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
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