Taree chamber president Shane McLeay with Greater Taree City Council's tourism development officer Kerry Johnstone and Made In The Manning committee member Stephen Mogg of Graze Coffee Lounge.
TAREE Business Chamber is calling on local food businesses and producers to participate in an exciting new initiative to make it easy for local residents and visitors to seek out locally produced food and ingredients.
To kick start this initiative, the chamber is launching the "Made In The Manning" promotion throughout April.
Part of this promotion will encourage people to "Eat Local". Local hospitality and food businesses can be involved by featuring locally produced food and ingredients during the month.
Taree Business Chamber president, Shane McLeay said Taree and the Manning Valley need events like Made In The Manning and it is critical that business and the wider community support initiatives of this nature.
"Many great things have come about from a small idea and a few dedicated people with passion.
"My plea to the community as a whole is don't sit back and complain that nothing happens instead embrace what is happening and support those who are making it happen, a positive attitude is free and the economic benefits are immeasurable!
"The Taree Business Chamber sees events like Made In The Manning critical to changing the perception of Taree and bringing new people to the area."
The organising committee has already enlisted a number of Manning Valley favourites to be involved, including Bean Bar Caf , Bowers Caf and Graze Coffee Lounge in Taree, Bent on Food in Wingham as well as Flow Espresso Bar, Sai Thai Table and Tea and the soon to be open Bon Appetite Caf in Old Bar.
Donna Carrier of Bent on Food said that as an avid supporter of local produce, Bent on Food is proud to be involved in this fabulous initiative to promote the values of eating local.
Stephen Mogg of Graze Coffee Lounge said "This is a great opportunity for residents and visitors of the area to get out and sample the many great food businesses of the region, at the same time supporting our local producers."
A Facebook page has been established at www.facebook.com/MadeInTheManning to provide information for businesses and the community. Local business owners and food producers can email manning.eat@gmail.com for information on how to participate.
