Lakes Entrance Action Development Association’s (LEADA) Business, Tourism and Events committee is getting the ball rolling with promoting the town.
The group last Wednesday held a networking night at the Central Hotel, with more than 50 businesses attending, including a range from hospitality, accommodation, tourism operators and trades.
Committee member, Matt O’Donnell, of Albert & Co, said there was a “very positive” energy felt throughout the night.
“We plan to have many more of these style of networking nights in the future,” he said.
The night included guest speaker, Michael Duncan, who gave an insight into his role supporting businesses following the bushfires, while East Gippsland Shire’s Audrey Vignau explained her role as council’s senior tourism officer.
Mr O’Donnell said he was excited about the future of Lakes Entrance, which last week was named a finalist in the Victorian Tourist Town of the Year awards.
LEADA president, Bruce Hurley, said the Business, Tourism and Events committee was already making its mark.
“They have swung into action,” he said. 
“As a result of an application they made Lakes Entrance has made it to the final list of five towns for the Victorian Tourist Town of the Year award (see page 1). They also this week held a successful network meeting with more than 50 businesses - it was great to see businesses coming together with a sense of optimism and looking for ways they could support each other.”

IMAGE: Lakes Entrance Action Development Association’s (LEADA) Business, Tourism and Events committee held a networking night at the Central Hotel last Wednesday. PICTURED: Anne Kaiser (East Gippsland Shire economic recovery project officer), Andrea Brown and David Visser, of Lakes Entrance Helicopters, committee members Chyena Markley and Matthew O’Donnell (front), and Loren and Mick Brooks, of Hair + Salon. (PS)