When COVID-19 hit NSW in March last year Emilio Salucci and the board of the Illawarra Innovative Industry Network (i3net) wondered how the association and local industry would survive.
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But a year later there were no such fears evident at i3net's ninth annual Illawarra Industry Showcase last Thursday and Friday.
"Seriously it has gone the other way," Mr Salucci said.
"The COVID-19 crisis has brought industry closer together. i3net is getting bigger. A lot more people are getting involved in the network and we sold out the showcase dinner. There is a lot of confidence at the moment."
Mr Salucci said membership kept growing during 2020 and all i3net networking events were well attended. He said members were particularly buoyant at the showcase and reflected on just how many things are happening in and around Port Kembla.
At the showcase dinner presenters from BlueScope discussed future investment at the No6 Blast Furnace, Oceanex Energy provided an update on pre-feasibility studies before it decides whether it wants to invest in wind turbine technology at Port Kembla and representatives from H2X spoke about the progress with plans to build hydrogen cars.
Mr Salucci said there were many things to be excited about at the moment including progress on the new gas terminal.
"I can't remember a time like this in a long time. Things are starting to look so busy for industry in the Illawarra."
Mr Salucci said the visiting delegates included key decision makers and procurement managers from around Australia. And they were all impressed with the skills and know-how they saw and heard about during Illawarra industry's premier showcase event.
"The key messages that came out about the Illawarra was the experience we have here in the manufacturing industry," he said.
The showcase ended with representatives from many local businesses delivering a pitch about their capabilities at a breakfast on Friday morning.
"It is very important they do that and talk about the talent they have in their workforce," Mr Salucci said.
The board considered it a perfect time to showcase the region's capabilities as companies and governments look to support and diversify their supply chains post COVID-19.
"Showcasing the Illawarra and its manufacturing and industrial capability has never been more important," Mr Salucci said.
"The full capability of the i3net network can help reduce production costs, increase operational efficiency and grow operators by offering unparalleled solutions for companies and projects.
"I am very proud of this area and the skills and experience in the local workforce."
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
