A NEW Derwent Valley business group is being proposed to turbo-charge commercial interests in the region.

Next week the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, state and local government officials and businesses will met to discuss the future direction of commercial activities in the Valley.

A Derwent Valley Business Leaders Forum will be held next Tuesday and has already attracted guest speakers including the Tasmanian Small Business Minister Madeline Ogilvie, Mayor Michelle Dracoulis, TCCI Business Manager Stacey Joseph and former mayor and Head of the National Electrical and Communications Association Ben Shaw.

“It is our aim to get you, our local business leaders in a room for a discussion around the potential for future Business Association or structured Business Leaders group,’’ organisers said.

“The region is changing and we all need to have a voice. “This is a chance to hear from government and industry association experts about the different options available to us. “This is a great way to discuss the possible direction and impact it can have on the whole business community.

“People from industries such as agriculture, tourism and construction are all interested in this association as it needs to represent all businesses – not just one particular sector. “The aim is for it to be independent of council, be member-based and have a board that represents the commercial interests of the region and for it to be democratic.’’

The event is being held by the TCCI, Crusader Homes and the New Norfolk Distillery from 6 pm at the Distillery in Humphrey Street.

There currently exists a New Norfolk Business Alliance which focuses on shopping in the CBD but no group represents broader business interests. The region’s tourism sector has greatly increased its lobbying power with the successful launch of Derwent Valley Tasmania which has brought together the sector in the past year.