Nelson/Tasman Businesses Show Support for Growing Opera in the Park

October 14 2009

Nearly 40 local business people attended the first open meeting yesterday to explore possibilities for Nelson and Tasman businesses to get involved around this summer’s Nelson Opera in the Park.

Under the informal umbrella of the Good Business Group (GBG) the 39 people at the meeting held on October 13 were keen to support Opera in the Park and were willing to give suggestions about business opportunities around the event.

Instigated by local company BioPaints, the new principal sponsors of the event and facilitated by the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce the breakfast session highlighted an enthusiasm for making the event even more iconic for the region.

Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Dot Kettle says she was thrilled with the sense of enthusiasm and commitment to continue to work on the concept that came out of the session.

“I think the range of people and spread of businesses that came along was really heartening and they all showed the enthusiasm and willingness to look at growing the event over time. I think it was great that people started to think about ways they could make more of the Opera in the Park day as well as the lead up and post event possibilities for businesses. There was a general agreement about theming the day and building that sense of fun and excitement for the whole of the region to enjoy.”
“The indication of the commitment was clear at the end of the session when we asked ‘who would like to come to a follow-up meeting in a month’ and all the hands went up,” says Dot Kettle.

Comments from some of those who attended included:
Doug Johns, Bradley Nuttall.
“I think what we’re looking for is to get a theme that’s actually going to be more than the concert itself, and to make it a really special event. I think the attitude at the meeting has been to get on and do that.”

Julie Baxendine, Fanselow Bell.
“I think it was a good start but there’s still a lot of work to do. There needs to be some brainstorming of some really good ideas for businesses to adopt. I think there were a lot of people at the meeting who were celebrating the fact that BioPaints has come to the forefront and said we want to keep Opera in the Park going, I think that’s absolutely fantastic. So there is a lot of goodwill from the business community to see it continue.”

Oliver Weber, Photographer.
“Firstly I was really impressed that BioPaints reached out to the business community to get everybody involved, and that they’re so open to getting feedback. I think at that first meeting everybody is just digesting the idea of getting involved but I think the enthusiasm will build as people realise they can get involved. What happens from here going forward is key. If people take ownership of ideas then that will determine if this is successful.”

BioPaints Business Manager Kathryn Barlow says it was an inspiring meeting.

“To get so many businesses along and fired up to make more of this great event was really exciting.
The next phase is to get some ideas for how businesses can get involved out there and to spread the word. The feedback we had after the meeting was that an informal, motivated group of businesses can make things happen and we hope to help that process,” she says.

A similar Good Business Group meeting is to be organised shortly to encourage Tasman businesses to also take the opportunity to get involved.

The Good Business Group will include any local company who has an idea to fit into their business around Opera in the Park. BioPaints has offered to register the ideas, make sure there are no conflicts or suggest partnerships. They will then offer free publicity for those ideas closer to the event.

For More Information Please Contact:

BioPaints
Kathryn Barlow Ph: 03 539 0446

The BioPaints Difference

BioPaints make premium quality finishes that are safer to use and healthier for you and your family. They are made from natural ingredients including china clay and plant oils. Using traditional methods alongside modern technology, BioPaints produce natural, people-safe paints that do what plastic paints don’t – they breathe. The range includes paints, oils, varnishes and waxes all designed to be as durable and hard wearing as possible. There are products for most interior situations in the home or office and because even natural products can cause allergies - BioPaints list the ingredients. We’ve been around for nearly 20 years. BioPaints offers customers a door-to-door delivery service – and have a retail store/showroom in Nelson.