25 August 2008

Olympic’d out greetings, Reader,

Well, it’s over again for another four years, and not a moment too soon. The Australian and US anthems became irritating after the 20th or so iteration, and the Chinese anthem remains totally inscrutable. Jacques Rogge described the Beijing games as “exceptional”, which leaves one wondering whether they scored higher or lower than Sydney’s “best games ever”. At least no “Free Tibet” banners were obvious to sully the happy event.

Australia’s 7 Network, and its affiliates including Prime TV, are to be congratulated for a stunningly successful and technologically breathtaking coverage of the games. Watching events live, in high definition and with stunning super-slow motion replays brought a whole new dimension to sports viewing. But I still want to kneecap that face slapping chicken eater.

Away from the box, the world seems to have been quite distracted this past week. Not a lot of newsworthy events – unless you’re a South Ossetian. Even the world financial scene seemed to take a breather while the athletes did their thing. This will change with the launch on Friday 29th of QANTASLink’s you beaut, bigger and quieter Dash 8-400 aircraft on the Port to Sydney sector. The 400 series makes a whole lot more seats available and, with its increased efficiency, opens the door to more discount fares. Following closely on Virgin Blue’s introduction of a second daily Sydney flight, and Brindabella’s new and larger aircraft, this indicates a vote of confidence in the Port Macquarie travel business.

Finally, to clarify an item in last week’s email,I want to emphasise that the BEC is party politically neutral – and that goes for local agitation groups, too. Last week at the request of a BEC Member, I publicised an event organised by the Residents Action Network. My intention was to alert regional businesspeople to the opportunity to come face to face with contenders for the seat of Lyne and, hopefully, put the screws on them. It was certainly not an endorsement of R.A.N., nor of any individual contestant, nor any party.

OK, now that I feel more politically correct than Jacques Rogge, lets move on:

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Port Macquarie Community College

A lot of business-related training courses commencing soon. To book, call the College on 6583 7288:

Website Design and Maintenance
I’m presenting this course again, starting this Wednesday evening. We still have a couple of seats available. 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.
808C007 Wed Aug 27 to Sep 10 3 sessions 6pm-9pm $85

Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
This accredited certificate will teach you how to safely administer cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. (Important after beach volleyball!)
808W004 Thu Aug 28 1 session 5:30pm-7:30pm $40

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 food safety legislation affects you. Meets Food Safety Program requirements. Successful participants will gain Statement of Attainment THHGHS01B – Follow workplace hygiene procedures from Certificate III in Hospitality (Operations).
809W002 Sat Sep 6 1 session 9am-3pm $98

Introduction to Excel Workshop
An ideal course for small business owners or householders who want to keep track of their budgets, or set up a simple spreadsheet. Learn creating worksheets, formatting, formulas, functions, printing, sorting & filtering, copying, moving, fill-in feature and conditional formatting.
808C013 Wed Aug 27 1 session 9am-3pm $90

Your Business Presentations with Powerpoint
Powerpoint is a powerful tool which is widely used in boardrooms, classrooms and meeting rooms. From sales presentations and passive advertising to staff orientation, discover the hidden uses for Powerpoint in your Business. Create professional presentations that make your business stand out from the crowd.
809C004 Tue Sep 16 to Sep 30 3 sessions 6pm-9pm $93

Introduction to Payroll
BSBADM308A Process payroll, Statement of Attainment Certificate III in Business Administration BSB30201. Manage holidays, sick leave, awards, salary and wage employees, calculate employee pays, print group certificates and perform end of year functions using MYOB V17.
809C002 Thu Sep 11 to Oct 9 5 sessions 9am-12pm $175

Introduction to MYOB
BSBADM309A Process accounts payable and receivable, Statement of Attainment from Certificate III in Business Administration BSB30201. Topics include: manage and set up your business or club accounts. Record sales and receivables, purchases and payables, invoices and payments, cheques and deposits. Basic computer skills are essential.
807C015 Wed Sep 3 to Oct 15 7 sessions 6pm-9pm $250

Composition for Digital Photography
This course will look at the elements and principles that make up good composition and some advanced photoshop elements techniques as well as raw file formats. Topics to be studied are the elements of line, direction, shape, size, texture, value and colour and the principles of repetition, alternation, harmony, gradation, contrast dominance, unity and balance.
809C011 Tue Sep 9 to Oct 21 7 sessions 1:30pm-4pm $190

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Next HBEC Networking Breakfast, Thursday 11th September at Panthers Pier One Restaurant

This will be a breakfast focused on Small Business Month, with a surprise guest speaker.
Start at 6.45 for 7.00am and finish by 8.30am
Remember, you are encouraged to invite guests to attend – just let me know. Members $20 and Guests $25.

As usual, lots of beaut door prizes thanks to our very generous member businesses.
In particular, we have a $250 open order from Digital Design and Poster Studio, thanks to Adam Roberts.

Make sure to RSVP to admin@hastingsbec.com.au so I can have name tags and places for you.

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Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards Dinner and Ceremony 2008 is on this Friday night

Tickets are still on sale through Panthers Port Macquarie for $75 per head, or $750 per table.

The evening will start at 6.30 pm. Cricket commentator and comedian Kerry O’Keeffe will be master of ceremonies for the evening. If you’ve ever listened to ABC test cricket commentary, you will have an idea what to expect. Lubricate your laughing gear!

It will be a fun evening and an opportunity for all businesses to gain maximum exposure.

Don’t miss out! Call Port Panthers on 6580 2300.

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If you receive the following email (or snail mail):

>> Dear Madam/Sir,

>> In order to have your company registered in the World Business Directory for 2008/2009,
>> please print, complete and return the enclosed form (PDF file) to the following address:

>> World Business Directory
>> Suite 149 - Rosden House - 372 Old Street
>> Ec1v 9au / London - United Kingdom

>> Updating is free of charge!

DON’T ANSWER IT. It is a scam. Legal, it may be. Useful it is not.
Yes, you may well be listed in some obscure directory, but it is useless and VERY expensive.

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September wouldn’t be September without The Great Debate!

This is always a very enjoyable lunch event, with lots of laughs.

This year’s topic: A BIG SALARY BEATS WORK-LIFE BALANCE HANDS DOWN
Date: Tuesday 2 September, 12 noon – 2pm
Place: Rydges Port Macquarie
Cost: $25 for debate & 2 course lunch

Download the detail-packed brochure from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/debate08.pdf

Registration: Maree McEntyre at the NSW Business Chamber by telephone on 6584 0910
or email maree.mcentyre@australianbusiness.com.au no later than COB Friday 29th August 2008.

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You are invited to ‘Networking at Night’ to be held at Bliss Restaurant,
Level 1, 74 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie on Thursday September 11 2008, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Mid Coast Youth Career Services, the Local Community Partnership and the NSW Business Chamber’s
Regional Industry Career Adviser are part of the Australian Government’s Career Advice Australia network.
This network supports all young people aged 13 to 19 in their transitions through school and onto further
study, training or work. The local network covers the region from Kempsey to Taree.

Download full details from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/nanbliss1.pdf and www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/nanbliss2.pdf

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‘Buzz Day’ is Diabetes Australia’s annual merchandise fundraising campaign.

The event involves the sale merchandise throughout September at supporting retail outlets, culminating in our signature day ‘Buzz Day’ on Friday 19th September 2008, where Diabetes Australia will beat the diabetes drum across the country.

This year is the 8th Buzz Day campaign and Diabetes Australia is aiming to raise over $400,000 with all the proceeds going towards diabetes Awareness, Research, Education and Advocacy programs however, the only way we can raise these funds is through public support.

We need your help in finding a cure for diabetes so in September, make sure you buy a bee and help take the sting out of diabetes!

You can beat the rush by buying your bee or soft toy from Tiffany Paynter and Sandra Hollins at the BEC September breakfast.

They also have some gorgeous soft toys available. These toys have arrived today, we are quite excited as they are very nice. They are "Russ" branded toys, so good quality and sooo soft.
See photos of the toys at: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/pic00277.jpg , www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/pic21472.jpg , www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/pic06673.jpg and www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/pic06704.jpg

Tiffany only has at the moment 10 of each toy, but will order more when stocks get low.

As she may only bring along a handful of toys to the breakfast, it may be an idea of people could pre-order so she has a better idea of how many to bring along.
If you would like to email Tiffany with your order, she would recommend doing this, as the toys will sell fast.

You can email Tiffany at tiffany.paynter@countryenergy.com.au to order or obtain more details.

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Tastings of the Hastings, the region’s food and wine festival will be held this year on Sunday, November 2, 2008.
As usual, Tastings will be held at the Port Macquarie Race Course.

This was a great event last year, and this year promises to be even bigger and better. Put it in your diary.

For more information, or to take part, contact Coordinator, Sonia Fingleton, Mobile: 0414.376 868 or email: alliedassets@bigpond.com

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Ronald McDonald House In The Hunter - Gala Charity Dinner & Show.

The Dinner and Show will be held at Tommy’s By The Beach at 6.30pm on Wednesday 3rd September 2008.
Tickets are only $60 and include “Tommy’s Punch”, canapes and two-course dinner and, of course, the show.
There will also be a charity auction and lucky door prizes.

Download the brochure from: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/RMHC.pdf

Tickets and information from: Mandy Miller 6583 1788 or Email mmiller@rossgroup.com.au

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Are you the Signature Chef?

Mid North Coast NSW Regional Tourism Office is seeking entries from mid north coast chefs…
…..to find a Mid North Coast Signature.

Our BEC members, TAFE NCI, and Joyer are generous sponsors of this great initiative.
Please see all details in the full PDF brochure. Download from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/signaturedish.pdf
Another grand sponsor, Focus Magazine put together the fabulous entry forms and media release.

Chefs can enter online at www.midnorthcoasttourism.com.au or send entries by mail.

For further information: Contact: Belinda Novicky Phone: (02) 6569 4058 or 040003363 or
Sonia Fingleton , Good Company Group Pty Ltd, Phone: (02) 6585 9342 or 0414376868.

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Port Golf Day – all proceeds to Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service

Glen Kolpak from WRHS spoke to our August breakfast about this Golf Day. It should be fun, for a good cause.

Date: Monday 15th September 2008, rego from 11am. For a 12 noon shotgun start.
Price: $50 per player including green fees, bbq lunch and nibblies at the presentation.
Teams of 4. 18 hole ambrose at Port Macquarie Golf Club.
Great team and individual prizes. Hole sponsorships are still available.

For info: Glen on 1800 155 155 or email glen.kolpak@rescuehelicopter.com.au

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Phew, that’s a lot of info today. Did I say things were quiet? Silly me!

Final word from Beth Flynn, Leadership Consultant at Ohio State University:

“We could all use a bit more grace in the world these days. We could use more good will, more charm, more elegance and more thanksgiving. We could also use more forgiveness – starting with ourselves for our own limitations and shortcomings. We have to extend that same compassion to others. Leaders aren’t saints. They’re human beings, full of the same flaws and failings as the rest of us. Forgiveness can lighten that heavy burden just a little bit.

Let’s all have the humility to remember where we started and the humanity to offer others the same opportunities. When the time comes for them to speak of your legacy, is there anything better to be remembered for than ‘You made me want to be a better person’?” (Kouzes & Posner, 2006, p.160-162)
Reference: Kouzes, J.M., & Posner, B.Z., (2006). A leader’s legacy. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.