What the Seaview Business Association Aims to Achieve
The Seaview Business Association (SBA) is a voluntary organisation dedicated to the development of the Seaview/Gracefield business district. It is a partnership between local government and the business community, with Hutt City Council providing valued support that includes funding the role of a co-ordinator.
SBA holds monthly meetings open to all businesses in the Seaview/Gracefield area. The meetings, also attended by a representative of Hutt City Council, provide a forum for raising local issues and building community connection. At the Annual General Meeting, a Chairperson and Treasurer are elected for terms of one year.
For the approximately 400 businesses operating in the Seaview/Gracefield area, SBA’s activities include:
- Coordinating a minimum of six networking events per year. These gatherings, which feature a guest speaker, bring business representatives together for a unique opportunity to develop their business contacts within the area.
- Producing a monthly newsletter that updates and informs businesses about what’s happening in Seaview/Gracefield.
- Making submissions to local government, principally on issues such as traffic and the physical environment. Generally, providing an important voice for Seaview/Gracefield businesses on advocacy-based issues that may require local body involvement.
- Running Spotlight on Seaview, a popular event held on a Sunday at which many local businesses open their doors for free public tours and displays.
- SBA and its members assisted Hutt City Council in developing the Vision Seaview/Gracefield 2030 plan. This document will guide a range of council policies to ensure the current and future business needs of the business community are reflected across all aspects of council activity.
The goals of SBA are to:
- Promote the profile of the local industrial/commercial district through regular events.
- Constantly work towards an enhanced physical and working environment in Seaview
- Provide opportunities for local businesses to learn, support and grow from each other.
SBA understands that place-based problems and issues demand place-based responses.