Sparkling Greetings, Reader,
After a glorious mid north coast weekend, it’s almost good to be back at work. The Port Macquarie business scene appears to be humming along reasonably happily right at the moment. Of course, tourism-related businesses could always do with some more visitors, and that would extend to increased sales right across the retail and hospitality sectors. But overall I think it would be fair to say we are generally quietly comfortable.
Such is not the case with our licensed clubs. The indoor smoking ban, combined with some pretty onerous taxes, has put enormous pressure on clubs and patronage has suffered. Licensed clubs have been the mainstay of many sporting organisations, with their generous sponsorships fuelled principally by gambling revenue. It would appear that smoking and (poker machine) gambling go hand in hand, and the suffering extends beyond the clubs themselves.
Our valued Patron Member Port Macquarie Panthers has been forced to withdraw from its principal sponsorship of the Australian Ironman, though General Manager Thomas Paynter stresses that Panthers will maintain support through a lesser sponsorship. Times are tough, but tough times lead to innovative solutions, and it is probably timely for licensed clubs to reinvent themselves to become more relevant to the wider community. It’s a big challenge.
Interestingly, when an indoor smoking ban was implemented in Canberra some years ago, our little local club suffered an immediate 40% drop in patronage. But over a period of about 6 months patronage rebuilt to exceed the original figure. The interesting thing was that the new patronage was a totally different demographic. Instead of adult smoker-drinker-machine players, the new patronage comprised family groups and increased numbers of late teens and early twenties who were attracted by the clean, smoke-free relaxed environment.
There’s a lesson for all businesses here. Times change. Operating environments change. You can change with them, or go under. Adaptability and responsiveness are keys to successful business operation and longevity.
Nanotechnology
Last week I briefly mentioned what I believe will be “the next big thing” – nanotechnology. At the moment, few people outside of the science community have much knowledge of nanotech. Let me provide a very brief overview.
Through our history, we have built our technologies using a reductionist approach. That is, we start with big chunks of material and cut, shape, trim them down to the shape and size we need to build something. As our technologies have developed, we have also learned how to manage and manipulate smaller and smaller items. To date, the most complex technology created by man is the microprocessor chip – the “brain” of a PC – which typically has tens of millions of components on a slice of silicon the size of your little finger nail.
That seems like amazing miniaturisation, and it is. But we are now learning to build things smaller – by a factor of a thousand to a million times smaller. We do this by starting with individual atoms, and put them together to build the precise bits we need. The result is that we can build the same computer chip smaller than a grain of sugar. A complete functioning computer, with radio communication capability, can be smaller than a grain of rice. And we will be able to build them very, very cheaply and quickly.
Why? What are the benefits of this miniaturisation? Too many to list here, and growing all the time. Nanotechnology is not an evolutionary change, it will introduce a revolutionary change, and it’s both exciting and terrifying. But it cannot be ignored.
OK, on to some local activities that shouldn’t be ignored:
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Port Macquarie Community College
Heaps of hospitality and business related training coming up:
Responsible Service of Alcohol 807W003 Wednesday July 2nd, 1 session 9am-4pm $90
Responsible Conduct of Gambling 807W004 Thursday July 3rd, 1 session 9am-4pm $90
Bar Skills
Gain a basic understanding of the skills needed and tasks to be undertaken to operate a bar. Australian Training and Consulting Provider No. 90886 Participants will receive Statements of Attainment for the units:
THHBFB01B - Operate a Bar,
THHBFB00B Clean and tidy bar areas,
THHGHS01B Follow workplace hygiene procedures and
THHGFA01B - Process Financial Transactions from Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations).
Students must be 18 years or over and hold an RSA Certificate. Participants must collect and complete a workbook prior to attending this course.
807W005 Bar Skills Tuesday July 8th & Wednesday July 9th, 2 sessions 9am-4pm $230
Espresso Coffee including Food Hygiene & Safety 807W002 Thursday Jul 10th, 1 session 9am-4:30pm $110
Food Hygiene & Safety
This course covers safe food handling and safe storage, effective use of detergents and sanitisers, waste and pest control. Includes an overview of how the new food safety legislation will affect you. Meets Food Safety Program requirements. Successful participants will gain Statement of Attainment THHGHS01B – Follow Workplace Hygiene Procedures from Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations).
807W009 Food Hygiene & Safety - Friday July 18th, 1 session 9am-3pm $95
Intermediate Excel Workshop
Take the next step with Excel. You will learn about absolute references, charts, more functions, linking and protecting worksheets.
806C008 Tuesday June 3rd, 9am-3pm 1 session $90
MS Word & Excel for Business
This course is suitable for anyone seeking employment or returning to the workforce. It will provide an excellent grounding in essential skills for the office. Two units of competency BSBCMN213A Produce simple word processed documents and BSBCMN214A Create and use simple spreadsheets from Certificate II in Business BSB20101.
806C011 Wednesday Jun 18th to Aug 27th, 11 sessions 6pm-9pm $420
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Rydges Friday Business Lunch
Top billing this week goes to Rydges, for their innovative Friday $20 Business Lunch. I was supposed to mention it last week, then I got carried away with other things…
A waterfront location, fine wine, fabulous food, great music, be in and out within the hour, and all for only $20. Sounds too good to be true, but Rydges Compass Restaurant is providing exactly that. Friday $20 Business Lunch includes a main course and a glass of wine or draught beer, from 12 noon Fridays.
Reserve your place on 6589 2822
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Hastings BEC News
This Update, together with back-issues since the start of 2008, is now hosted on our Blog at http://hbec.blogspot.com , where you are invited to catch up on activities and leave your comments and suggestions. I also invite you to comment on blog postings. What do you think of issues raised in this issue? Have your say on our Blog.
Our next HBEC Networking Breakfast will be held Thursday morning 12th June, at Panthers Pier One Restaurant.
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Office space available on Gordon Street
NSW Business Chamber has a couple of offices available for lease within their complex at 146-148 Gordon Street. Give Kellon or Maree a call on 6584 0910 for details.
Could be a good opportunity for a home-based business looking to move up into dedicated office space.
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2nd Annual Customer Care Awards Presentation Dinner is only two weeks away
To be held on Black Friday evening, 13th June at Panthers Auditorium
Last year was a terrific event, this year will be even bigger and better!
Awards will be going to a great mix of established and new faces, so be there to share the fun.
Come along and help celebrate with the leading businesses in our region, and also enjoy a “spooky floor show” – “The haunting tale of the red hot poker”.
Make sure you book your seats early as places are limited.
Tickets available from PM-H Council offices, or from Panthers Reception.
$65.00 per ticket (includes initial drinks, a scrumptious dinner, and the floor show) (Table bookings also available)
Special thanks to Gillespie Media for the fantastic support they provide to Customer Care. Well done guys!
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Port Macquarie Home Business Forum
The Home Business Forum meets every 6 weeks in Port Macquarie from 9:15 until 12:30.
Our next meeting is on Friday 13 June 2008 at Panthers. The cost to attend is only $15 with morning tea provided. Our Guest speakers are:
• David Ross - Direction Accounting - 4 Ways to Hidden Profits
David Ross is a Chartered Accountant and Business Coach and has presented courses and seminars to over 300 local businesses with extraordinary results. This presentation will show you how to discover the HIDDEN PROFITS in your business and what to do to reap the rewards. A very practical and critical session for any business owner.
• John Carroll - Joyer Consulting – Marketing for Small Business.
John is a specialist in branding, marketing communications, leadership and corporate culture. He has conducted hundreds of workshops and training sessions and has written and produced thousands of advertisements in all media types for some of the world’s and Australia’s leading brands & businesses.
If you are interested in attending or to find out more,
please contact either Renee Bell Photographer Tel:02 65848866 Email: info@reneebell.com.au
OR Lisa Christie Tel: 0438 847 825 Email: lisa@visualedge.com.au
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HBEC Member John Hynes – John the WOW man, and Hastings SOLAR Plus has passed on the following clever suggestions. Simple, maybe even obvious, but too often overlooked:
1. Next time you order cheques, have only your initials (instead of your first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your chequebook, they will not know if you sign your cheques with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your cheques.
2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED".
(Gregg’s comment: I have followed this good advice for years, since being suggested by the Federal Police. The only sticking point was with the bureaucrats staffing the local RTA office who insisted on having my signature on the back of the credit card before they would accept it. Sigh! The ultimate absurdity was that they accepted me signing the card IN PENCIL in front of them – and then rubbing it off again)
3. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each licence, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. Also carry a photocopy of your passport (separately) when travelling abroad.
(Yes Rob, you DO press “Copy” while they’re on the machine!)
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Business guru Robert Gerrish, in his recent newsletter (www.flyingsolo.com.au ) considered how the foul-mouthed TV show restaurateur Gordon Ramsay might look at your business:
Ramsay cuts through ego and pretence and goes for what matters. He seeks honest answers from restaurateurs, asking:
- Are you passionate about what you do?
- Is what you’re offering what the market wants?
- Are you competent enough to provide a quality product?
- Do you have the support to allow you to do your best work?
- Do you give the best value for the price, or look to do as little as possible for the price?
- What’s the purpose of offering your customers a lot of choice?
So how would you answer his questions? And I’m not talking about your cooking.
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Have a great week, and don’t forget to book for the Customer Care Awards. It will be a wonderful night!
Monday, May 26, 2008
26 May 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
19 May 2008
Sunny (but cooler) greetings, Reader,
Straight into business today, on two different but not totally unrelated themes:
Disaster preparedness, and
The increasing rate of change.
First, disaster preparedness. How well prepared are you and your business to handle (and survive) a disaster?
You may, like many other people, work on the presumption that “it can never happen to me”. Some people can get away with this approach (or should I say “retreat”) their whole lives. Others are not so lucky. Disasters come in all shapes and sizes, from the little disasters like a burst water pipe or a lost wallet, to the real doozies like major flood, earthquake and fire. What preparations have you made?
Do you have good, tested working copies of your business information stored safely in a separate location to your business? How quickly could you be back in operation if all the information in your office was lost? Note that I am stressing information. That’s because material items like machines, desks, etc can be easily replaced by alternatives, but your business information – your intellectual capital – is literally irreplaceable. You either have a backup copy, or it’s gone.
Of course, every business’ situation is different. There is no “one size fits all” approach to disaster preparation. But it may be a very worthwhile mental exercise for you to take time to think about what are the absolutely key items, without which your business simply could not function. Then take steps to duplicate and safely store copies of those items – and keep the safety copies up to date.
You could extend the exercise to include the information inside the heads of your key people. How much would your business suffer if you lost one of your key people? Who else has the knowledge held by that member? How can you preserve the corporate knowledge held by your key staff? Do you have in place a process where key staff record important information for access by others?
How could you do this?
Without labouring the point any further, Disaster Preparedness is an important business management role.
My second topic this morning is the increasing rate of change. Do you feel it? Does the world seem to you to be moving faster and faster? Well, don’t feel alone. It is!
Over the weekend I have been reading a fascinating essay by Ray Kurzweil, called The Law of Accelerating Returns. Ray Kurzweil (born February 12, 1948) is an inventor and futurist. He has been a pioneer in many fields of technology He is the author of several books on health, artificial intelligence, transhumanism, the technological singularity, and futurism. If you’d like to wade through 50+ pages of pretty heavy going, the article is available at www.kurzweilai.net/articles/art0134.html , or I can try to summarise it for you.
In a nutshell, Kurzweil’s article shows that technological evolution has accelerated on a logarithmic scale. The first technological steps – sharp edged tools, fire and the wheel – took tens or hundreds of thousands of years, and for people living in this era, there was little noticeable change over a thousand year period. By 1,000 A.D. progress was much faster, with paradigm change taking only a century or so. In the nineteenth century, we saw more change than in the preceding thousand years. Then in the first twenty years of the twentieth century we saw more advancement than in all of the nineteenth century. Now paradigm shifts are occurring in only a few years. And the pace continues to accelerate.
Think of things that have changed since you were a young child. The bulk of those changes have taken place in just the past few years. That’s exponentiation! And we’re living in the middle of it. The world is changing faster than it ever has changed before.
What does this have to do with business? Well, if your business depends on technology (and I can’t think of many that don’t) it will pay to be very alert to the bleeding edge of technology change, because it will be upon us much faster than we expect. Think how dependent our lifestyle is on mobile phones and the Internet. How long have they been around? How successful were the “early adopters”?
What is the next “big thing”? Or, more realistically, what are the current trends that indicate future rapid growth? I’m betting on nano-technology, but I’ll wait until next week to expand on that!
In the meantime, what’s happening this week in our accelerating world?
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Operate & Integrate Computing Packages
The skills and knowledge acquired in operating and integrating computing packages will provide a solid foundation for an individual to be an effective computer user. This course will cover an introduction to computers and a range of skills using three software packages, MS Word, Excel & Access.
Statements of Attainment for ICAU1128A – Operate a personal computer, ICAU2013A – Integrate computing packages and ICAU2006A – Operate computing packages from Certificate II in Information Technology ICA20105.
805C013 Wednesdays May 21st to August 6th - 12 sessions 9am - 12noon $420
MS Publisher Essentials
Let your imagination soar! Desktop publishing is fun and has scope for many different applications including brochures, flyers, greeting and business cards, advertisements, newsletters and letterheads. In this workshop you will learn how to create, edit and manipulate pictures and text using wizards and drawing tools.
805C012 Fri May 23 & May 30 2 sessions - 4:30pm-8:30pm $75
Training For The Workplace
Enquire about customised training for your workplace. Update the skills of your staff and management. We are happy to customise training for your needs at your premises or in our classrooms at a time to suit.
Contact the Program Co-ordinator on 6583 7288 to discuss your needs.
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This Update, together with back-issues since the start of 2008, is now hosted on our Blog at http://hbec.blogspot.com , where you are invited to catch up on activities and leave your comments and suggestions.
Our next HBEC Networking Breakfast will be held Thursday morning 12th June, at Panthers Pier One Restaurant.
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2nd Annual Customer Care Awards Presentation Dinner
To be held on Black Friday evening, 13th June at Panthers Auditorium
Last year was a terrific event, this year will be even bigger and better!
Awards will be going to a great mix of old and new faces, so be there to share the fun.
Come along and help celebrate with the leading businesses in our region, and also enjoy a “spooky floor show” – “The haunting tale of the red hot poker”.
Tickets available from PM-H Council offices, or from Panthers Reception.
$65.00 per ticket (includes a scrumptious dinner, initial drinks and the floor show)
Special thanks to Gillespie Media for the fantastic support they provide to Customer Care. Well done guys!
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Port Macquarie Home-Based Business Forum
Next meeting will be Friday 13 June, 9.15am to 12.30pm
At Panthers Pier One Restaurant
Snacks and refreshments will be provided
Donation: $15 at the door, please.
Guest speaker TBN
(if you’ve never heard TBN speak, you’re in for a treat! TBN is probably one of the nost frequently nominated guest speakers in the country.)
If you operate a home-based business, or you would like to, this is the group for you! Come along and see that you are not alone after all!
What is it about Black Friday???
A Wallaby is coming to town! Nick Farr-Jones will be guest speaker at a Corporate Benefit Luncheon
being hosted by Wesley Mission on Friday 13th June 2008 at The Westport Club.
You will have the opportunity to bid for some wonderful charity auction items, and to win a great door prize.
All money raised from this event will go directly to Wesley Mission to help establish an integrated local counselling service. Wesley Mission will be working in conjunction with existing services to assist the most marginalised and vulnerable in our community to address the tragedy of suicide.
Tickets are on sale now from The Westport Club, on 6583 1499
A Corporate Table for 8 can be booked for $720, or individual tickets are available for $95 for an afternoon of fine food and beverage, entertainment and motivation, and all for a really worthwhile cause.
Ticket sales close Friday 6th June.
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Rydges now offer a $20 Friday Business Lunch for all you undernourished and busy people. Served in the beautiful surroundings of the riverside restaurant, the lunch comprises your choice of a main plus a glass of wine or draught beer (to help you concentrate for the afternoon).
Quick service will have you in and out within the hour (ready for Friday afternoon - sigh!).
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Office space for lease
Kellon Beard, from NSW Business Chamber, informs me that he has two offices available for lease in his complex at
Please call Kellon on 6584 0910.
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Port
Tuesday 20th May 2008 – 6.00pm for 6.30pm
Venue: Quality Resort Sails, Port
Justin Herald – Guest Speaker
Justin Herald has fast become one of the rising stars in the fields of business and personal development. His success has been noted world wide due to him starting a business (Attitude Inc) with only $50 and turning it into a multi million dollar empire. He has been named one of the most influential leaders of the next generation in
Cost: $10.00 for members, $20.00 for non-members
Drinks and savouries will be provided on the night
Non-members and guests are most welcome
For catering purposes please RSVP by 3:00pm Monday 19th May 2008 on (02) 6583 4412 or Email: info@portchamber.com.au
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On Saturday night 24th May 2008 the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise is presenting our annual Baby Boomers Revival Ball.
Our inaugural event last year was a wonderful success and a total of $22,000 was raised. The major beneficiary was the Hastings Suicide Prevention Network and will be again this year as well as 2 other local beneficiaries for students of primary and secondary school age, with disabilities.
Local businesses were very generous last year with their donations which contributed significantly to our fundraising efforts.
We would be very grateful if your company could offer us a prize donation for our fundraising activities on the night. ATO Tax Deductible Gift Recipient endorsement is available if required.
We would also like to offer your company a Table Sponsorship of $1000 that consists of 10 entry tickets, table naming rights andpromotional recognition up to, during and after the event. This includes the display of your company banner and you are invited to provide a table centre decoration promoting your business. ATO Tax Deductible Gift Recipient endorsement is available if required.
We thank you in anticipation of your ongoing generous support of local community projects.
Please contact David Currey, Community Services Committee Member, W…65813104 Mob…0411273925
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On Sunday afternoon, May 25th, from 3pm onwards, Ann-Maree Crowe and her staff at the Mercure Centro Hotel are holding an Open Day.
You are invited to come along and explore the Mercure Centro, and see the lovely accommodation, restaurant and function areas available.
Through the cooler months, the Mercure Centro is hosting a “Business Buskers” event on Sunday afternoons, to help us warm up with a bit of frivolity, and chill out with a drop of nectar. Business Buskers will commence on our Open Day, on Sunday 25 May.
We all know there are lots of very talented business people in Port and surrounding areas who also enjoy expressing themselves musically. We thought it would be fun to encourage them to all come out of the closet and share their talents. Anyone is welcome to come and listen, vote for their favourite and have some fun. Ann-Maree already has a list of notable personalities who have been dobbed in!
So, the question is, which of our likely and unlikely business associates would like to share their talents. I encourage colleagues to “dob” in their mates or just give Ann-Maree a quick call or email and let her know you are interested, and she will sort out the rest.
A fun event to while away the cooler Sunday afternoons.
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And that’s about it for another week in the fun capital of the known universe.
If the world seems to be moving faster and faster for you, take solace…
It IS! And that bloke running in the dust is me, trying to keep up.
Monday, May 12, 2008
12 May 2008
Greetings Reader,
I hope you enjoyed a weekend as pleasant as mine. Whoever coined the phrase “the lucky country” was spot on! Waking to hear news of another twenty dead and hundreds injured by ferocious tornadoes in the
Our BEC Networking Breakfast last Thursday was held at Rydges Port Macquarie, where we were very well looked after by Manager David Capper and his staff. For a change we had no single keynote speaker. Instead we heard short presentations from quite a number of members, including an introduction from David Capper, who has “come across the dutch” from Queenstown to take up the management of Rydges PM. Attendees also had plenty of time for informal networking and, judging by the considerable number who were still there at 9.00am, it was pretty successful.
In recent weeks I’ve been delighted to welcome several new members, and this week I’m happy to add Bendigo Bank who have upgraded to Sponsor Membership. Thanks go to Branch Manager Sean Hallett and Business Banking Manager Chris Smith. I also had the pleasure of eating a scrumptious dinner at Chris and Leasa Harris’ Luxe Fine Food Café last week, so it’s an extra pleasure to welcome them again to HBEC. I’m equally pleased to welcome to HBEC Membership Ms Sarah Manderson, whose business Integrated Office Solutions is based in
While getting all excited about new members, I remain well aware of the fantastic support we receive from our established members. By the end of this week I’ll ensure that ALL members are receiving display acknowledgement on our new blog, as well as providing a regular “Member Spotlight”.
There are a couple of significant events on this week, so see the details below and don’t miss out.
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First Aid Certificate courses:
Parasol – Saturday 31st May, 1 session, 9.00am to 5.00pm - $120
Networking Skills for Shy People in Business
805W004 – Thursday May 29th, 1 session, 9.00am to 4.00pm - $65
Operate & Integrate Computing Packages
805C013 – Wednesdays May 21st to August 6th, 12 sessions, 9.00am to 12noon - $420
Book your place on these courses at the College or by phone on 6583 7288
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This Update, together with back-issues since the start of 2008, is now hosted on our Blog at http://hbec.blogspot.com , where you are invited to catch up on activities and leave your comments and suggestions.
Our next HBEC Networking Breakfast will be held Thursday morning 12th June, at Panthers Pier One Restaurant.
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Seminars on financial markets, Superannuation, Centrelink and your financial health(??)
......might not sound too exciting – but they’re sure to be informative!
COMPASS financial management invite you to a Financial, Super Strategies & Retirement seminar:
• What is happening in all markets, and what can we expect? Some plain-language information on the current investment markets.
• Why is super an even more attractive investment under current rules and taxation?
• How can I continue working, access my super & save substantial tax if I am over 55?
• How can I take advantage of super opportunities in 2008 and beyond
• I hear that Centrelink entitlements allow greater access to funds – do I qualify?
• Why getting your finances right is only one part of a healthy, happy retirement.
• How much superannuation do you need to invest to fund your retirement?
All attendees receive a copy of ‘Choosing the Good Life’ which explores the four dimensions of a happy secure retirement
When: This Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th May
Start time: 2 Sessions each day – take your choice of 12 noon or 6pm
Where: COMPASS financial management
5 star Centre,
Places are limited, so please register online or call 1800 626 926 during office hours,
The AXA “I’m never too young for a retirement seminar” PLAN
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The Rotary Clubs of Port Macquarie – Hastings wish to invite you to
A Cocktail Party launch of the Rotary Carnival of the Pines for 2008.
Venue: Port
Date: Saturday 17th May, from 6.00pm
Tickets: $25 per person
Come along and meet our reigning Carnival of the Pines Charity King and Queen. The beneficiaries of this year’s Carnival fundraising will be announced during the evening.
Phone 0438 443 963 for reservations. RSVP by Wednesday 14th May.
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Port
Next Member Information and Networking Night will be held on Tuesday 20th May 2008 – 6.00pm for 6.30pm
The Program For The Evening Will Be:
Peter Newman – Secretary – Port
Update of Chamber Activities – introduce speaker
Elders Real Estate – A few words from our sponsor
Justin Herald – Guest Speaker
Justin Herald has fast become one of the rising stars in the fields of business and personal development. His success has been noted world wide due to him starting a business (Attitude Inc) with only $50 and turning it into a multi million dollar empire. He has been named one of the most influential leaders of the next generation in
Date: Tuesday 20th May 2008 Time: 6.00pm for 6.30pm
Venue: Quality Resort Sails, Port
Cost: $10.00 for members - $20.00 for non-members
Drinks and savouries will be provided on the night. Non-members and guests are most welcome.
For catering purposes please RSVP by 3:00pm Monday 19th May 2008 (02) 6583 4412 or Email: info@portchamber.com.au
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On Saturday night 24th May 2008 the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise is presenting our annual Baby Boomers Revival.
Our inaugural event last year was a wonderful success and a total of $22,000 was raised. The major beneficiary was the Hastings Suicide Prevention Network and will be again this year as well as 2 other local beneficiaries for students of primary and secondary school age, with disabilities.
Local businesses were very generous last year with their donations which contributed significantly to our fundraising efforts.
We would be very grateful if your company could offer us a prize donation for our fundraising activities on the night.
ATO Tax Deductible Gift Recipient endorsement is available if required.
We would also like to offer your company a Table Sponsorship of $1000 that consists of 10 entry tickets, table naming rights and promotional recognition up to, during and after the event. This includes the display of your company banner and you are invited to provide a table centre decoration promoting your business. ATO Tax Deductible Gift Recipient endorsement is available if required.
We thank you in anticipation of your ongoing generous support of local community projects.
Please contact David Currey, Community Services Committee Member, W…65813104 Mob…0411273925
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On Sunday afternoon, May 25th, from 3pm onwards, Ann-Maree Crowe and her staff at the Mercure Centro Hotel are holding an Open Day.
You are invited to come along and explore the Mercure Centro, and see the lovely accommodation, restaurant and function areas available.
Through the cooler months, the Mercure Centro is hosting a “Business Buskers” event on Sunday afternoons, to help us warm up with a bit of frivolity, and chill out with a drop of nectar. Business Buskers will commence on our Open Day, on Sunday 25 May.
We all know there are lots of very talented business people in Port and surrounding areas who also enjoy expressing themselves musically. We thought it would be fun to encourage them to all come out of the closet and share their talents. Anyone is welcome to come and listen, vote for their favourite and have some fun. Ann-Maree already has a list of notable personalities who have been dobbed in!
So, the question is, which of our likely and unlikely business associates would like to share their talents. I encourage colleagues to “dob” in their mates or just give Ann-Maree a quick call or email and let her know you are interested, and she will sort out the rest.
A fun event to while away the cooler Sunday afternoons.
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A bit of advanced notice for the next Home-Based Business Forum
To be held Friday 13th June
9.15am to 12.30 pm at Panthers Pier One Restaurant
A Special Guest Speaker will be announced shortly (Don’t call me Shortly!)
Refreshments and snacks will be provided
Contribution: $15
All home-based business operators (and small business operators) welcome.
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On Friday June 13th, Wesley Mission is bringing former Wallaby Captain Nick Farr-Jones to Port Macquarie for a corporate lunch at The Westport Club.
All money raised from this event will go directly to Wesley Mission for the establishment of an integrated local counselling service. Wesley Mission will be working in partnership with existing organisations to address the issue of suicide in our community.
Tickets are on sale now from The Westport Club on 6583 1499. Corporate table for 8 is $720, or individual tickets at $95 each. A stimulating afternoon of fine food and beverage, motivation and entertainment all for a worthy cause.
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The 2nd Customer Care Service Excellence Awards
The Customer Care Taskforce invites you and your associates to a great night of entertainment, lucky door prizes & special awards.
Last year’s inaugural awards night was a fantastic event. Make sure you book your seats for an even better show this year.
As a member of the Taskforce, I’ve been involved in the selection process, and I am frankly amazed at the high quality of the entries. We really have a lot of great businesses trying very hard to excel at customer service – and succeeding! Competition is very tight in all categories, so the winners, to be announced on the Awards night, will have every reason to feel very proud of their efforts.
The Awards night has been planned to be great fun, and very entertaining. Be prepared for a spooky historical drama to be enacted throughout the evening – as befits an event held on Black Friday.
Date: Friday, 13 June 2008
Time: 6:30pm for 7:00pm
Venue: Port
Dress: Cocktail
Cost: $65.00 (or $600 for a table of 10) - (includes 3 course meal & initial drinks)
Floor Show: The Haunting Tale of the Red Hot Poker
RSVP: by 30 May 2008 to Rachel Ross 6581 8036 or rachel.ross@pmhc.nsw.gov.au
Tickets must be pre-purchased from PMHC offices or direct from Port
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Sue Carson of Aquasonic in Wauchope definitely doesn’t let misfortune stop her achieving what she has set out to do.
As the winner of 2008 Hastings Women’s Business Award sponsored by community credit union, BCU, Sue shows that determination, hard work and persistence really does pay off, especially for a woman managing a major export company in regional Australia.
Read the story behind Sue’s award by downloading this PDF document: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/HWBA2008.pdf
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Seeing red? Speak up about the red tape facing your business
The NSW Government is committed to reducing red tape for small businesses and wants to hear about regulatory issues impacting your business.
Red tape includes unnecessary paperwork and processes. It’s also overlapping, duplicative or inconsistent requirements by Government.
* Are you reporting the same thing twice?
* Does a restriction or regulation seem redundant?
* Is compliance just taking too long?
The Government is reviewing regulations sector by sector to determine the red tape issues costing small business time and money.
Your ideas and opinions are important. A taskforce of Government and business representatives considers all issues submitted and makes recommendations on how the Government can cut through red tape.
To comment on red tape issues impacting your business, contact the Small Business Regulation Review Unit in the NSW Department of State and Regional
Development on 9338 6674 or email sbregreview@business.nsw.gov.au .
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Finally, if you have received an email similar to this:
Account Update
Dear clients of Westpac Australia
Technical services of Westpac
to get started, Please click on the link below:
http://www.westpac.com.au/acctupdate=nba/onlinebanking/redirect/Login/...
This instruction has been send to all bank customers and is obligatory to follow.
Thank you,
Customers Support Service.
FILE IT IN THE WASTEBASKET, where it belongs. It is one of a series of amateurish scams. Yes, they are still happening, Be aware, and don’t be conned.
A simple test is to hover your cursor over the website link. See, the “real” address – somewhere in
Australian banks DO NOT email you asking for your account details (or any other information). And Australian banks CAN spell “earnestly”.
DON’T TRUST EMAIL (or anything else on the Internet, for that matter). Better paranoid than broke!
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That’s about it for another week. I just noticed that one packet of my Wrigley’s chewing gum is made in
