RIVERINA businesses refusing to get knock down during tough times will be the centerpiece of a region-wide campaign.
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The We've got the Goods campaign - relaunched this month - will showcase businesses of the Riverina who are adapting, surviving and thriving during a period wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Destination Riverina Murray general manager Richie Robinson said the goal was to help boost businesses by sharing the creative ways its owners have adapted to the current challenges.
"Tourism is going to play a vital role in the recovery of this downturn due to the virus so we need these businesses to survive this period and be vibrant once things do bounce back," he said.
Mr Robinson said the Junee Licorice Chocolate Factory and The Corowa Distillery for one have adapted to strict restrictions by turning to hand sanitiser to keep them busy.
Not only has the business met a soaring demand, Mr Robinson said the owner's ability to pivot has keep more than 50 people employed who now manufacturing 5000 litres of hospital grade hand sanitiser every day.
Wagga's My Chef Cuisine was another business, Mr Robinson said that was keeping people employed after a surge in demand for healthy, frozen meals required more hands on deck.
Managing director Frank Coorey said his business, in a sense, reaped benefits from the current situation, but not without hurdles after the home delivery meals became popular for residents not wanting to leave their homes.
"We knew how busy we were going to get. So we reached out to the pubs and cafes that shut its doors and asked if there were chefs they could loan ... who are now helping us get through this," he said.
The hoarding chaos pushed produce prices up, which Mr Coorey said brought a new challenge of keeping its own product cost low.
However, he said collaborating with Riverina-based growers, producers and suppliers wherever possible has helped them create new products such as a cheesecake showcasing Coolamon cheese.
"Let try and help locals where we can," he said.
"To me it makes sense because I know where that food is coming from ... there are less miles between our produce and the major cities."
"I'm going to as many local cafes right now - within safety measures - to get my coffees, local breads and foods to support them."
The We've got the Goods campaign is using the hashtag #wevegotthegoods on Instagram and Facebook to spread the ways local businesses have adapted.
Customers have also been encouraged to use the hashtag to share what businesses they are supporting to spread the message further.