the opportunity of building a cinema complex from the ground up in the Macleay. Majestic Cinemas has been in operation for over 15 years and has cinemas in seven different locations, with Kempsey being the eight. The Kempsey project is unique in that the complex can be built to design where other locations have had to work within conditions to do with the premises and other factors. Keiren highlighted that the opportunity for this project may not come around again so seizing the moment now is a positive thing. While it was recognised there has been strong discussion regarding the funding structure, it was also highlighted that community involvement from the ground stages is important as the cinema is a place for the everyone to enjoy and utilise. Keiren shared over 1,000 Macleay residents are already Movie Club members with Majestic Cinemas.
Our second presenter Shanon Williams of Costa National Food Group outlined the company profile and footprint. Costa’s portfolio includes five attractive fresh vertically integrated produce categories – mushrooms, berries, citrus, glasshouse tomatoes and avocados. The company has 130 year history which started in Geelong, Victoria and is a family run operation. Shanon outlined the company footprint; Costa Farms can be found in every state of Australia, in up to 50 locations, which enables the spread of harvest periods to 52 weeks in most categories. The year round harvest concept is part of the company business plan and is important when considering farm locations. The recent purchase of an avocardo farm in Fisherman’s Reach was considered for the climate on the coast and also the pre-exisiting infrastructure for avocardo processing and packing. Costa’s supply three major Australian retailers – Woolworths, Coles and Aldi an look forward to being part of the Macleay region.
