Damp Greetings, Reader,
All this liquid sunshine! The wide brown land has never looked greener
You will be releived to know that this will be a shorter than usual monologue today, as I have to rush off to welcome a new Virgin to Port Macquarie. Yes, today marks the start of Virgin Blue’s jet services to Port and, hopefully, another step forward for the local economy. At a time when interest rates are biting, and the global financial situation appears shaky, VB’s arrival is an important economic shot in the arm for Greater Port Macquarie.
Interestingly, QANTAS-Link just announced a slight reduction in their number of services to Port. This was seen in some quarters as a response to the new competition. I know another reason. In one week alone, recently, I know that QANTAS-Link lost 11 of their pilots to other airlines. You see, an airline pilot’s status is determined in large part by the type of aircraft he or she flies. The rapidly expanding air travel business is placing huge demand for pilots for jet airliners – the Boeings, Airbuses (Airbi ?) and Embraers flown by other airlines. So QANTAS-Link Dash-8 pilots with good solid experience flying twin turbine-engined aircraft are plum pickings for the jet airlines.
QANTAS-Link, in turn, has to attract the best of the twin-engine experienced pilots from smaller regional and charter operators, and then up-skill them to QANTAS-Link standards. And so it goes down the food chain. What does all this have to do with Port Macquarie? We happen to have no fewer than three pilot training facilities operating on the airfield, and there is huge scope for expansion. It’s another growth industry from which Port Macquarie can benefit – if we keep our eyes on the ball.
Opportunities are everywhere! My dissertation last week on customer responsiveness stimulated a huge response. From a couple of “traditionalists” who argued that the way their great grandfather conducted his business was good enough for them (sigh!) to the majority who agreed that some quite radical re-thinking is needed on how we can operate our commercial businesses better – better service for customers – better bottom line.
I also received several offers from very well qualified and experienced people to assist with future seminars to help our businesses work smarter.
Last word this week. We recently farewelled a young bloke who made a real mark on this town in a short time. Phil Thomson left Port News to move on to bigger things at The Land newspaper. Phil brought with him a highly enjoyable standard and style of journalism, and he’ll be missed. But before leaving, he snared one of the more attractive young ladies in town, fellow journalist Terri VanDijk, so he will be back.
OK. Time is pressing. On with this weeks update:
+ = +
Introduction to Computers – starts Wednesday Feb 20th. 6 sessions 6pm-9pm $250
Introduction to Excel – Wednesday Feb 13th. 1 session 9am-3pm $90
Powerpoint for Beginners – starts Saturday Feb 16th. 2 sessions 10am-3pm $98
Colourful Insights into Communication – Thursday Feb 28th. 1 session 9am-4pm
Responsible Service of Alcohol – Tuesday Feb 12th. 1 session 9am-4pm $105
Responsible Conduct of Gambling – Wednesday Feb 13th. 1 session 9am-4pm $105
Basic Legal Terminology by Distance Education – commence anytime $185
+ = +
Hastings BEC Valentine’s Breakfast, Thursday 14th February
Don’t miss this special breakfast, focused on the business benefits of regional tourism, and universal love…
Special guest speaker, Belinda Novicky, Marketing Manager for Mid North Coast Tourism.
At
7.00 am till 8.30 am
Still only $20 for members and $25 for guests
RSVP so I can have your name tag ready (and numbers for the caterer) to admin@hastingsbec.com.au
+ = +
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards 2008
The 54 Rotary Clubs of Rotary District 9650 will be sponsoring the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) from the 12th – 19th April 2008.
Young participants from as far north as
RYLA is aimed at encouraging and developing leadership and social skills for young people aged from between 18 – 25, so that they can more effectively contribute to their communities.
There are a number of ways you could assist us as follows:
· Would you be able to refer a young person to this program from within your organisation? Perhaps it is someone who could benefit from mentoring, motivation and networking and leadership skills in order to accelerate their career and personal development. This would clearly add value to your organization and the wider community. The cost of sponsoring one of your staff for the RYLA programme is the all inclusive price of $695. This price covers all food and accommodation, all activities as well as all seminars.
· Perhaps you would be better positioned to become one of our sponsors either through a cash donation or through the contribution of some prizes or other targeted marketing. The benefits of being involved with RYLA as a sponsor could include:
o Targeted marketing - youth demographic;
o
o Your logo / profile on the conference program;
o Inclusion of promotional information in satchels;
o Profile in media releases where appropriate.
Full details, with all application forms, etc can be downloaded as a Word file from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/RYLA08.doc
+ = +
Frank Covey’s award winning Time Management Workshop is coming to Taree
Full workshop details and application form are available for download as PDF files, or phone the College on 6551 0636.
Download the Workshop details PDF from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/covey1.pdf
and more information about Frank Covey from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/covey2.pdf
+ = +
“Hope you can come to our first meeting – next Wednesday 6th February in the Anzac Room LUSC – 5.45 p.m. start and a quick meeting is assured, as the room is booked from 7.30 p.m. ”
Judy Morrison
Honorary Secretary
Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism Inc.
+ = +
Mr Ron Polson is part of the Kairos prison ministry to the Correctional centre at Kempsey, and they are holding a fundraising film Premiere on Wednesday the 20th of February at 7pm at the Ritz Cinema, here in Port Macquarie.
Based on a true story, “End of the Spear” tells how in 1956 five missionaries, including Jim Elliott and Nate Saint, were slaughtered by the Waodani, a murderous tribe inhabiting a remote area in
But the story doesn’t end there; the widow and sister of one of the slaughtered men returned to live with the tribe. Their bravery and love culminated in the Waodani renouncing violence and beginning to care for the enemy tribes they had previously violently attacked. Meanwhile a friendship developed between the son of one of murdered missionaries and a young tribal member named Mincayani. who had taken part in the murder.
This new full–length feature charts this remarkable story from start to finish
Tickets are $12 each, or $10 for groups of 20 or more, and can be obtained from me, RON POLSON (6582 3031) or at the Cinema; -- provided they don't run out first!
Please feel free to call me for further information. Many Thanks for your help. RON POLSON
+ = +
And that’s about it for this somewhat damp Monday. See you next week.
Thought for today: If at first you don’t succeed, give up skydiving!
· * * * * STOP PRESS * * * * *
I just returned from a highly successful service launch for Virgin Blue at Port Macquarie airport. Guest of Honour Catriona Rowntree arrived on the flight from
No comments:
Post a Comment