Uncertain Greetings Reader,
Because it is the policy of Hastings BEC to remain apolitical I’m prevented from expressing political views regarding the sacking of our democratically elected local government representatives last week. It is, however, very much the role of the BEC to be concerned about the impact on business and business investment that is likely to result from this event.
While it is very early days, the appointed administrator’s claims of “business as usual” have a distinctly tinny ring to them If it was to be “business as usual” there would surely have been no cause to dismiss Council. At the very least, one could anticipate a period of stasis, while business interests and potential investors take stock of the changed environment and seek tangible evidence of the administrator’s philosophy. As I recall from my project management training, one of the risk factors always to be taken into account is political stability, and a situation where decisions rest on the whim of a single individual would usually be regarded as high risk.
Ignoring issues related to the Glasshouse, our former Council (and its predecessor) oversaw a period of strong economic and infrastructure growth in this region, and was associated with several outstanding development initiatives. The massive Sovereign Hills development will have hugely beneficial impact on regional business, and similarly the proposed
So what impact will an administrator have on progress? That is the (multi) million dollar question. Some will claim that the administrator will have a positive impact. Others claim negative. And others (myself included) will wait and see. At the very least, we can anticipate a period of uncertainty, and that is in itself bad for business.
It may be a very good time to carefully review your business situation. To identify weaknesses and risks and to seek opportunities for improvement. In times of uncertainty it is always prudent to hope for the best, but plan for the worst.
Possibly one of the worst effects of last week’s events will be psychological. Residents of
At our March BEC Breakfast (Thursday March 13th at Panthers Pier One) I shall ask a few of our business leaders to provide their thoughts on likely business ramifications from the dismissal. I’ll report those thoughts in subsequent Updates for those who can’t attend the breakfast.
Now, on with this week’s events and news:
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Advanced MS Excel – 803C002 Thursday 6th March, 12noon - 6pm $85
First Aid Certificate – 803W002 Saturday 8th March, 8:30am - 5pm $120
Responsible Service of Alcohol – 803W003 Tuesday 11th March, 9am - 4pm $90
Responsible Conduct of Gambling – 803W004 Wednesday 12th March, 9am - 4pm $90
Expresso Coffee and Food Hygiene & Safety – 803W005 Thursday 13th March, 9am-5pm $105
All bookings to be made through the Community College on 6583 7288 or www.portace.com.au
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Thursday 13th March, 7.00 am till 8.30 am at Panthers Pier One Restaurant.
Theme: Business in the monocratic era.
Interesting speakers and discussion guaranteed – plus time for mixing and meeting.
$20 for Members and $25 for guests, payable at the door.
RSV Please, to admin@hastingsbec.com.au
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Adopt An Athlete
The 2008 Panthers Australian Ironman is fast approaching. The event will be run (and swum and pedalled) on Sunday 6th April. This is a wonderful event that brings a huge number of people and dollars into our community. One way to continue to build the success of the event is to ensure that visiting athletes have a great time, and know they are appreciated in Port Macquarie.
An initiative that started very successfully last year was “Adopt An Athlete”. We ask local businesses to “adopt” one or more of the athletes for the duration of their visit to Port Macquarie. You get to welcome them to Port and spoil them a bit with local hospitality. In return, you get to promote your sponsorship by displaying “AAA” posters and, of course, your athlete(s) will be happy to provide you with some on-site promotional opportunities.
Most of the athletes are professional people, and we try (wherever possible) to match the athlete with a business related to their own career. The athlete is then able to provide some input for the business – such as motivational talks, etc.
Remember, these are HIGHLY motivated people who know what it means to set a goal and then go about achieving it. Not a bad message for business!
If you would like to Adopt An Athlete, or obtain more details, please email gregg@greggf.com
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Glasshouse Single Show Ticket Sales open
“We are pleased to inform you that construction of the Glasshouse is on track to open in September 2008 and we look forward to welcoming theatre and gallery patrons, community hirers and local and national presenters. If you have purchased subscriptions or are planning to purchase single tickets in coming weeks please be assured that the Glasshouse is moving ahead and you will see fantastic shows performed in Port Macquarie from this September.
The Glasshouse website - www.glasshouse.org.au - is extending its services and from 3rd March 2008, you will be able to purchase single tickets directly online. The Glasshouse Box Office (telephone 6581 8888) is manned from 8.30am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday, and we will be happy to answer any queries you have about the dates of shows, ticket prices and the seating plan in the Glasshouse theatre.”
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Young Achievement
Young Achievement Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that runs and facilitates Business Skills Programs for Year 11 students across
Together, the students and mentors select and register a business name, research and develop a product. The students take on positions within the company - such as Managing Director, Finance Director, Marketing Director etc, they sell shares to raise capital and develop business plans. They are required to keep accurate financial records, and the overall aim is to make a profit for their shareholders. The company is liquidated after the completion of the 24-week program.
Steve Young, YAA Coordinator, is looking for business mentors to students in the
Please see the downloadable document ( www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/YAA2008.doc ) for full details.
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International Women’s Day 2008
Quota International of Port Macquarie are holding their Annual breakfast
And invite you to celebrate with us
Where: Quality Sails Resort
20 Park St Macquarie
When: Thursday 6th March 2008
Time: 6.45am for 7am start
Guest Speaker: Author Sonia Richardson**
Cost: $25 per person
RSVP: By Tuesday 4th March at the latest
bhartnett@bcu.com.au
Or ph: 65 86 4052 and leave message:
ALL PROCEEDS RAISED WILL BE DONATED TO THE
**Sonia Richardson is the author of Tomorrow is Mine and For My Tomorrows
Comments made from The Today Show Channel Nine Television
“A remarkable story about survival and the triumph of the human spirit”
# Quota International is a Service Organisation creating a network of service and friendship worldwide. For more information see www.quota.org or we welcome you to contact us personally as above.
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Big win for a Little brewery at 2008 Sydney Royal Fine Food Show
BEC Member Little Brewing Company’s (TLBC) Wicked Elf beers have won gold, silver and bronze medals in the Sydney Royal Beer Competition at the 2008 Sydney Royal Fine Food Show.
TLBC received a gold medal for its Wicked Elf Pale Ale, a silver medal for its Wicked Elf Pilsner, and a bronze medal for its Wicked Elf Witbier produced by owner and brewer, Warwick Little.
“Three medals out of three beers entered is a fantastic result for a new brewery that has only been selling for seven months, and in our first competition entered against professional breweries in Australia,” said Managing Director, Kylie Little.
Full media release at www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/littlebigwin.doc
Well done Kylie and Warwick!
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Telstra News
Telstra last week announced that earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) for the half-year ended 31 December 2007 rose 6.2% to $3.1 billion (including a $100 million distribution from FOXTEL and $37 million from the sale of eBusiness). Excluding these items, EBIT grew by 1.5% to $3 billion. Profit after tax rose 13% to $1.9 billion
- Sales revenue up 5.3%
- Dividend 14 cents per share
- EBIT up 6.2%
- IT transformation on track
- Profit up 13%
- Revenue and earnings guidance raised
From a local perspective, we are particularly happy with the half yearly report.
It highlights the success of the Next G™ network in both Mobile Service and Wireless Broadband numbers and continues our success in the fixed Broadband area. Our transformation is a massive undertaking that will revitalise every aspect of our business, providing a real benefit to our customers with new and innovative process and improvements to customer service. The transformation remains on track.
In the Mid North Coast, our results reflected the Company position with key areas to note;
* more Next G™ Network towers, increasing coverage for both mobile Voice and Broadband application,
* more exchanges enabled with ADSL, and now ADSL2 Broadband for a variety of home and business applications
We are looking forward to another busy 6 months and a successful full year, working with our customers on the Mid North Coast to provide the best solutions and value for their communications needs
Full story: http://www.telstra.com.au/abouttelstra/media/announcements_article.cfm?ObjectID=41857
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Finally, Australian Bureau of Statistics has released new data on 5676.0 Business Indicators,
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/5676.0?OpenDocument
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And that’s about it for this week.
Word for the week: Monocracy (for a hint, try http://www.britannica.com/eb/topic-389789/monocracy )
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