Allan’s raring to go in 2014

HE HAS the passion, the know-how and the experience, and Allan Sams is raring to go in the secretarial seat of the Grafton Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

POSITIVE OUTLOOK: Grafton Chamber of Commerce’s Allan Sams is optimistic about business in 2014.

HE HAS the passion, the know-how and the experience, and Allan Sams is raring to go in the secretarial seat of the Grafton Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Having been around the Clarence Valley for the past three decades, Mr Sams is incredibly fond of the region and has recently moved back to Lawrence after working at a number of places around the state.

"I ran the Business Enterprise Centre in Maclean and I was lucky enough to get the American rowing team to train in the Valley in 1999, which was great," Mr Sams said.

He runs a consultancy business, Coastal Tourism Marketing, for those in the tourism industry and has serviced the region for the past 22 years.

As secretary for the Grafton Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Sams hopes to have a positive impact on the town and its business culture.

"I am passionate about the Clarence Valley and I know that we have one of the most under-utilised rivers in Australia, yet it's amazing what can be done," he said.

"I am passionate about small business because it's too big to ignore - in Grafton, small business employs more people than the large businesses.

"If we've got a healthy chamber, we should have healthy businesses."

Mr Sams was optimistic about the 2014 business prospects for Grafton and surrounds.

"We have had an excellent tourism season and if the tourism industry - which is our largest pillar - is happy, then that flows on to other businesses in the Valley," he said.

He hopes to secure another 30-40 members this year, and assist businesses with his expertise.

Originally published as Allan’s raring to go in 2014