MVI launches 2010 business and community directory

Community service information is a new addition to the 2010 Mary Valley Business Directory which will be launched on November 30 at the Imbil Bowling Club.

The expanded edition is expected to be the primary source of local information for valley residents, as well as becoming a useful tool for other organisations who work in the area.

It is just one project being delivered by Mary Valley Inc (MVI), the peak community group which connects the communities of the Mary Valley from Dagun through to Conondale.

Mary Valley project coordinator Kaili Parker-Price said the directory continued to deliver on recommendations from the 2008 Mary Valley Business Expansion and Retention Project.

"That survey gave us a snapshot of the business landscape in the valley for the first time, and it is now 12 months since we released that report," Mrs Parker-Price said.

"It identified the need to find out what businesses existed in the valley and the need to network and support those businesses, hence the development of the directory.

"It is now timely that we re-group and update residents and business owners on developments since the report was launched."

Mrs Parker-Price said there were now three exciting projects underway -- the identity project to position the valley in the tourist sector, the agritourism project to help landowners enter the tourist market, and the tourist experience review.

Guest speaker Lorraine O'Neill from the Sunshine Coast will give a motivational session at the directory launch on how to make your dream a reality, drawing on her experience as an international business consultant and mentor.

Imbil real estate agent Nick Smith has seen a surge in property sales in the past few months and is excited about a more buoyant industry.

"We give our prospective and new owners a copy of the directory and they find it a great help in getting settled in the area," he said. He is looking forward to getting his hands on the updated edition on November 30.

The directory launch and information evening opens at 6pm for a 6.30pm start on November 30 at the bowls club, Yabba Road, Imbil. Light snacks will be provided and drinks will be available at the bar.