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,