President of the Mudgee Business Association (MBA), Rob Duffy said this would be up for discussion at the meeting tonight.

“Discussions so far have been very positive.

“It makes sense to combine the business associations in the Shire. The savings in overheads and volunteer hours alone would be significant.

“The next step will be to call a meeting of all four groups for discussion and it must be carefully considered,” he said. “It is much better to have a united voice across the Shire.

He said the current thinking was to have alternate meetings in each of the towns and to set up local committees for each area.

Mr Duffy said local business was doing it tough at the present time.

“The drought has had an impact on the farm sector and Mudgee is still very dependent on the rural sector economy.

“The rising cost of petrol has also had a negative influence over the spending capacity of the average family.

“It’s during times like this that businesses need an Association because networking with other members has great value.

The MBA meets tonight at The Butcher Shop Café at 6pm.

Non members are welcome to attend.