Business ignored at functions

The Parramatta Chamber of Commerce is concerned that Parramatta City Council fails to acknowledge the presence of business people at council functions. Councillors and politicians are recognised but the men and women from the business sector are passed over. The chamber's publication, "Business Parramatta", notes that the local business community produces a gross regional product (GRP) of some $10 billion annually and contributes just over half council's rate income. At the same time, council seeks funds from the private sector for projects which it can not resource. "Council ignores (at council functions) the very people who could contribute, further, to the growth and development of the city," the chamber said.