03 Nov 2008

Refreshingly dampened greetings, Reader,

Into every life a little rain must fall. Fortunately, for the good people of Port Macquarie, the rain held off yesterday for the Holiday Coast Credit Union Tastings Of The Hastings. And what a fantastic event it was!

A highlight, for me, was The Other Chef – Eric Robinson, demonstrating the preparation of kingfish sachimi. Starting with a whole kingfish, Eric expertly filleted the fish, then shaved paper-thin slices of the succulent flesh to marinade and finally presented with a garnish of Japanese herbs. Just stunning! Even the senior lady sitting next to me, who was unused to the idea of eating “raw fish”, was enthused by the end result.

2008’s Tastings was even bigger, better and more popular than last year’s highly successful event. This year featured more stalls, a wider variety of goods and services on show, and oh, the food! I think every restaurant in the region was represented. An estimated 5,000 plus people attended, including the NSW Minister for Regional Development, Philip Costa, and all shared in a great morning. As well as the usual Tastings taskforce, led by Trevor Sargeant, this year Sonia Fingleton took the lead in coordinating the event, and the result is a credit to her leadership and the hard work of a dedicated team.

Tastings, at the race course, was the culmination of a week of events highlighting the Journey of Flavour, a new promotion tying together producers and outlets for the regions wonderful food, wine and beverage products. A great product of the Journey of Flavour program is a cookbook featuring dishes by many of the region’s best restaurateurs and chefs. The HCCU Tastings of the Hastings Cookbook can be purchased from Council Reception (Port, Wauchope & Laurieton), the VICs (Port & Kew) or from the Economic Development team at Port HQ. At only $10 a copy, it makes a great little easily-mailed gift for friends.

Success of the Tastings was the culmination of a good week, and a satisfying year for principal sponsor, our Patron Member Holiday Coast Credit Union. Well done to CEO Neville Parsons and the whole HCCU team. Recent announcement of a successful trading result for the year, even in very difficult conditions, followed closely the launch of HCCU’s refreshed logo and image. The new logo, see above (in the header block) is modern and stylish. (See story below)

This week is a propitious time to announce our two newest members. Welcome to Nicole Graham’s Emergency ID Australia, and Brigid Loane representing Silverspoon Catering & Events. Great to have these two excellent local businesses join us in the HBEC.

We still need to increase our HBEC membership a little, to achieve ongoing viability. And, of course, expanded membership means greater opportunity for contacts and networking for existing members as well. So, if you have contact with a business that is not currently a HBEC member and should be, please invite them to join us. Right now, new members can enjoy 14 months of membership for the cost of 12, as new memberships will remain valid right through 2009.

On a completely different tack, is it just me, or do others see an increasing similarity between the Obama campaign and that of JFK? Just an idle observation! Tomorrow will tell. Which is easier to pick, the Cup or the Presidency?

This is a big week for announcements and promotions, so let’s get started…

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Port Macquarie Community College – providing work-related skills development

Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation – With all the golf days coming up, this is a vital skill

This accredited course will teach you how to safely administer cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. Within some industries it is a requirement to annually update the CPR component of the First Aid Certificate HLTCPR201A - Perform CPR RTO 2551. Classes can be arranged by request when registering your interest with the College $40

Communicating with Customers

If you have contact with customers and want to explore your own interpersonal communication style and its impact on others, then this is the course for you. The dynamics of communication in the encounter between a customer or team member can be quite complex. This program focuses on customer service and examines the communication skills which help you to establish a relationship with your customer which is conducive to creating a happy and long lasting relationship. Communication processes like non-verbal communication, assertiveness, listening, questioning and feedback skills will be covered.
811W008 Thu Nov 27 1 session 9am-4pm $98

Introduction to Excel - I reckon a spreadsheet is the single most useful tool in business

Learn the basics of creating and updating spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel. Basic Windows skills required. Topics covered include entering and editing data, formatting, using formulas and functions and printing.
811C007 Tue Nov 18 to Nov 25 2 sessions 6pm-9pm $90

TRAINING FOR THE WORKPLACE
Enquire about customised training for your workplace. Update the skills of your staff and management. We are happy to customise training for your needs at your premises or in our classrooms at a time to suit.Contact the Program Co-ordinator on 6583 7288 to discuss your needs.

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Hastings BEC Networking Breakfast – Thursday 13th November

Our next Networking Breakfast will be held on Thursday 13th November, at Panthers Pier One Restaurant, Port Macquarie.

I have a major new member to announce, as well as taking the opportunity to introduce our newest Business Members.

As usual, you will have the opportunity to catch up with the movers and shakers of Greater Port Macquarie business community, and you could win a very nice door prize to make your day even brighter.

Doors open at 6.45am for 7.00am, and we’ll be finished by 8.30.

Remember that visitors and prospective members are always welcome, so please feel free to invite your business colleagues and clients along.

Only $20.oo for Members, and $25.oo for guests, but puhleeze….. RSVP to admin@hastingsbec.com.au by cob Tuesday 11th.

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Holiday Coast Credit Union’s new logo retains some of Holiday Coast Credit Union’s history, while at the same time welcoming our new direction. The new logo is contemporary, bold and instantly recognisable and incorporates an iconic feel that in time will be recognised as Holiday Coast Credit Union.

The colours used within the old logo reflected the sea, sand and hinterland. These iconic Australian coastal hues provide strong imagery and as such are easily recognisable. These hues are also an integral part of Holiday Coast Credit Union's heritage and as such were retained and reinforced to make them stronger - more of a focal point.

The colours blue, green and yellow have been turned into a symbol of strength. For some they will appear like a circle, a symbol of unity. Others will see the symbol as a sculpture, a piece of art that represents the past the present and the future of the Holiday Coast Credit Union.

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“Hastings Cancer Trust” Undies Walk/Jog.

Come along with work mates, friends and support the Hastings Cancer Trust on Friday evening 7th November at Westport Park, prior to the Scody Half Ironman.

Dress up in your undies, or maybe someone-else’s, over your clothes. Live out your super-hero fantasies.
This is for walkers as well as joggers.
Adults $10.00
Kids (under 18) $5.00
Free drink at the end and a good laugh at others clothes.

Entry forms (and bail bonds) are available from Jeffrey Reid Flanagan, 1st Floor Galleria Building
or from Discovery Health and Fitness, 164 Lake Road, Port Macquarie

Don’t miss out. You know you’ve always wanted to do it!
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Hastings Cancer Trust Golf Day

Yes, it’s that time of year again, when charity golf days ensure the physical well-being of Hastings business people. Nothing like a leisurely stroll around a long paddock, occasionally taking a casual swipe at a dimpled spere to get the creative juices flowing for the rest of the work week.

If you can do a worthy charity a bit of good at the same time, well that has to be a good thing.

This time the charity is particularly worthy – Hastings Cancer Trust. The event will be held at Emerald Downs Golf Course on Saturday 22nd November 2008. (Saturday, so you don’t even need a “sickie” to take part)

Competition will be a 9-hole 4 person Ambrose, with loads of prizes including 1st, 2nd and 3rd placings, nearest the pin, straightest drive (the trip home doesn’t count) and a putting competition. All proceeds benefit cancer patients in the Hastings/Macleay Region.

It’s a good cause, so contact Emerald Downs Golf Clubhouse to register. Ph: 6582 6120 or fax 6582 2213, or call Betty on 0427 846 947.

I happen to have a gift voucher entitling a team of four players to enter, with the compliments of Emerald Downs Golf Course Management. I’ll think of a devious way for you to win, and let you know next week. In the meantime, register and if you win, your fees will be refunded.

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On the other hand, if you would like a good excuse to spend a Friday afternoon out in the open air…

Mid North Coast Chapter of FPA are holding a Charity Golf Day at Wauchope, on Friday 5th December.

This event, sponsored by the FPA and radio station 2MC FM, will benefit Hastings Rural Fire Service, North Coast Surf Lifesaving, and Future 2 Foundation.

An 18 hole 4 person Ambrose event, with loads of prizes and fun along the way. Registration and BBQ at 11.00am followed by a shotgun start at 12 noon.

Held at Wauchope Country Club, King St Wauchope. A registration form can be downloaded from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/FPAInvitation2008.doc

Enquiries to 0408 664 000 or email fpagolfday@yahoo.com.au

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Robert de Lepervanche, from COMPASS financial management, provided an article a couple of weeks ago that was well received by Update readers. I’m grateful to Rob for providing another informed observation on the current economic situation:

“The last ten days has been awash with announcements about Mortgage/Income Funds being placed in a freeze, largely due to the reaction from the Government guarantee on bank held deposits etc. In these somewhat uncharted waters people have grabbed the notion of this guarantee and flocked to the additional security offered by the Government guarantee. Unfortunately an unwanted consequence of this has been the rush of withdrawals from these Mortgage/Income Funds and as with any institution if everyone wants their money back they don’t just have it sitting in a suitcase waiting to be handed over.

Also, somewhat unfortunately, the term Mortgage/Income Fund has been used to cover a range of Funds with a varying degree of financial strength. By far the majority of the Institutions that have made announcements over the last 10 days are conservatively run, well managed businesses that are able to continue paying regular income, are not highly geared and have no relationship to, or with, the associated problems that have been seen with those other Funds that have on-lent money for property development. As such if these Funds were forced to wind up they would be able to meet all investor redemptions…………the point being they can’t just do it overnight. This is the same way that one of the big four banks would not be able to supply all investors with their money back straight away if everyone asked for it.

It is a pity the media chooses to portray these Funds in the same light as some of those which did go belly up earlier in the year and will not be able to return all funds to investors………..….even if given time. If you are unsure whether you have money tied up in this sector ask your Financial Planner…….if you don’t have one, get one.”

Note: The above should be considered as a general comment only and not personal advice.

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A note from Sunrise Health Consultancy

Angela has recently returned to delivering clinic services after her maternity 'leave'. Therefore families in the area are now able to access our services with increased opening hours.
Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays, 8.30am-5.00pm

The office will be attended during these times for the remainder of 2008. In 2009 the office will be unattended during practice hours, however if you wish to speak with our Practice Manager or therapists please leave a message and your call will be returned within 24 hours or email us at admin@sunriseot.com.au. Consultancy services and product orders are also provided outside of these times.

The therapists will be on Christmas holidays from Friday 19th December, 2008 and will return on Wednesday 14th January 2009 with much renewed vigor and energy.

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North Coast TAFE

The highly successful pre-vocational ‘Summer School’ in Electrotechnology (Electrical / Electronics / Refrigeration) is again being offered over the Christmas / New Year period.

This eight week course is designed to give school leavers, and others, the opportunity to complete the first half of stage 1 of the trade course, so that they can show prospective employers that they are interested in the trade and can achieve results, when applying for an apprenticeship. In the last few years, we have had excellent results from this course, with many students successfully gaining apprenticeships. This course is also suitable for year 10 students who would like to get a school-based apprenticeship next year.

There will be an information and enrolment session at Port Macquarie Campus on 19 November 2008, Block F, Room F.1.22 at 4.00 pm.
Anyone who is interested should contact Rex Davies 6581 6222 or Customer Service on 131 601.

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Chrissy Jones, from Holiday Coast Pictorial is keen to talk with business people about Christmas promotions and the Christmas Feature pages for the December issue of Holiday Coast Pictorial.

Deadline for artwork bookings is 20th November, so Chrissy would love to hear from you soon.

If you would like to send a Christmas Greeting to all your clients through a card in Holiday Coast Pictorial pages, Chrissy has a brochure for you to download from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/ChristmasCards.pdf

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- Advertisement -

Advance opportunity for HBEC Update readers – a promotion from our Patron Member Digital Design & Poster Studio

Technology now moves sometimes quicker than we can keep up with. As soon as a new idea or product hits the shelves, we have version 2 and 3 in a shipping
container already updated or upgraded, produced and ready to go. At Digital Design we’re keen on keeping up to date with the latest products in our field – signs, printing and graphic design. Our available product lines are too many to list but if it’s ANYTHING SIGNS, PRINTING AND GRAPHIC DESIGN, just give us a call.

For any printed PVC banner ordered and printed in the month of November 2008, we’re printing you a second banner exactly the same as the first for no extra charge. That’s the second banner for FREE. Nada. No catches, no gimmicks. Your second banner is no charge. You only pay for the first one.
This offer is only available for the month of November 2008. Just give us a call today on 6583 9577.

Download the brochure for this promotion from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/DDPSnov08.pdf

- /Advertisement -

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- Advertisement -

For a fun night out, Menopause the Musical - The hilarious musical celebrating women and The Change.

Do you think that 500,000 Australian women could be wrong? ( No, I’m not going there…)
After all, that is the number who have seen this hilarious show over the last two and a half years – and they love it!
Come and see for yourself. We guarantee that you will leave feeling uplifted and joyous.

The Glasshouse presents Menopause the Musical at Panthers Port Macquarie on Friday 28 November at 8pm,
and again for two performances on Saturday 29 November 2008 at 2pm and 8pm

To purchase tickets simply call the Glasshouse Box Office on 6581 8888 or to log onto www.glasshouse.org.au to order online

Why not consider Menopause the Musical for your Social Club or Workplace Xmas Party?
Group bookings of 10+ people qualify for the concession rate of just $40 per ticket.

- /Advertisement –

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And this week’s offering of wisdom from Beth Flynn at OSU.

Benefits of a System of Behavioral Standards

Does your business have a stated system of behavioral standards? There are real benefits, including:

1. Preferred behavior is pinpointed.
2. Accountability is established.
3. Trust is engendered.
4. The conceptual is linked to daily life.
5. Legal risks are reduced.
6. Awareness and expectations are heightened.
7. Inquiries are stimulated.
8. Ethical decision making is enhanced.
9. Standards serve as a yardstick for ethical performance (Kerns, 2005, p.150-151).

From: Kerns, C. (2005). Value-centered ethics: a proactive system to shape ethical behavior. Amherst, MA: HRD Press.

And there we go, another lap completed on life’s mad merry-go-round.
Finally, a couple of links to the statistics that keep us going…

6416.0 House Price Indexes: Eight Capital Cities, Sep 2008
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6416.0?OpenDocument

7218.0.55.001 Livestock and Meat, Australia - Electronic Publication, Sep 2008
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/7218.0.55.001?OpenDocument

8501.0 Retail Trade Trends, Australia, Sep 2008
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/8501.0?OpenDocument

8502.0 Retail Trade Quarterly Indicators (Sample Publication only), Sep 2008
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/8502.0?OpenDocument

Cheers,