On the agenda for this year is clustering, and the three groups hope to bring new industries to the region.

Locals4Locals president Greg Jackson said all three wanted to see the development of Armidale and Guyra.

“It came at a time where we could see prosperous things were happening in Armidale, the solar farm, Barnaby Joyce relocating the APVMA, the airport development – it was just positive stuff,” he said.

“I want to do something for Armidale and Guyra and so do these guys.

“It’s better to try and fail than fail to try.”

Armidale Business Chamber president Susan Cull said clustering is about growing the pie with businesses that are already here.

“The shared agenda is all about creating diverse, prosperous business and what that looks like,” she said. 

“Businesses might share similar suppliers, supply chains or customers so you have the ability to grow the economic viability of these businesses in Armidale and Guyra.”

Currently the group is running a survey on its members to find out what potential there is for new industry and what businesses would like to see come to the region.

“There’s enough discussion going on in Macquarie Street to realise that regional starts with a capital ‘R’, there’s people here, there’s intelligence here and we’re looking after Armidale and Guyra because we have the smarts and resources here and we want to attract business,” Ms Cull said. 

Guyra Business Chamber president Aileen MacDonald said it’s about being able to offer career opportunities to families. 

“It’s a collaboration, whatever knowledge we don’t have we can call on these guys – it’s combining all of our knowledge because Guyra is part of the Armidale regional now so it’s a no-brainer not to work together,” she said.

The alliance will have the results of their survey soon.

On Tuesday February 28 the three groups invite business owners and landlords to a workshop entitled "What next for Armidale Region?”.

The workshop is at Armidale Town Hall from 6:30pm, dinner is provided.

To RSVP phone 6770 3906.