CTC Manager, Trevor Cook said the response by the business community was fantastic.

"We had over 90 businesses give us their information and thoughts - that's nearly a 50 per cent response rate.

"Usually a survey response of 5 per cent to 10 per cent is considered 'very good'.

"A very sincere thank you to all those businesses who participated and to the great team of CTC volunteer interviewers who encouraged that participation," said Mr Cook.

He advised that the results are now being collated and analysed in preparation for a public meeting on Thursday, May 11, at 6pm in the Silver Dolphin Room of the Tea Gardens Hotel-Motel.

"All businesses and interested residents are encouraged to come along and help in planning how we use this information to improve business conditions, and hence employment, in Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest," he said.

Representatives from Great Lakes Council, Hunter Business Centre, Mid North Coast Institute of TAFE and Myall Waterways Chamber of Commerce & Tourism will be present to discuss how they can assist local business.

Mr Cook said the plan is to keep the presentation short and focused on the key findings.

"More detailed hand-outs will be available for those interested.

"We hope to finish the presentation and discussions by around 7.30pm, after which there will be the opportunity to network and discuss particular opportunities.

"Refreshments and finger food will be provided," he added.

The Business Expansion and Retention survey is important in providing a foundation upon which to develop action plans for government, council, TAFE and our own Chamber of Commerce.

When asked why the CTC became involved in this survey Mr Cook stated, "Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest certainly is a vibrant community, we have the best of everything - a beautiful environment, a great community spirit with a strong tradition of volunteering, and wonderful people.

"Whatever we can do to make local businesses more successful benefits us all with as wide a range of products and services possible and strong employment opportunities," he concluded.