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)