A stand-alone economic development body has been formed in North Otago.
Otago Chamber of Commerce North Otago spokesman Simon Berry said at a meeting of about 30 people on Monday the new project-based initiative group was called Venture Waitaki Inc.
Its mission statement is: ''Growing strong, vibrant communities through quality economic development''.
''It's going to be an overarching group - we're not going to have different groups that are wanting to achieve the same thing, but doing it on their own,'' acting group chairman Mr Berry said.
''We're going to have a united front and we'll pool resources and skills to achieve the overarching agendas,'' Mr Berry said.
A wide cross-section of the community had already expressed interest and Mr Berry said anyone was welcome to become a member.
He hoped to see representatives from a range of different groups in the district become involved.
''We're going to be doing projects that the community wants.
''Money will go into a trust and then any project that fits into that [mission statement] we'll consider,'' Mr Berry said.
Venture Waitaki's first priority was to attract new business to town, he said.
The group will work closely with the Waitaki District Council.
At the next meeting, on April 10, nominations will be taken for a Venture Waitaki board.
