SHOPPERS from Bathurst are spending more in Orange than Orange residents are in Bathurst, according to data to be outlined at a business forum later this week.
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Orange City Council will hold the forum on Thursday from 5.30pm to discuss latest analysis on regional spending from Spendmapp.
Spendmapp uses bank data to track economic growth and sector spending.
Council employment and economic development committee chair and councillor Tony Mileto said last financial year, Orange residents spent $20.6 million in Bathurst, Kelso and Raglan.
"But Bathurst residents, meanwhile, spent $29.08 million in Orange in the same period," he said.
"That's over $8.5 million, or 41 per cent, more."
People living in Bathurst spent more at shops in Orange, than people who live in Orange spent at shops in Bathurst.
- Councillor Tony Mileto
Cr Mileto said the event was a good opportunity for business operators to ask questions.
"Anyone operating a small business will tell how much time and energy it takes to keep it all running smoothly," he said.
"This forum is about keeping the business community in touch with the latest information."
Cr Mileto said there was "a real sense of excitement" in Orange since Orange City Centre reopened the former Dalton Brothers building.
"People who were worried about the lack of shopping options in Orange now have new directions," he said.
"The reality is though that in the last financial year, while the shopping centre was still under construction, people living in Bathurst spent more at shops in Orange, than people who live in Orange spent at shops in Bathurst."
Cr Mileto said business operators would hear more details about spending in different categories and how they compared.
"Business operators who come on Thursday will be able to see those details firsthand and ask their questions."
The forum will be held in the council chambers and is expected to last about an hour.
It will include short presentations on what is happening for business in Orange, the review of major projects and business rates and the latest on the CBD upgrade plans.
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