23 June 2008

Bright Blue-sky Greetings, Reader,

After a glorious weekend in the sun, it’s good to be alive. And the pleasure is doubled this week, with an opportunity to write about a really good guy.

Last week I reported on the Customer Care Awards, and I carefully avoided mentioning another award made the same night (because I wanted to feature it separately). Frank and David Deguara, from Macquarie Business Centre and Port Macquarie Labour Hire (Sponsor Members of HBEC) have very generously provided a perpetual trophy to be awarded annually to recognise a person who has made an outstanding contribution to business in Port Macquarie.

This year, the trophy has been awarded to Kellon Beard, Regional Manager for NSW Business Chamber. Reporting the award to Kellon is particularly pleasing for me, as Kellon was my predecessor at Hastings BEC, and I still work closely with Kellon on a great number of activities around the town. I strongly endorse the citation that was read at the presentation, to the effect that Kellon is a great guy who has for many years put his heart and soul – and considerable ability – into supporting business in this region. So congratulations Kellon!

Last year Janette Hyde, Community Relations Manager for Panthers Port Macquarie was recognised for her contribution to the business community. Frank and David have generously included retrospective recognition for Janette on the perpetual trophy.

So, what a great start to a week, to be able to report on two people I enjoy working with, both being recognised for their enduring contributions.

An excellent follow-up is my pleasure in being able to welcome Cassegrain Wines Pty Limited on board as a Sponsor Member of Hastings BEC. Great to have “a taste of tradition” with us, and thanks to recently appointed Cassegrain Marketing Officer, Liz Giles for facilitating the membership. The breadth and diversity of membership of Hastings BEC continues to grow, and that is great for all members. Our networking events take on extra significance with such a variety of businesses represented.

Finally, for this week, some changes to report with one of our Members, East Coast Holidays. Kathy and Peter Balodis have sold Ki-ea Apartments and are busy exploring new business opportunities. Kathy will continue on the Board of Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association and retain her role with regional tourism. The delightful Ms Alison Innes has been appointed General Manager of Macquarie Waters.

Well done, Kathy and Peter, and congratulations Alison.

Now, on to our events news:

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Port Macquarie Community College

Responsible Service of Alcohol
Provider No. 90886 LAB Approved. Participants will receive a Statement of Attainment THHBFB09B Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol from Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations) and a Certificate from the Liquor Advisory Board. The LAB Certificate is required for employment in the industry.
807W003 Wednesday July 2nd 1 session 9am - 4pm, $90

Quality Customer Relations
Learn about customer service strategies that work/don't work, techniques for telephone and face to face communication, techniques for dealing with awkward and difficult customers and situations and strategies to build customer loyalty. Book a workshop for yourself or your entire team.
807W007 Thursday July 17th 1 session 9am - 4pm, $98

Introduction to Computers & Microsoft Word
Having skills in Word is your gateway to creating and editing smarter, more efficient documents.
For beginners, this course will take you from the start to expanding your skills and knowledge. This is an accredited course consisting of 2 modules from BSB20101 Cert II in Business. BSBCMN107A - Operate a Personal Computer and BSBCMN213A - Produce Simple Word Processed Documents.
806C022 Monday June 30th to August 4th 6 sessions 6pm - 9pm, $220

A Simple Introduction to Microsoft Access
This course will introduce participants to the concepts of Access. The course will cover creating and using simple databases, creating forms and reports and creating queries which extract information from the databases.
807C011 Tuesday July 8th & July 15th 2 sessions 6pm - 9pm, $90

Website Design and Maintenance
In these introductory lessons you will learn the basics of Website design and construction, and how to maintain content in a website that has been built by professionals.
806C014 Thursdays July 3rd to July 17th 3 sessions 9am - 12noon, $85

(Gregg’s comment – I like to plug the Website D&M course, because it is one I present, and I really enjoy it.)

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Hastings BEC Networking Breakfast – July 10th

Our next BEC Networking Breakfast will be held at Rydges Port Macquarie on Thursday morning July 10th. Following a couple of jam-packed breakfasts that have left little time for mixing and networking, I’ll keep the formal content down this time to allow you more “free time”.
We will, however, have time for a quick look at Team Membership Roles, to supplement the personality types we touched on last breakfast.

Date: Thursday 10th July (starting at 7.00 am)
Venue: Rydges Port Macquarie
Members and Guests (and visitors) welcome. Members $20, Guests and Visitors $25
RSVP to admin@hastingsbec.com.au

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Port Macquarie –Hastings Life Education Support Group
Invites you to join us for a special breakfast!
DATE: Tuesday 24th June 2008 ( that’s tomorrow morning, so don’t miss it! )
TIME: 7am – 8:30 am
VENUE: Port Macquarie Panthers ‘ Auditorium’
COST: $30 per person or $300 for a table of ten
Bookings and pre payment are essential from Port Panthers - Phone: 65 802 300
PART OF THE PROCEEDS OF THIS EVENT WILL GO TO LIFE EDUCATION
“for drug and health education for Hastings children”
For further information contact Maggie Barnewall on 0409 457 405
THIS IS A ‘DRUG ACTION WEEK’ ACTIVITY

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Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce Member Information and Networking Night
Tuesday 24th June 2008 – 6.00pm for 6.30pm

Sponsored by Settlement City Shopping Centre

Program for the evening will be:

Rob Turner – President – Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce
Update of Chamber Activities

SPECIAL GUESTS

Ian Moore from the Department of Immigration will address members on the advantages of considering and employing skilled workers from overseas. There are 300,000 skilled migrants expected to come to Australia giving businesses the opportunity to recruit, enthusiastic and capable staff. Also discussion will be the opportunities for the region to attract and service the this employment opportunity. The Chamber is approved by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to assess the capability of a business to employ and retain the employee for the duration of the specific visa.

Neal Godbolt one of Port Macqaurie’s leading thoroughbred horse trainers will speak on how his business has recruited from overseas and how the immigration department has assisted. The experience Neil has obtained will certainly highlight the advantages of exploring this service.

Date: Tuesday 24th June 2008 Time: 6.00pm for 6.30pm
Venue: Quality Resort Sails, Port Macquarie
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 (02) 6583 4412 or Email: info@portchamber.com.au

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I don’t believe it… it’s charity golf time again, already!

Charity Golf & Bowls Day, in support of Starlight Children’s Foundation, Australia

Date: Sunday 20 July 2008
Venue: Wauchope Country Club
Event: 9 Hole 3 Person Ambrose
Cost: $22.00 includes Green Fees and a light lunch
Start time 9.30am
Contact - Michelle McDonald on 0417 204 850
PLEASE CONSIDER BECOMING A SPONSOR!

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NSW TAFE – North Coast Institute

THH21802 Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations) - Cafe Skills
This exciting 10 week course commences on 23 July 2008 and will be offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9.00am to 2.00pm.
Learn the practical Service Skills required for working in the cafe industry including- Preparation and Service of Espresso Coffee, Non alcoholic Beverage Service, Customer Service Skills, Cash Handling Procedures, Hygiene and Cleaning Practices, Gourmet Sandwich Preparation, Organise and Prepare Food, Fast Food Service.
Recognition for units in THH31502 Certificate III Commercial Cookery course will be offered.

Enrolling now! Contact Port Macquarie Campus on 6581 6200 to secure your place.
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Film night to raise funds for North Coast Worldskills competitors

WORLDSKILLS competitors will ‘Get Smart’ in the lead-up to the national trade skills competition - with a fundraising movie night in Port Macquarie.
A combined team of 14 competitors, including five from the Port Macquarie region, will compete in the upcoming national WorldSkills competition to be held in Sydney in July. Several fundraising activities are being held to support the team, the first of which will be a screening of the blockbuster film “Get Smart” on July 2, at 7pm at Port Macquarie’s Majestic Cinema.
The cost of the ticket for this event is $15 including light refreshments.
Special tickets can be purchased from the cinema, from Mid Coast Group Training or from Port Macquarie TAFE Administration.
For more information please contact Matthew Giles from Mid Coast Group Training on 6583 5355 or 0408 620 890.

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Final word, thanks to Beth Flynn, http://leadershipcenter.osu.edu

You Matter.

“Whatever your role in life may be, you make a difference.

There is a 100 percent chance that you can be a role model for leadership.
There is a 100 percent chance that you can influence someone else’s performance.
There is a 100 percent chance that you can affect what someone else thinks, says, and does.
There is a 100 percent chance that you will make a difference in other people’s lives.”

(Reference: Kouzes, J.M., & Posner, B.Z., (2006). “A leader’s legacy.”)

Have a good week,