The business chamber signed an MOU with council for $204,750 in funds over the next three years

The chamber recently secured a Memorandum of Understanding with Wagga City council to partner for three more years as the council recognises the key role the body plays in facilitating business in the area.

Wagga city council Chief Operating Officer Scott Gray said that the chamber provides ratepayers with a service that council otherwise cannot.

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"There's also an element of comfort from industry to talk to business chambers rather than coming through what can often be perceived as a red-tape council," he said.

"They Compliment our economic development team and help us deliver our strategies."

The council are extending the agreement after a successful partnership over the past two-years, which guarantees the chamber $204,750 in funds over the next three years.

Wagga Business Chamber manager Serena Hardwick said the impact of the chamber is far greater than supporting businesses alone.

"Things like the shop local Wagga Wagga program particularly, that council supported us in doing, that's actually keeping money in our local community," she said.

"We do an attract investment piece, with that we're bringing new jobs and new businesses to Wagga where we can.

"And promoting the city in general is what the everyday community member gets out of [us]."

The impact of shop local alone has brought approximately $80,000 to Wagga businesses and Ms Hardwick hopes to increase the Chambers influence in the community in the years to come.

"It's not just about economics what we do, it's about marketing our city and making sure there's opportunities there for everyone," she said.

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