A new era for WVCEDA

As a not-for-profit Business and Traders advocacy group, Warburton Valley CEDA (WVCEDA) has had to adapt to the changing climate of business, and a post-pandemic world, like many of their members. The volunteer-based group, which has been operating since 2014 and has 90 local members, has recently launched a new logo to reflect a refinement of their core activities and competencies. The new 2023 committee, which boasts nine active local business owners within the Warburton Valley, has representatives from hospitality, retail, manufacturing, outdoor adventure, tourism and accommodation, wellbeing, professional services and tradespeople.

“While we will always seek to promote the area for our members our focus is sharply on business-to-business communication and support,” says Cleo Silva, WVCEDA president. “Our ethos is business and community, stronger together.”

Much of WVCEDA’s work goes on behind the scenes, and they are regularly called on by local, state and federal government agencies, stakeholders and interest groups to provide input and feedback. “Recently, we have been involved in advocacy meetings regarding road closures and destination management, and we share a close alliance with other community interest groups, which we can represent at a top level.”

WVCEDA has been successful in receiving several grants in 2023, the key initiatives being supported include an ongoing Communications function to keep members and the broader community informed, and the development and delivery of their inaugural Business Expo to be held in Warburton in May 2023.

“We want businesses and traders to engage and connect with one another to create a vibrant business community. And the wider community to understand our continued commitment to the region, and that we are always ‘on’ when it comes to advocacy and liaison on behalf of our members and towns,” says Cleo.

New members welcome. All enquiries to: Info@warburtonvalley.org

The 2023 Warburton Valley CEDA Committee:

· President: Cleo Silva (Silva Coffee Roasters)

• Vice President: Alison Fitzgerald (Yarra Ranges Enterprise Centre)

• Secretary: Monica Blanchfield (Bulong Estate)

• Treasurer: Dale Feim (Dalcorp Accounting)

• Sam Maddock (Warburton Adventure Co)

• Lindy Schneider (Lindy Schneider - Writer)

• Jacqui Harvey (Yarra Valley Gourmet Foods)

• Christine Birch (Oscar’s on the Yarra)

For more information contact Lindy Schneider Communications Manager on 0417 365697 or info@warburtonvalley.org