29 September 2008

Warm greetings, Reader,

It looks as though the proposed infusion of funds is going to pass through Congress, and the world as we know it will be preserved for the time being. The whole mess does create a terribly uncertain business environment. Interestingly, the most common reaction from people I’ve spoken with is to put the head down and just “keep on keeping on”.

All this talk of hundreds of billions here and a trillion there does make one’s day to day financial issues feel pretty much small change by comparison. But, in business, it is important to watch the details.

Last week I made reference to social attitudes, and I was heartened by the number of strongly supportive responses sent back to me. All too often the human and community aspects of business are overlooked under the pressure of financial considerations. Smart businesses recognise and respond to community views and attitudes. Even smarter businesses take an active role in shaping and fostering positive change. Two of our Patron Members, BCU and Holiday Coast Credit Union are recognised leaders in supporting positive changes in our community. Both recognise the importance of “giving back” to their community, and have prospered through this involvement.

They are not alone. I know that principals and staff of many more of our Member businesses are committed to contributing and making a difference in their community. Of course, taking a stand or voicing an opinion always embodies some risk. There will always be opposing or, at least, dissenting voices. But this is where leadership is demonstrated, by making an informed and considered decision on the right course of action, and then showing the resolve to follow through.

Many of our Member businesses represent the forefront of ethical trading, and have implemented best practice transparent and responsible operations to suit changing community needs. In these time, that means not only financial and social, but environmental and conservational practices as well.

One part of the community development role played by business is in the skilling of the workforce. Skills development, and fostering of further education by employers is beneficial for both the employer, the business and the wider community. The relationship between the Port Macquarie Community College and the business community is an under-utilised resource for business/community development. The College has the resources to provide tailored skills development for business staff in a wide variety of fields.

Analysis of recent discussions with BEC Members revealed that many are not aware of the relationship between the BEC and the College. Hastings BEC was “adopted” as a business unit of the College, with the intention of providing a convenient path for business skills development through the College’s resources. Many existing courses are promoted in these newsletters, but the College is always happy to understand your skills needs, to tailor a specific training solution. Call the College on 6583 7288 to discuss your needs.

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Port Macquarie Community College – Business-related training courses in October / November

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.
810C002 Thu Oct 16 to Nov 27 7 sessions 6pm-9pm $250

Produce Simple Business Documents
This course introduces you to the essential basic skills of word processing. Learn to create letters and small reports, print, save and edit a document, use text enhancement features, create tables and use shortcuts. BSBCMN213A - Produce simple word processed documents. Statement of Attainment from Certificate II in Business BSB20101.
810C008 Tue Oct 7 to Nov 11 6 sessions 6pm-9pm $220

MS Word Essentials
This class is ideal for expanding your skills and knowledge with MS Word. Topics covered will be saving documents, navigation, adjusting margins and layout, shortcuts, copy and move, search and replace, simple tables, autotext, mailmerge and printing.
809C012 Mon Oct 13 & Oct 20 2 sessions 1:30pm-4:30pm $90

Assertiveness Skills
You will love this assertiveness workshop for women if: you have trouble saying no to people, putting up with 'things' for too long and then end up snapping aggressively; being afraid of conflict; sick of feeling like a pushover or are the kids running rings around you? Well, come and learn the skills to handle those people that know how to push your buttons and to stand up for yourself gently without being mean.
810H015 Wed Oct 15 1 session 9am-5pm $85

Computers for the Absolute Beginner
This course is for you if you have never used a computer before and need to start at the very beginning. We provide one computer per participant and our patient friendly tutor will guide you through the basics of the keyboard, mouse, parts of a window, startup, shutdown and basic word processing. This is a course with no pressure, You can do it!
810C012 Sat Oct 18 to Nov 1 3 sessions 12:30pm-4:30pm $125

MS Outlook
Organise your time and schedules more efficiently. Let Outlook handle your busy life style. Learn how to use your email, work with the calendar, schedule meetings and appointments, set up your contacts and address book, to do lists and reminder notes.
810C013 Mon Oct 13 to Oct 27 3 sessions 9:30am-12:30pm $105

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Hastings BEC Networking Breakfast – Thursday 9th October 2008 at Mercure Centro Hotel (Cnr William and Hay Sts) PMQ.

This will be a breakfast with the focus firmly on Networking! Fewer talking heads – more interaction.
If you haven’t been along to a BEC Breakfast for a while, try to make it to this one to meet the new faces.
Come and see the spectacular rooftop environment at Mercure Centro Hotel.

Sponsored by The Digital Design & Poster Studio, breakfast will start at 7.00am sharp.

RSVP by cob Tuesday 7th October (so we can cater adequately and have name tags available)

As usual, Members $20 and Guests $25 payable at the door (cash or cheques only, please)

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Cassegrain Wines has recently been named as the exclusive wine supplier to Sydney Olympic Park. This is a great accolade for our Sponsor Member business.

Cassegrain Wines was selected because this winery enjoys the benefit of being able to focus on selected high quality wines that have limited exposure to any major discounting. Cassegrain Wines prides itself on being a boutique and niche producer. The winery has been selected following submissions from numerous major Australian wine producers to provide high quality wines for the duration of a 5 year contract term.

The company has recently gone through a restructure and selected a new sales team. Award of this contract is a great compliment that provides the new team with a wonderful opportunity to promote their award winning products.

Well done Cassegrain Wines!

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With Cassegrain winning the wine awards, and Little Brewing Company cleaning up in the “malt and hops” department, Greater Port Macquarie will soon be known as the centre of the imbibers’ universe. Just as well then, that the Journey of Flavour initiative has been launched to steer connoisseurs of all things consumable to this region.













The Journey of Flavour program aims to link the food and wine networks including growers, producers, restaurants, cafes, breweries, wineries and providores.

If you would like to find out more about the Journey of Flavour, follow this link: http://www.hastings.nsw.gov.au/www/html/3878-1-september-2008-local-businesses-embark-on-the-journey-of-flavour-.asp (Don’t try to type it. Hospital casualty department is already full!)

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On the subject of skills and leadership, if any of you know of any up and coming "Young Leaders" in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region, you may be interested in this.

The Leadership Award, presented by the University of Newcastle, aims to recognise and encourage emerging leaders in the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast regions. Nominations are invited from individuals aged less than 35 years on 1 January 2008 residing in the following local areas: Newcastle, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Upper Hunter, Dungog, Gloucester, Great Lakes, Wyong, Gosford, Greater Taree, Hastings, Kempsey, Nambucca, Bellingen, Coffs Harbour and Clarence Valley.

Please download the following documents: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/leadaward1.pdf , www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/leadaward2.pdf , and www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/leadaward3.pdf

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Further on the subject of community involvement, and something of significant interest to all Port Macquarie businesses…

Draft concept design plans for the Port Macquarie Foreshore and the Settlement City Precinct will be available as of Monday 29 September on Council's website, from our branch offices in Port Macquarie, Laurieton and Wauchope and on CD.

If you would like a copy of the CD please provide your address details to Gai Lazarides, Executive Assistant Infrastructure Services, Port Macquarie Hastings Council. Email: gai.lazarides@pmhc.nsw.gov.au

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Judy Morrison reminds us of the next meeting of Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism, as follows:

Wednesday 1st October
Laurieton United Servicemen’s Club
5.45 P.M. – 7 P.M.
Finger Food, Drinks, Net Working, Friendship follows
SEE YOU THERE!

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Half Ironman is here again…

The Scody Half Ironman will be held in Port Macquarie on 9th November this year. This event (and the full Ironman earlier in the year) brings enormous benefits to our town in the form of tourism promotion and revenue generation for local businesses.

Tim Atherton, the Local Organising Committee Bike Director, is seeking offers of assistance from corporate groups for the bike leg. You would be allocated a "high profile" location on the course. While ensuring the safety of the competitors and public, it would give you the opportunity to "fly your organisation's flag" as well as presenting a great team building exercise for you and your staff. You are encouraged to make it a fun day out; bring a barbecue, wear your corporate T shirts and make it a real social occasion while performing a vital community service.

If you are interested, please contact Tim on mobile telephone number 0407-414-040 or by email at tim.atherton@pmhc.nsw.gov.au as soon as possible

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I (Gregg) am also seeking individual helpers for the Home Street Aid Station. We provide food, drink and support to competitors during the run leg of the event. Very happy to hear from you, on 0419 438 194 or by email to admin@hastingsbec.com.au

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Peter Bastable writes:

Attached ( linked here: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/funrunentry.pdf ) is a copy of the 5km Fun Run Entry Form.

The Fun Run starts at 7:30am on Saturday 8 November - 1 day prior to Sunday's "Scody Half-Ironman Port Macquarie Triathlon". It should be noted that the primary sponsor of the Fun Run is Snap Printing who is also a Sponsor Member of the HBEC.

The Port Macquarie 5km Fun Run is organised and run by Port Macquarie Senior Athletics Club www.portmacquarieathletics.org/ with the willing aid of the council and sponsors. The participants are from all walks of life and include visiting families of the triathletes, local families, school children, parents, grand parents, some of the Half-Ironman competitors, local business people and even visitors on holiday not even knowing the Half Ironman was on.
It is primarily a Fun Run and includes all sorts!

The reasons for this message are three-fold:

1. We are looking for sponsors who would like to denote gift vouchers or items which will be provided to participants at the finish. The sponsors will also have their logos posted on our website, in the Entry form or a banner located at the event. Gifts are the choice of the sponsor and already include coaching, weekends away, items, vouchers.

2. We are looking for participants and they include all comers with all age categories' 0-14, 16-19, 20-34, 35-49, 50+.

3. New members of the club where all age groups most welcome; Tuesday evenings 5:30 warm up starting 30 September; throwing events (shot put, hammer, discus) are already in progress.

The athletics' club are full volunteers at the Half Ironman, who we are partnering with, so it blends very well and gives a very full weekend to all.

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AUSINDUSTRY presents information sessions on

Re-Tooling for Climate Change – This program aims to help Australian Manufacturers reduce their environmental footprint, through projects that improve the energy and/or water efficiency of their production process. This program provides grants between $10,000 and $500,000 up to a maximum of one third of the cost of each project.

Climate Ready – Provides grants from $50,000 to $5 million on matching funding basis to support projects that address the effects of climate change, including research & development, proof of concept and early stage commercialisation.

ENTERPRISE CONNECT presents:

Manufacturing Network is designed to meet the challenge of accessing information and assistance regarding the latest processes, technology and market information to help improve efficiency and drive growth. It helps get expert, tailored advice to improve productivity, build internal capacity and investigate new market opportunities. The program offers a free business review conducted by a business advisor and Enterprise Connect will contribute up to a maximum of $20,000 to help with implementation of approved projects that come from the business review.

When: Newcastle -14 October
Central Coast -15th October

Refer to invitation for more details www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/ausindoct.pdf

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Tacking Point School has a Tournament of the Mind (TOM) team that won the NSW titles.
They are looking for sponsorship to help them get to the National Titles, to be held in Melbourne on 25 October 2008.

The school is looking for corporate sponsorship to assist in getting the 7 students and their teacher to the titles.

Competing at this level requires considerable expense for both the students and school community and assistance is being sought to help the team offset these costs. Sponsorship of around $7,000 is required.

This is the first time Tacking Point has had a team win the State Titles. This result is an outstanding effort for a Public School and should be congratulated and supported.

Businesses interested in assisting or discussing sponsorship arrangements should contact the Principal, Terry Robinson on 6582 3479.

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Bush Dance
to benefit Kendall Little Athletics Inc.
Saturday 11th October 2008
Kendall School of Arts Hall, Coymbone St , Kendall

Music by ‘Bago Drovers’

BYO drinks and food - BBQ’s are available for cooking
Bookings are essential as seats are limited

Family :- $30, Double :- $20, Single :- $15

Doors open 6.00pm. Band starts at 7.00pm

Tickets available at Kendall CTC
For more details and bookings: Phone: 65594497 or Mobile: 0418251569

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Chris Newton, of Marketing Help Online, has made contact with BECs to promote his online business.

“Marketing Help Online’ encapsulates decades of testing what works best to market small businesses, and gives you the answers on a platter. It is a business owner’s dream toolkit, an ideas factory, and even a staff members training tool, all rolled into one. Accessible online, it gives you an abundance of processes that lift your daily success rate.

Renowned author of the system, Chris Newton, has put his money back guarantee in writing. That Marketing Help Online WILL work for you (as long as you work with it).” Find out how to get it at ( www.marketinghelponline.com.au/BEC004 )

Download the brochure with full details from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/BEC004.pdf (warning 2 MB file)

Declaration of interest: If you choose to enrol with Marketing Help Online, Hastings BEC will receive a small referral fee (commission).

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And a final word from Ohio State University Leadership Guru, Beth Flynn:

Accountability

“Accountability is being held responsible for one’s actions. Responsibility implies there is a consequence, that is, a reward for meeting obligations and punishment (or absence of reward) for failing to meet them. Accountability works because people care about the outcome, and they want others to know they are reliable. There are four necessary ingredients for holding people accountable.
• Establishing clear expectations
• Preparing people to meet those expectations with needed training and support
• Monitoring performance, and
• Attaching consequences to the results (Baumeister, 1982).” (London & London, 2007, p. 186)

22 September 2008

Bright sunny greetings, Reader,

It’s the sort of day when colours seem just a little brighter, the air feels fresher, and the b%*#&y birds start squawking at some ungodly hour – at least, before civilised people should be awakened.

The big news of the past week – apart from the odd Trillion bucks Bush is throwing around – was the launch of The Glasshouse performances, with Oz Opera’s rendition of Madame Butterfly. Congratulations to the Glasshouse team for a sensational taste of things to come. Congratulations also to Panthers Port Macquarie for supporting this paradigm-changing event in Port Macquarie.

Those of us who sat enthralled as the wonderful cast from Oz Opera (the touring arm of Opera Australia) performed Madame Butterfly can’t wait until our purpose-built venue is completed. While Panthers went “above and beyond” in providing a venue and support at a time of need, the auditorium is unarguably inadequate in both physical structure and acoustic properties for such a performance. What these performances achieved is confirmation – if any was still needed – that strong demand exists in Port Macquarie for quality cultural entertainment, and the desperate need for our purpose-built concert (and convention) theatre.

As an appetite-whetter we couldn’t have done better than Oz Opera’s Madame Butterfly. Well done The Glasshouse team, and congratulations to National Sponsor of Oz Opera, Australia Post!

On a less happy note, I had the experience of sitting for lunch yesterday with a person who represented, to me, most of the traits we can live without in this community. The person demonstrated the most bitter and twisted racism I have ever encountered, combined with the most incredibly blinkered views on change and progress. He strongly espoused his pride in the white anglo-saxon dominance in Port Macquarie, and his hostility toward any form of change, especially any increase in non-white (WAS) population because “they don’t know their place”.

Interestingly, the same individual was as vitriolic about infrastructure change. Almost every topic, whether expansion of tourism, expansion of retail areas, waterfront redevelopment or lifestyle changes (café culture, etc) was treated with the same derision. Needless to say, mention of The Glasshouse brought on near apoplexy. In short, this “gentleman” would like Port Macquarie to remain as it was when (should I say the day after) he arrived in the 1960’s – a white, sleepy backwater.

Of course, I imagine the “gentleman” enjoys the increased and improved services and facilities – health, medical, financial, commercial, energy and water, etc – that have been implemented since 1960. He is totally blinkered in his likes and dislikes, and his “world view” would benefit from a bit of travel. (I actually did resist the overwhelming desire to say “You don’t get out much, do you?”)

Sadly, I know that he is not alone in his attitudes, though I would hope that his is the most extreme form I’ll ever encounter. I strongly believe that it is up to us, as an aware and progressive business community, to offer ideas, suggestions and behaviour models, and work to counter such attitudes. For Greater Port Macquarie to prosper, we absolutely need (managed and controlled) growth and development. We certainly need the richness of cultural diversity, and evolution of a more tolerant and accepting society if we are to continue to “ride on the tourist’s back”. It’s up to us.

Whew! That was heavy for a Monday.
Time to move on to this week’s announcements, and we have a really eclectic mix this week:

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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 Administration Board. The LAB Certificate is required for employment in the industry.
810W002 Wed Oct 1st 1 session 9am-4pm $90

Responsible Conduct of Gambling
Provider No. 90886 LAB Approved. Participants will receive a Statement of Attainment THHADG03B - Provide responsible gambling services from Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations).
810W003 Thu Oct 2nd 1 session 9am-4pm $90

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 the food safety legislation will affect you. Meets Food Safety Program requirements. Successful participants will gain Statement of Attainment THHGHS01B – Follow workplace hygiene procedures from Certificate III in Hospitality (Operations).
810W008 Fri Oct 10th 1 session 9am-3pm $105

Colourful Insights into Communication
Here is an opportunity to gain a communication tool which not only achieves results but creates an entertaining, dynamic and unforgettable professional development experience. Based on the research of Carl Yung this workshop introduces an easy to understand communication tool through which to identify and celebrate existing strengths and emerging human potential. At the same time it promotes self awareness. The true colours metaphor demonstrated in this workshop can easily be used to identity learning needs in students and respond, motivate and work collaboratively with the personality styles of managers, colleagues, customers and family.
810W007 Tue Sep 30th 1 session 9am-4pm $98

MYOB Advanced Workshop
This short course will enhance your existing skills in MYOB with GST Reports BASlink, jobs, time billing, customising MYOB, forms, useful reports and report batches, designing, filtering, saving reports, to do list, contact log, entering transactions directly in the register, invoicing/sales tips and how to use inventory items creatively. Time is also allowed to cover topics raised by students.
809C001 Mon Sep 22nd to Oct 20 4 sessions 9am-12pm $148

Training for the Workplace
Enquire about customised training for your workplace. Update the skills of your staff and management.
Contact the College Program Co-ordinator on 6583 7288 to discuss your training needs.

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Hastings BEC networking Breakfast – Thursday 9th October

Welcome to Mercure Centro Hotel, Port Macquarie (on the corner of William and Murray Streets).
We’ll be on the rooftop to enjoy the fantastic Spring weather and the great views. (under cover in the unthinkable event of rain)

Sponsored by Adam Roberts’ Digital Design & Poster Studio.
This will be a breakfast focused on networking and socialising. Only a couple of brief announcements, a short presentation by Adam, and then over to you.

RSVP to admin@hastingsbec.com.au

As usual, Members $20 – Visitors and Guests $25

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Howards Storage World and Perfectly Organised join forces for a Spring Clean Up. So, if you’ve been wanting to get organised, clear the clutter & reduce your housework, NOW is the time!

Barbara Batt of Howards Storage World and Glenda Hamilton of Perfectly Organised, are starting a series of organizing workshops to empower people to de-clutter and spring clean. We will share some simple tips and tricks to help you sort, purge and maintain order. We will also demonstrate some great spring clean products & ideas to help make your life easier & your home better organised.

It will be a fun night – there will be a glass of bubbly/beer to help us along – and lucky door prizes, including a 3 hour organising session with Glenda of Perfectly Organised.

We invite you (& any friends you would like to invite) to a repeat of out first Organizing Workshop which will be held as follows:

Date: Tuesday 30th September 2008
Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Place: Howard Storage World Store
Port Home Zone
Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie
Cost: FREE
RSVP: by Friday 26 September
To the shop on 6584 3500 (numbers are limited)

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An award winning (BEC Member) health practice is seeking an organised and vibrant person for an Administration role.
The skills required include:

? A high standard of customer service skills.
? Proficient skills in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
? Professional and friendly telephone manner.
? Ability to take initiative.
? Be innovative.
? Ability to work within a small team.

Medical reception skills are welcomed. The position is part time with the possibility of increased hours.

If you can demonstrate the skills listed and are looking at creating an opportunity for yourself and our team please send your resume addressing the above skills to PO Box 8042, Port Macquarie NSW 2444.

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Liz Giles has sent me a good news media release to announce that…

Cassegrain Wines was today officially appointed as the EXCLUSIVE wine supplier to Sydney Olympic Park.

The submission put forward to the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre highlighted the fact that Cassegrain Wines enjoy the benefit of being able to focus on selected high quality wines that have limited exposure to any major discounting. The winery has been selected, following submissions from numerous other Australia wide producers, to provide high quality wines for the duration of a 5 year contract term.

You can download the full Media Release here: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/cassnews.doc

Congratulations Cassegrain!

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A Woman’s Heart Breakfast Series
Presented by Mid Coast Care, with support from Focus Magazine and Rydges Port Macquarie

Booking enquiries to Liz on 0427 085 801 or Jo on 6581 3303

Sonia Richardson McNamara Author, Guest Speaker $ 25.00
September 24, 2008
Hot breakfast served 7am
Speaker commencing 7.30am

Roz Baker Author, Bush Poet, Guest Speaker $ 25.00
October 17, 2008
Hot breakfast served 7am
Speaker commencing 7.30am

Donna Carson Author, Burns Survivor $ 25.00
November 14, 2008
Hot breakfast served 7am
Speaker commencing 7.30am

Book Your Seats Today!
Phone Liz on 0427 085 801 (Mon, Tues) or Jo on 6581 3303 (Wed, Thurs, Fri)

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Tacking Point School has a Tournament of the Mind (TOM) team that won the NSW titles.
They are looking for sponsorship to help them get to the National Titles, to be held in Melbourne on 25 October 2008.

The school is looking for corporate sponsorship to assist in getting the 7 students and their teacher to the titles.

Competing at this level requires considerable expense for both the students and school community and assistance is being sought to help the team offset these costs. Sponsorship of around $7,000 is required.

This is the first time Tacking Point has had a team win the State Titles. This result is an outstanding effort for a Public School and should be congratulated and supported.

Businesses interested in assisting or discussing sponsorship arrangements should contact the Principal, Terry Robinson on 6582 3479.

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Bush Dance
to benefit Kendall Little Athletics Inc.
Saturday 11th October 2008
Kendall School of Arts Hall, Coymbone St , Kendall

Music by ‘Bago Drovers’

BYO drinks and food - BBQ’s are available for cooking
Bookings are essential as seats are limited

Family :- $30, Double :- $20, Single :- $15

Doors open 6.00pm. Band starts at 7.00pm

Tickets available at Kendall CTC
For more details and bookings: Phone: 65594497 or Mobile: 0418251569

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Chris Newton, of Marketing Help Online, has made contact with BECs to promote his online business.

“Marketing Help Online’ encapsulates decades of testing what works best to market small businesses, and gives you the answers on a platter. It is a business owner’s dream toolkit, an ideas factory, and even a staff members training tool, all rolled into one. Accessible online, it gives you an abundance of processes that lift your daily success rate.

Renowned author of the system, Chris Newton, has put his money back guarantee in writing. That Marketing Help Online WILL work for you (as long as you work with it).” Find out how to get it at ( www.marketinghelponline.com.au/BEC004 )

Download the brochure with full details from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/BEC004.pdf (warning 2 MB file)

Declaration of interest: If you choose to enrol with Marketing Help Online, Hastings BEC will receive a small referral fee (commission).

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Finally, I’ve received a newsletter from Melinda and Steve Robinson, who are busily settled in Uganda. Their newsletter and an order form for their Christmas gift offerings can be downloaded here www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/opendoorsnov08.pdf and www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/opendoorsorder.doc

I’m finalising arrangements to send a box of hand-powered torches to Mel and Steve soon, on your behalf. Any late donations are welcome.

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If you enjoy your HBEC Membership, and you enjoy our activities,
try to encourage another business to become a member. We have room for growth.

And that’s it for yet another week in sun-soaked Port Mac.
Don’t forget to welcome the Endeavour replica into port tomorrow morning.

15 September 2008

Breezy warm sunny greetings, Reader,

First off, humble apologies to subscribers who missed last Monday’s Update. Apparently some sort of technical malfunction resulted in some electrons heading off in the direction of Alpha Centauri instead of delivering your email. Personally I blame the Large Hadron Collider. Of course, back issues – including last Monday’s – are available on our Blog at http://hbec.blogspot.com

September is here, and so is the sea breeze. Our climate is just one of the many aspects of Port Macquarie for which we should be appreciative. Seeing news, over the weekend, from Galveston and Huston reminded me just how fortunate we are. Of course, our own country can be unforgiving at times. A light aircraft is currently missing on a weekend flight between Scone and Casino, over some very rugged country indeed. We don’t have to step too far beyond our comfortably urbanised town to encounter nature in the raw. For me that variety of environments is one of the real pleasures of living on the Mid North Coast.

Congratulations to The Glasshouse, as tomorrow night sees the launch of their first production. Oz Opera’s performance of Madame Butterfly will be staged at Panthers Auditorium, so two of our Patron Members are coming together to provide Port Macquarie with this fantastic event. After hearing a small sample of her wonderful voice at last year’s Season Launch on Town Green, I can’t wait to experience Jane Parkin in performance. Of course, the rest of the performers are wonderful too, but I have a special fondness for tall, gorgeous women who can sing.

If you haven’t already secured your tickets, there are still a few good seats available from the Glasshouse Box Office on 6581 8888 for performances on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Don’t miss out!

Last Thursday’s BEC Networking Breakfast was a very successful event. More than 70 participants engaged in an enjoyable discussion with a panel of BEC Members who won category awards at the recent GPM Business Awards. The topic was “What makes a small business successful?”, and our panellists were able to provide a lot of interesting and useful observations. It’s great to have the opportunity to recognise the wealth of skill and knowledge we have “within”.

Thanks to the generosity of member businesses, we had a couple of fantastic door prizes to sweeten the morning. “Wazza” Affleck, from Compass financial management walked away with a $250 open order thanks to Digital Design & Poster Studio. And to prove that Karma is alive and functioning, David Relf from the Telstra Shop took away a 10.5 inch (even bigger in metric!) digital photo frame courtesy of Joyer. The Karma comes in because last year Daniel Jordan, from Joyer, picked up a very nice mobile phone donated by Telstra Shop. So, what goes around really does come around.

Thanks also to Sue and Mike Reid (Discovery Health & Fitness, and Jeffrey, Reid Flanagan respectively), David and Daniel for additional gifts to make several people’s day.

Later this week there is an event particularly focused on the ladies. On Friday, at Mercure Centro Hotel’s Synergy restaurant, Prue Goward will be keynote speaker at a Ladies’ Lunch on the topic “Why we need more women in politics.” See the item below for booking details.

Our next BEC Breakfast will be held on Thursday 9th October, on the rooftop at Mercure Centro - a terrific new venue for us. I hope you can make it.

That’s about it for the goss. Here are the upcoming events:

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Port Macquarie Community College business-related skills development:

Colourful Insights into Communication
Here is an opportunity to gain a communication tool which not only achieves results but creates an entertaining, dynamic and unforgettable professional development experience. Based on the research of Carl Yung this workshop introduces an easy to understand communication tool through which to identify and celebrate existing strengths and emerging human potential. At the same time it promotes self awareness. The true colours metaphor demonstrated in this workshop can easily be used to identity learning needs in students and respond, motivate and work collaboratively with the personality styles of managers, colleagues, customers and family.
810W007 Tue Sep 30 1 session 9am-4pm $98

Welcome to Work Workshop
Be prepared for the first day at work! Learn the skills and techniques to make starting work a breeze by gaining an insight to how an office is set up, how people work together, the type of work people do, the type of equipment used, workplace etiquette, how to set up a workstation and understand terminology and effective listening skills.
809W005 Mon Sep 22 1 session 9am-5pm $98

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

Internet & Email
Learn to surf, browse, use web addresses, search for information, print, create email, send and receive email, reply to emails, send attachments, address book and more.
809C016 Thu Sep 18 to Sep 29 4 sessions 3:15pm-5:15pm $85

Responsible Service of Alcohol
Provider No. 90886 LAB Approved. Successful 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.
810W002 Wed Oct 1 1 session 9am-4pm $90

Responsible Conduct of Gambling
Provider No. 90886 - LAB Approved. Successful participants will receive a Statement of Attainment THHADG03B - Provide responsible gambling services from Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations).
810W003 Thu Oct 2 1 session 9am-4pm $90

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The Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce’s next member information and networking night will be on
Tuesday, 16 September at Quality Sails Resort at 6.30pm following the AGM.

Date: Tuesday 16 September 2008
Time: 6.30pm (following the AGM starting at 6.15pm)
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 by 3:00pm 15 September 2008 to (02) 6583 4412 or info@portchamber.com.au

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The Glasshouse Arts, Conference & Entertainment Centre presents
MADAME BUTTERFLY
at Panthers Port Macquarie
Tuesday 16 Sept and Wednesday 17 Sept 2008 at 8pm

Single Tickets Now On Sale
A Reserve
Adult $45 | Concession $40 | Student & U18 $25

Premium
Adult $65 | Concession $60 | Student & U18 $55

GROUP BOOKINGS of 10+ people qualify for the concession rate on tickets.
If you are booking with friends, please let the Glasshouse Box Office know to ensure that your seats are allocated beside each other.

There are 2 simple ways to purchase a ticket – Telephone the Glasshouse Box Office on 6581 8888 or book online via the Glasshouse website www.glasshouse.org.au

Download this flyer www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/madameb.pdf for full details of Cast, Production and Storyline.

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Sausage Sizzle at The Men’s Shed, Timbertown

Wednesday 17th September at 12.00 for 12.30

If you are a bloke, you are invited to attend a sausage sizzle that is intended to become a monthly event on the third Wednesday of each month.
Why? Because it’s a Men’s Shed, and because we can!

RSVP to Mort Shearer on 0417 498 821 or to Peter Nash on 0448 504 312
(Make sure they tell you about the ‘secret’ back entrance to Timbertown)

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Ladies, You are invited to join special guest Pru Goward for Lunch at the Mercure Centro Hotel
Cnr Hay & William Streets, Port Macquarie

Topic—”Why we need more women in politics”

Pru will be supported by other local “women in politics”
Hon Melinda Pavey MLC, NSW Parliament and
Leslie Williams, Nationals Candidate for the Port Macquarie by-election

Friday 19th September, 12.30—2.30pm Cost $30

Pru Goward is the state Liberal member for Goulburn in the NSW Parliament, shadow Minister for Women, Climate change and the Environment.
She was federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner for six years from 2001 until 2007 and before that Executive Director of the Office for the Status of Women in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet under Prime Minister John Howard.
She is an economist by training and was a current affairs reporter with the ABC for 19 years. She has three daughters, a grand daughter, a husband and a farm.

RSVP 65830830 by Wed 16/9/08
Email: events@centrohotel.com.au
Payment at time of booking please (Tax Invoices will be available if required)

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Some great tips for Members who are leaders or members of teams.

The following key issues need to be addressed if teams are to work well.

1. The team must know each others strengths and weaknesses
2. The team must have a common purpose.
3. All team members must be committed to the common purpose.
4. There must be clear goals, objectives and timeframes.

These are just some of the issues for teams, but BEC Member Peter Coe Consulting can really help you by coaching your team to make sure it will deliver results.

Peter has an excellent new Team Coaching methodology that will deliver the results you want. A single session or series of sessions with a team can be arranged at a reasonable cost. Contact Peter as follows:

Ph: 02 6582 4650 Mob: 0400 998 917
Email: peter@coeconsult.com.au
Web: http://www.coeconsult.com.au/

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Pine O’Queen

Kathleen Norman will be representing the Combined Rotary Clubs of the Port Macquarie Hastings for the coming Carnival of the Pines.

Kathleen will be raising funds by way of a Dinner at The Stunned Mullet on Thursday 18th September at 6:30pm.
Tickets are only $75 per head and include a two course meal (main & dessert) plus wine.
Kathleen is organising lucky door prizes and a raffle with vouchers for Restaurant meals; petrol; supermarket just to name a few.

CONTACT: Kathleen Norman 6583 8088 / 0438 006 566

Hope you can make it along and help in raising funds for a very worthwhile cause!
Download a PowerPoint extravaganza with details, from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/Pines.ppt

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Mid Coast Care is presenting a 3-part breakfast series “A Woman’s Heart”, in support of the Women’s Refuge in Port Macquarie.
Sponsored by Rydges Port Macquarie and Focus Magazine, this series of breakfasts also celebrates the 6th anniversary of the charity Mid Coast care.

Breakfasts will be held at Rydges Port Macquarie on Wed 24th September, Fri 17th October, and Fri 14th November 2008.

Women of Port Macquarie come along… be moved and support those women and children in our community who are fleeing domestic violence.

Full details by downloading the brochure www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/mccawh.pdf
Phone Liz (Mon, Tue) 0427 085 801 or Jo (Wed, Thu, Fri) 6581 3303

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Chris Newton, of Marketing Help Online, has made contact with BECs to promote his online business.

“Marketing Help Online’ encapsulates decades of testing what works best to market small businesses, and gives you the answers on a platter. It is a business owner’s dream toolkit, an ideas factory, and even a staff members training tool, all rolled into one. Accessible online, it gives you an abundance of processes that lift your daily success rate.

Renowned author of the system, Chris Newton, has put his money back guarantee in writing. That Marketing Help Online WILL work for you (as long as you work with it).” Find out how to get it at ( www.marketinghelponline.com.au/BEC004 )

Download the brochure with full details from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/BEC004.pdf (warning 2 MB file)

Declaration of interest: If you choose to enrol with Marketing Help Online, Hastings BEC will receive a small referral fee (commission).

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And there you have it for another 7 days. Good on all the hard workers out on Port Macquarie Golf Course this afternoon, making a quid for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. A great cause. I’d like to be there with you, but I learned on Saturday not to lift a 25kg bag of salt and a gas cylinder at the same time. Ouch!

We can’t leave without an item from those fun-loving people at the Bureau of Stats:

Here’s some help to get your vehicle use claims in line with statistical norms…

9210.0.55.001 Survey of Motor Vehicle Use: Data Cubes, Australia, 01 Nov 2006 to 31 Oct 2007
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/9210.0.55.001?OpenDocument

Don’t have too much fun with all those numbers!

8 September 2008

Sunny Spring greetings, Reader,

Well, the hustling is over and we have a new Federal Member for Lyne. Congratulations to Rob Oakeshott.

Last week’s Great Debate was very successful, with a full house audience appreciating the efforts of our local businesspeople to promote or refute the proposition that “A big salary beats work-life balance hands down”. While the debate was enjoyable, and vigorously conducted, the outcome was never in any doubt. How could it be? We’ve chosen to live and work here in Port Macquarie, where the salaries are down but the quality of life is stratospheric. Anyway, congratulations to the Mid North Coast HR Network, Hastings Business Womens Network and NSW Business Chamber for organising another beaut function.

Next event on the calendar is our HBEC Networking Breakfast this Thursday, 11th September, at Panthers Pier One. After toying with some ideas, I’ve asked 8 of our small business winners from the recent GPM Business Awards to form a panel to discuss “What makes a small business successful?” Questions will be invited from breakfast participants, and we can be assured of an interesting discussion. See item below for your reservation.

We are only one week away from the first major performance organised by The Glasshouse Arts, Conference and Entertainment Centre. Of course, it can’t yet be staged in the Glasshouse, but Panthers have very generously agreed to host Madame Butterfly in their auditorium. This will be a fantastic production and, if you haven’t already reserved your place, there are still some good seats available from the Glasshouse Box Office on 6581 8888. See the item below for details.

Our BEC Members Barb and Laurie Smith are back, after volunteering at yet another Olympics. Congratulations, and well done to Barb and Laurie who are terrific representatives for our community.

Finally, for this week,

Be careful of your emails. There is another rash of fraudulent and, this time, virus-loaded hoax emails circulating. See item below for details.

Now, on with this week’s activities – and there is a lot of them:

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Port Macquarie Community College

Body Language
We base our judgements of people primarily on their non-verbal communications, but it is easy to misjudge people because non-verbal communication is so difficult to 'read'. You will have the opportunity in this course to explore the impact that your own non-verbal messages have on your relationship with others and develop strategies to improve your interpersonal communication.
809W006 Thu Sep 11 1 session 9am-4pm $98

Colourful Insights into Communication
Here is an opportunity to gain a communication tool which not only achieves results but creates an entertaining, dynamic and unforgettable professional development experience. Based on the research of Carl Yung this workshop introduces an easy to understand communication tool through which to identify and celebrate existing strengths and emerging human potential. At the same time it promotes self awareness. The true colours metaphor demonstrated in this workshop can easily be used to identity learning needs in students and respond, motivate and work collaboratively with the personality styles of managers, colleagues, customers and family.
810W007 Tue Sep 30 1 session 9am-4pm $98
Free information session to let you know what this class is about is on wednesday 10 sept 9am to 10:30am
Please ring 6583 7288 to register

Welcome to Work Workshop
Be prepared for the first day at work! Learn the skills and techniques to make starting work a breeze by gaining an insight to how an office is set up, how people work together, the type of work people do, the type of equipment used, workplace etiquette, how to set up a workstation and understand terminology and effective listening skills.
809W005 Mon Sep 22 1 session 9am-5pm $98

Excel Assessment
Do you possess Excel Skills but have no formal recognition for this? If you have done the Introduction and the Intermediate Excel classes with the College, or you have the equivalent skills then this two hour assessment class is for you. Successful participants will receive a Statement of Attainment BSBCMN214A - Create and use simple spreadsheets from Certificate II in Business BSB20101. $95 Call to register your interest Date to be arranged.

MYOB Advanced Workshop
This short course will enhance your existing skills in MYOB with GST Reports BASlink, jobs, time billing, customising MYOB, forms, useful reports and report batches, designing, filtering, saving reports, to do list, contact log, entering transactions directly in the register, invoicing/sales tips and how to use inventory items creatively. Time is also allowed to cover topics raised by students.
809C001 Mon Sep 22 to Oct 20 4 sessions 9am-12pm $148

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

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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Hastings BEC Networking Breakfast, Thursday 11th September
Panthers Pier One Restaurant
6.45am for 7.00am start
This will be another big one, so don’t forget to RSVP to admin@hastingsbec.com.au by cob Tuesday, please!

This month’s breakfast will feature a panel discussion of “What makes a small business successful?”.
Eight of our best and brightest young entrepreneurs will field your questions and provide insights into their own success.
Panelists will be:
- Kylie Little, from The Little Brewing Company – winner of every award under the sun
- Chris Denny, from The Observatory – winner of every accommodation award ever invented (and now Hall of Fame inductee!)
- Daniel Jordan, from Joyer “Intergalactic Enterprises” (OK, I made that bit up!), a highly successful, award winning IT marketing and media business
- Chris Harris, from Luxe Café and Fine Foods – the home of yummy tucker! and hospitality award winner.
- Leasa Harris, who also wears a hat for Elders Real Estate Port Macquarie – Business Awards winner.
- Sue Reid, from Discovery Health & Fitness – Multi Award winner and synonymous with fitness and health in Port Macquarie, and
- Michael Reid, wearing his hat for Jeffrey, Reid, Flanagan Valuations – award winning financial services business.

Again, thanks to the generosity of our members we have a couple of fantastic major door prizes this month.
Adam Roberts from Digital Design & Poster Studio, has provided a $250 open order voucher, and
Daniel Jordan from Joyer is providing a 10.4 inch digital photo frame (RRP around $300). I love those things!
You have to be there to be in the draw.

As usual, Members $20 and Guests are welcome at $25
RSVP to admin@hastingsbec.com.au by cob Tuesday, please.

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The Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce’s next member information and networking night will be on
Tuesday, 16 September at Quality Sails Resort at 6.30pm following the AGM.

Date: Tuesday 16 September 2008
Time: 6.30pm (following the AGM starting at 6.15pm)
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 by 3:00pm 15 September 2008 to (02) 6583 4412 or info@portchamber.com.au

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The Glasshouse Arts, Conference & Entertainment Centre presents
MADAME BUTTERFLY
at Panthers Port Macquarie
Tuesday 16 Sept and Wednesday 17 Sept 2008 at 8pm

Single Tickets Now On Sale
A Reserve
Adult $45 | Concession $40 | Student & U18 $25

Premium
Adult $65 | Concession $60 | Student & U18 $55

GROUP BOOKINGS of 10+ people qualify for the concession rate on tickets.
If you are booking with friends, please let the Glasshouse Box Office know to ensure that your seats are allocated beside each other.

There are 2 simple ways to purchase a ticket – Telephone the Glasshouse Box Office on 6581 8888 or book online via the Glasshouse website www.glasshouse.org.au

Download this flyer www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/madameb.pdf for full details of Cast, Production and Storyline.

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Pine O’Queen

HBEC Member and Macquarie Southern Cross Media Account Manager Kathleen Norman will be representing the Combined Rotary Clubs of the Port Macquarie Hastings for the coming Carnival of the Pines.

Kathleen will be raising funds by way of a Dinner at The Stunned Mullet on Thursday 18th September at 6:30pm.
Tickets are only $75 per head and include a two course meal (main & dessert) plus wine.
Kathleen is organising lucky door prizes and a raffle with vouchers for Restaurant meals; petrol; supermarket just to name a few.

CONTACT: Kathleen Norman 6583 8088 / 0438 006 566
Or EMAIL kathleen.norman@macsc.com.au

Hope you can make it along and help in raising funds for a very worthwhile cause!
Download a PowerPoint extravaganza with details, from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/Pines.ppt

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Mid Coast Care is presenting a 3-part breakfast series “A Woman’s Heart”, in support of the Women’s Refuge in Port Macquarie.
Sponsored by Rydges Port Macquarie and Focus Magazine, this series of breakfasts also celebrates the 6th anniversary of the charity Mid Coast care.

Breakfasts will be held at Rydges Port Macquarie on Wed 24th September, Fri 17th October, and Fri 14th November 2008.

Women of Port Macquarie come along… be moved and support those women and children in our community who are fleeing domestic violence.

Full details by downloading the brochure www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/mccawh.pdf
Phone Liz (Mon, Tue) 0427 085 801 or Jo (Wed, Thu, Fri) 6581 3303

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Congratulations to HBEC Patron Member BCU for earning top marks in business banking, third year in a row.

This month local community credit union, BCU, has been awarded fi ve-star ratings in CANNEX’s Business Banking Star Ratings Report (September 2008).

For the third year running, BCU has been awarded fi ve-star ratings for its business lending products, with CANNEX remarking that ‘There are some very impressive business banking products on offer from credit unions like BCU...As well as the strong product range...its the level of personal service that is most impressive’.

CANNEX is Australia’s leading independent fi nancial services research group, and five stars is the highest possible rating, indicating ‘superior value’.

See the full press release at www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/BCUCANNEX.pdf

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State by-election Meet the Candidates

The Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce intends to hold a ‘meet the candidates’ night at Port Panthers on Tuesday 7 October.
Should you wish to participate you would be most welcome.

Put it in your diary. More details in due course

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Thrive in the current landscape: Cash Flow Management

Special breakfast seminar, co-hosted by NSW Business Chamber and ANZ
In these tight economic times with high interest rates and petrol prices, it is not only essential that you review your cash flow for maintaining your business, but you also find ways of improving your cash flow to take up opportunities for your business to grow.

During tight economic conditions there can be opportunities to grow your business at a lower cost and with less effort than during better economic times, and with a good cash flow plan you can take advantage for longer term business growth.

This seminar is designed to push some buttons for you to use and review the skills you have in controlling your cash flow in areas such as:

> Managing a small business
> Keys to being successful
> Business planning
> Managing cash flow

You will walk away with practical ideas to implement immediately in your business.
$30 for NSW Business Chamber Members, $60 for non-members
Port Macquarie
Tuesday, 23 September 7.00 - 9.00am Register Now


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WARNING

If you receive the following email (or similar – there are several variations doing the rounds)…

Dear Valued Customer:
ID: aqb

As you have requested, we are sending you this abstract of transactions performed with your credit card between 1/1/2008 and 8/1/2008.

The Abstract with your account details is attached to this message. Please download the attached file to view or print the document.

Sincerely,
Brandy Tilley
Manager of Visa / MasterCard
Credit Card Services

Do yourself a favour, and DELETE IT.
DO NOT OPEN the attachment and DO NOT REPLY

The attachment contains a “Trojan” infection that will infect your computer.
All that replying will do is confirm that your email address is “alive” to the spammers.

Use a quality, reputable Anti-virus package and keep it up to date. Daily updates are important!
If you did receive a similar email, and if your anti-virus did not report it as infected, update or change your antivirus package.

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Smoke and mirrors: The truth behind interest rate reductions

BCU have sent a media release discussing the current interest rate issues. Download the media release from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/bcuinterest.pdf

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Useful information

I’m now receiving frequent information from Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research – Thanks Leonie.

The following very useful and informative documents are available for download from HBEC site:
- Greening your business ( download www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/gyb.doc )
- Marketing your business for success Parts 1 and 2 ( download www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/mybfs.doc )
- Create a website for your business ( download www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/caw.doc )
- Employing people ( download www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/ep.doc )
- Exporting – article from Business.Gov.Au ( download www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/exp.doc ).

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Chris Newton, of Marketing Help Online, has made contact with BECs to promote his online business.

“Marketing Help Online’ encapsulates decades of testing what works best to market small businesses, and gives you the answers on a platter. It is a business owner’s dream toolkit, an ideas factory, and even a staff members training tool, all rolled into one. Accessible online, it gives you an abundance of processes that lift your daily success rate.

Renowned author of the system, Chris Newton, has put his money back guarantee in writing. That Marketing Help Online WILL work for you (as long as you work with it).” Find out how to get it at ( www.marketinghelponline.com.au/BEC004 )

Download the brochure with full details from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/BEC004.pdf (warning 2 MB file )

Declaration: If you choose to enrol with Marketing Help Online, Hastings BEC will receive a small referral fee (commission).

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And I think that’s about it for another week in Independence-ville. OK Rob, we’ve elected you, now let’s see some results.

Cheers,

1 September 2008

“Spring has sprung” greetings, Reader,

And for Port Macquarie, Spring sprang on us a few days early this year. Last Friday morning QANTASLink officially launched their new Dash 8-400 aircraft on the Port to Sydney service. The “400” is a much longer, faster and roomier aircraft than preceding models, and QANTAS has chosen to configure them for a modest 72 seats, which provides great leg room and comfort. No more risk of head injuries from the wing pass-through block of the older models either. In the “400” even Chris Denny can walk the aisle without stooping. The economics of the “400” also means more seats, and more discount seats. That’s great for all of us. Well done, QANTASLink.

Friday just kept on getting better, and culminated in a fantastic Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards dinner function at Panthers. About 500 people attended – making it about the biggest event of the year. Everyone had come to recognise achievement, and to be recognised, and to say the spirit was festive would be a mild understatement. Master of Ceremonies was legendary test cricketer and commentator, Mr Kerry O’Keeffe. I hadn’t had the pleasure of hearing Kerry live before, but I sure look forward to the next opportunity. He is a VERY funny man!

Hastings BEC members were very strongly represented among the winners – 12 of the 25 category winners – and our multi-award winning member The Little Brewing Company did it again, winning the Trades & Manufacturing category. They then returned to the stage twice more, to be awarded Port Macquarie Business of the Year (Camden Haven and Wauchope were recognised with separate categories), and Greater Port Macquarie Business of the Year (the overall winner). Congratulations to the Wicked Elf herself, and to the Brewmeister (and to the local investors who recognised the potential in this fledgling business).

The Hastings BEC Members awarded “Best in Category” prizes on the night were:
• Accommodation - The Observatory Port Macquarie
• Coffee Shop / Café - Luxe Café
• Corporate Community Citizenship - Port Macquarie News
• Disability Friendly - Port Macquarie Community College
• Financial /Legal Services - Jeffrey Reid Flanagan Valuations
• Professional/Business Services - Joyer Consulting
• Fitness and Lifestyle - Discovery Health & Fitness
• Indigenous Services - Jobfind Centre
• Real Estate Services - Elders Real Estate
• Schools/Education Facilities - Port Macquarie Community College
• Tours and Attractions - Cassegrain Wines
• Trades and Manufacturing - The Little Brewing Company

The Awards also provided wonderful recognition for the dedicated team who manage and operate the Community College, with awards in two categories. Many people are unaware of the great work the Community College does in providing classes and services for people with disabilities – in a premises designed to be disability friendly. The College also provides specialist development for literacy and numeracy challenged people, as well as a wide range of community-oriented skills development programs. Increasingly, the College is providing training and skills development programs tailored to satisfy requirements of local business, and the obvious synergy with the BEC is still developing. Well done to “the girls”!

Congratulations to the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce, and to the organising committee, for an outstandingly successful event. As a number of people remarked on the night, this is exactly the sort of “shot in the arm” the local business community has needed after a difficult trading year.

Our regional tourism industry is winning awards. Our accommodation, hospitality and service industries are winning awards. QANTASLink, Virgin Blue and Brindabella Airlines are bringing ever-increasing numbers into the region. Hopefully with Spring we can turn the corner and capitalise on strong economic recovery.

Of course, September is Small Business Month, and we will have several more functions through the month, commencing with The Great Debate tomorrow at Rydges. The topic for debate is “A big salary beats work-life balance hands down”. Chamber Exec Officer Hadyn Oriti and I just laughed when we heard the topic, having voted with our feet in recent times. Still, it should be entertaining watching some poor sods try to argue the affirmative while the audience can see the sun sparkling off the Hastings River outside the room.

Our HBEC Networking Breakfast on Thursday 11th September will focus on small business development, with a number of speakers providing their thoughts on what makes a small business successful. Don’t miss it.

Again, congratulations to Chamber, and to everyone who took part in the Business Awards. Win, lose or draw, it was great to see regional businesses coming together in friendly rivalry and to celebrate excellence in business operation.

On a separate issue, Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce has recently announced that it has no position on the forthcoming state and federal by-elections. I support Hadyn Oriti’s announcement and emphasise that Hastings BEC, similarly, has no party political position on the election. In the interests of local businesses, we recommend that voters seriously scrutinise all contenders’ policies relating to regional development and support for businesses in this region, and consider which contender will be in the strongest position to advocate in Parliament for our needs.

On to coming events:

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Port Macquarie Community College, business-related training courses:

Food Hygiene and Safety
This course covers safe food handling and safe storage of foodstuff, effective use of detergents and sanitisers, waste and pest control. Includes an overview of food safety legislation. The course meets Food Safety Program requirements Successful participants will gain a Statement of Attainment THHGHS01B from Cert III in Hospitality (Operations).
Saturday Sept 6th, 1 session 9.00am – 3.00pm $98

Colourful Insights Into Communication
Here is an opportunity to gain a communication tool which not only achieves results, but creates an entertaining, dynamic and unforgettable professional development experience. Based on the work of Carl Jung, this workshop introduces an easy to understand communication tool through which to identify and celebrate existing strengths and emerging human potential.Learn to identify learning needs in students, and to respond, motivate and work effectively with the personality styles of managers, customers and staff.
Tuesday 30th September, 1 session 9.00am – 4.00pm $98

Body Language
We base our judgements of people primarily on their non-verbal communications, but it is easy to mis-judge people. Because non-verbal communication is difficult to read. You will have the opportunity in this course to explore the impact that your own non-verbal messages have on your relationship with others, and to develop strategies to improve your interpersonal communication.
Thursday 11th September, 1 session 9.00am – 4.00pm $98

Introduction to Payroll
Process Payroll, statement of attainment for Certificate III in Business Administration. Learn to manage holidays, sick leave, awards, salary and wage employees. Calculate employee pays, print group certificates and perform end of year functions using MYOB v17.
Thursdays, September 11th to October 9th 5 sessions 9.00am – 12 noon $175

GST and BAS – short course
This short course will look at the GST – how it is calculated, different GST invoicing formats, and how to complete your GST statement. This course will teach you how to complete your BAS manually and using MYOB v17. We will also cover sending your BAS electronically and how to set up your BASlink.
Saturday 13th September, 1 session 9.30am – 4.00pm $89

Contact PM Community College on 6583 7288 for details and booking.

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There are just a few late seats still available for 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 (Yeah, right!)
Date: Tuesday 2 September, 12 noon – 2pm (That’s tomorrow!)
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 but don’t delay!.

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

This will be a breakfast focused on Small Business Month, with a couple of surprise guest speakers.
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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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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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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‘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.

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

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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And there you go. Another week has flashed past our eyes.
The earth’s population is 6,695,371,665 (at 0200 UTC) and has grown by 124,163 today.
So far TODAY,
the world has pumped 48,680,749 barrels of oil,
built 57,876 cars,
and spent $1,931,339,109 on military goods and services.
and the day’s only half over.
Source http://www.peterrussell.com/Odds/WorldClock.php

Cheers,