The head of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce will visit the Ruapehu district this month to discuss setting up a local chamber of commerce.
Michael Barnett will hold a workshop in Taumarunui on October 26.
Ruapehu Mayor Don Cameron said all local business leaders were encouraged to attend the workshop, which would look at how a Ruapehu chamber could help support and inspire local business success.
Mr Cameron said establishing a chamber of commerce fitted in with the council's vision of a prosperous rural community that was able to capitalise on the local agriculture, business and tourism sector.
"All our efforts to increase jobs, incomes and opportunities for Ruapehu communities have highlighted the critical importance of having the right advice, support and connections," Mr Cameron said.