Business association and tourism network merge

Ray Cleaver | 4th March 2010

THE Stratford Business Association is restructuring its operation, splitting the organisation into different arms.
The first step of the new structure is the merging of Central Taranaki Tourism Network (CTTN) with the association.
CTTN will be the tourism arm of the association
John Sandford, chairman of the business association, said talks have been taking place over the past three months.
He said the association and CTTN have the same goals, and it makes sense to have both organisations under the same umbrella.
“We are looking at a number of possible arms within the organisation in the future.
“We now have a tourism arm within the association. We could also have a retail arm, an economic development arm and others, each with different committees able to focus on their own direction.
CCTN chairman Bruce Ellis said the merger makes sense and stresses their organisation will still retain a separate committee.
“We had government funding for three years to employ a full time person for CTTN.
Now that has run out.
“We will continue to provide liaison and support for people in the tourism industry in the district, with the support of Stratford Business Association,” he said.