Roger Loughnan and Jon Adkins
Montville’s Chamber of Commerce refreshed its ranks recently and appointed Roger Loughnan as its president. Roger and Jonathan Adkins spoke to the Hinterland Times about their ideas for rejuvenating this iconic mountain village.
Roger Loughnan has quickly identified better communication as the key to improving the business health of Montville.
“One of the problems for Montville is that quite a lot of people running businesses here live elsewhere. They come here to open their shops, work very hard and have very little time to mix with other business people. When business is tough it makes it even harder. So, they end up remaining in their own little world with a feeling of isolation.”
As a real estate agent in Montville for 15 years Roger has seen the ups and downs of village business life and tourist invasions. He is aware that unlike many bush towns there’s no single event like a show or rodeo that brings everyone together in Montville, something that can have a uniting community impact.
“There are lots of small enterprises and events running on their own with del there’s no cohesion, and the ribbon development of Montville adds to that lack of unity”, he adds.
Roger and his committee intend to change the lack of cohesion with more frequent business communication, starting with an updated data base.
“Just letting them know that we are all in this together is important”, says Roger, “and as fellow business people we would love to help, especially anyone who is in trouble and struggling right now.”
Roger feels strongly about the need to show a helping hand.
“We need to get greater feelings of friendliness, welcome and respect amongst business people,” says Roger, “because we are as strong as the weakest link. It’s as simple sometimes as getting a map with all the businesses on it. We are very positive because we have an extraordinarily attractive village.”
Jonathan adds that Montville is very fortunate in being free of the mass franchise boom and particularly the repetition of fast food outlets.
Roger, Jonathan and the committee are focusing on points of difference, particularly up and down the very attractive streetscape. Efforts have already been taken to bring culture and a sense of bustle back into the village with regular farmers markets and arts events on the Village Green. The Chamber is also finalising plans with Council to bring street entertainment and buskers onto the street.
Special events are also coming back to Montville like Operatif at Flaxton Gardens and classical concerts at Lucas Parklands. The Chamber and the Montville Village Association have organised a glitzy black tie ball – Night with the Stars at Flaxton Gardens on May 8 – also aiming to draw locals together.
Chamber committee left to right: Mark Connolly Treasurer, Linda Dean, Susan Johnston assistant treasurer, Merlin Coughlan committee, Richard Hill V chair, Jon Adkins comm, Jenny Tatton comm, Roger Loughnan chair, Ron Geyl comm, Greg Kelly comm, Craig Farmiloe sec
“My mission”, says Roger Loughnan, “is to get people on the same side and help those business people who are here via the Chamber of Commerce. “Our Chamber breakfasts will give the chance for businesses to tell us what they’re doing and how they’re going. Also, I want to get through to businesses that if they are members of the Chamber then we have muscle to go out to represent the majority of businesses in Montville. Anyone who owns a business in Montville is welcome to join.
Call Roger Loughnan, Montville Chamber of Commerce Phone 5478 5288
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