13 October 2008

Fiscally challenged greetings, Reader,

Just as well I enjoy my work, because I may be about 117 before I can afford to retire. For the last week, every time I started to think the news couldn’t get any worse… it did.

I was amused by the question, “For how long can the stock market keep losing 6% per day?” No. No hints. You have to work it out for yourself. And no, the answer is not 16 days. It’s m-u-c-h longer than that…

On the subject of bad financial news, the stock market crisis has hit Japan very hard. In the last 7 days, the Origami Bank has folded, Sumo Bank has gone belly up, and Bonsai Bank announced plans to cut some of its branches.

Yesterday it was announced that Karaoke Bank is likely go for a song, while today shares in Kamikaze Bank were suspended after they nose-dived. Furthermore, 500 staff at Karate Bank got the chop, and analysts report that there is something fishy going on at Sushi Bank, where customers may be getting a raw deal.

Last Thursday’s BEC Breakfast at Mercure Centro Hotel was a beauty! A wonderful setting (thanks Ann Maree, Jayne, and all the Mercure staff), a nice fresh breakfast served to our tables, and a lovely fruit platter to follow was a great start to the day. Many thanks to Adam Roberts and Geri Williams from Digital Design and Poster Studio for their sponsorship of the breakfast, and for some very nice door prizes. Thanks also to David Relf and the Telstra Shop Port Central for their donations.

Members enjoyed the extra opportunity to relax and mingle afforded by the “reduced talking heads” format. Of course, the weather gods were kind to us with a gorgeous spring morning to take best advantage of the Mercure rooftop setting. Just great!

Time now to welcome a couple of new HBEC Members. Welcome to Susan Judd, with her business HR Culture. HR Culture provides business and workplace coaching, Human Resource software and tools, and systems for small and medium enterprises.

Welcome also to Peter Oriel, proprietor of EMOHRUO Financial Services. EMOHRUO offers services in the fields of financial planning, superannuation and retirement advice.

At this time of year it has become traditional for HBEC to offer 14+ months membership for the price of 12, to new members. If you know of a business that could benefit from joining HBEC, please take this opportunity to recommend membership. The more we grow, the more all members benefit.

On to this weeks activities:

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Port Macquarie Community College – providing work-related skills development programs

Manual Bookkeeping
BSBCMN308A - Maintain Financial Records, Statement of Attainment from Certificate III in Business Administration BSB30201. This course will show you how to maintain a cashbook to handle your receipts and payments and also reconcile your bank statement. You will be able to manage a general ledger to manually post journal entries and produce a trial balance. These newly acquired skills will provide you with the background knowledge to enter your accounts into a computerised system such as MYOB.
810W006 Tue Oct 21 to Dec 9 8 sessions 9am-11:30am $210

Negotiation Skills
Are you losing out in a potential win-win situation? Everyday we negotiate with our families, friends, colleagues and business contacts. This course will teach you how to recognise and benefit from a win-win negotiation. Areas covered include identifying issues, setting priorities, exploring options, discussing solutions and agreements.
810W009 Mon Oct 27 to Nov 10 3 sessions 6pm-9pm $115

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

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

Enhance your Digital Photos
Learn to use Adobe Photoshop Elements. Discover how to import and organise your photographs. You will experiment with photo adjustments, colour brightness and contrast. Repair, and retouch photographs as well as crop and resize. Also learn selection techniques, how to apply filters, shadows and blurring and special techniques of borders and text.
810C011 Thu Oct 16 to Nov 13 5 sessions 9am-12noon $185

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The Home Business Forum meets every second month in Port Macquarie from 9:00 until 12:30.
The next meeting is on Friday 17th October 2008 at Panthers.

The cost to attend is only $15 with morning tea provided.

Our Guest speakers this time are:

Barbara & Laurie Smith presenting:
"Make the Important Things Count" - Learn from the experts in time management how to work smarter not harder!
Laurie and his wife Barbara have had a diverse background in management roles, including being owners/directors of a Time Management franchise - Priority Management. As time management trainers, they trained over 2,000 people in personal effectiveness, and major clients included Westpac, BHP, RTA and AMP.

Wayne Graham, (PM Hastings Council’s Industry Development Officer) presents:
'Doing business from home in the Hastings 5 years from now'
Discuss strategic issues affecting home-based businesses in the Port Macquarie-Hastings area. Wayne and guest speakers will talk to us about home based business issues concerning the local council, regulations, business statistics, infrastructure development, population trends and the industry development program. How council can help you grow your business and the do’s and don’ts of operating business from home.

If you are interested in attending or to find out more, contact
Renee Bell Photographer Tel: 02 6584 8866 / email: info@reneebell.com.au
OR Lisa Christie Tel: 0438 847 825 / email: lisa@visualedge.com.au

Everyone is welcome but you must RSVP! For more information: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/hbfoct08.pdf

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Port Macquarie-Hastings Futures Development Board

Council has recently advertised for nominations for the above Board. While the nominations were of high quality, Council was disappointed with the number of applications received from females. Administrator Dick Persson has indicated a strong desire to ensure this key Council Board is comprised, if at all possible, by equal representation from both male and females.

Council is seeking nominations from women with foresighting capacity and an ability to forward think.

A copy of the charter and the original advertisement is available for download from:
www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/devbdadvert.doc , and www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/devbdcharter.doc .

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The next Customer Care Meet & Mingle Night will be held:

DATE: Tuesday, 21 October 2008

TIME: 6pm - 9pm

VENUE: Port Macquarie Race Club, Port Macquarie

COST: $10 per head (payable by either cash or cheque made out to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council upon entry, includes nibbles)

RSVP: ASAP but by Thursday, 16 Oct 08 to Rachel.Ross@pmhc.nsw.gov.au

Highlights of the evening include:
• Guest Speaker - Rodney Nugent (Monday morning "Take 15" staff education and awareness designed to ensure knowledge and service excellence)
• Administrator, Dick Persson welcome and introduction of new General Manager, Andrew Roach and his wife, Amy.
• Introduction of Liz Paine - new Customer Care Trainer replacing part of Geraldine's position
• Introduction of Sue Faulkner - new Customer Care Consultant replacing part of Geraldine's position
• Lucky Door Prize - 1 Free full page interview in the November issue of Focus Magazine
• Announcement of our 200th Customer Care Accredited Member - Special surprise for them!
• Craig Freudenstein, Catering Manager of Port Macquarie Race Club will be showcasing his glorious food. Yum!
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SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESSION SEMINAR in PORT MACQUARIE ON 31ST OCTOBER AT 7.30AM

As part of the Federal Governments Building Entrepreneurship in Small Business program, Peak Partners will be delivering a series of free Succession Planning seminars throughout Australia commencing in April 2008. Succession Planning is a major issue for small business in Australia with some surprising statistics underpinning the initiative to address this area:

51% of small business owners plan to use their• business as a

PRIMARY source of funding retirement.

43% aim for a lump sum and a third expect an• ongoing income stream.

• The average age of a family business owner in NSW is 56 years.

68% of Principals plan to exit the business in less• than 10 years.

Less than 25% have sought any advice on succession.•

• The retirement of family business owners will accompany the transfer of approximately $1.6 Trillion in wealth.

Further details are available online at http://www.enjoyit.net.au/workshop.html

The breakfast seminar in this area is to be held on 31st October at Rydges – Port Macquarie at 7.30am

For further details please contact Peak Partners on 1300 665 473

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TASTINGS OF THE HASTINGS - A JOURNEY OF FLAVOUR

Take a journey of flavour to Greater Port Macquarie for “Tasting of the Hastings”, a week long celebration of food and wine from Friday 24 October to Sunday 2 November 2008. New events this year include a Farmers Market dinner, SLURP night of wine, an evening with the winemakers at Bago in Bloom, plus favourites from last year, coffee and brewery tours – all culminating in the main event on Sunday 2 November 2008.

On the Sunday some 5,000 gourmands will converge on Port Macquarie Race Course to taste their way through stalls from 50 local food producers and growers, and 20 restaurants. Buy local trademarks such as freshly shucked Laurieton oysters, Lorne Valley macadamia nuts, Ricardoes Tomatoes and strawberries, and wicked Russian style chocolates.

Local and guest chefs will conduct ‘Cooking Demonstrations’ in a kitchen and the inaugural ‘Waiters Race’ at 1pm will be a light hearted test of serving skills. The Tastings of the Hastings Main Event will be held from 8am to 2pm and offers free entry.

For the first time this year patrons can buy a souvenir cook book for $10 which features 30 local restaurants and producers, and is developed from the freshest and the best of the region.

“Tastings Diary”
? Six Degrees of Degustation Dinner (24 Oct) - six local chefs, six wines and a 6pm start at Rydges overlooking the Hastings River
? Mountain Market, Cuisine and Countryside (26 Oct) - the hinterland village of Comboyne will offer a special food market and garden walks from 10am to 1pm
? Peak Coffee Appreciation Nights (28, 29, 30 Oct) - learn from the baristas at the Mid North Coast’s first roasting business
? SLURP a Night of Wine (29 Oct) - perfect for wine connoisseurs, a fun night in the private dining room at The Corner restaurant with local sommelier Renee Baird
? Stunned Mullet ‘Farmers Market’ Dinner (30 Oct) - an evening of food and indulgence with insights from leading local producers
? The Little Brewing Company Tours (1 Nov) - discover the passion and processes behind Port’s pioneering and award-winning boutique brewery
? ‘Bago in Bloom’ at Bago Vineyards (1 Nov) - an evening with the winemakers under the pergola at this picturesque vineyard in the hinterland, ‘the home’ of monthly jazz concerts
? Tastings of the Hastings (2 Nov) – the main event with growers, producers, cooking demonstrations, entertainment and more

A full schedule of events with locations and prices is available at www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au along with travel packages. Or call 1300 303 155.

Our HBEC Patron Member Holiday Coast Credit Union is the official sponsor of Tastings of the Hastings 2008.

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You’re invited to come along and join in for our Health Expo to help celebrate the 10th Birthday of Discovery Health & Fitness.

Whether you’re a member or just someone interested in their health & wellbeing we will have something for you.

Free Mini-Consultations with Local Health Professionals:
- Diabetes Educator
- Nutritionist
- Dietician
- Naturopath
- Occupational Therapist
- Reflexologist
- Osteopath
- Hypnotherapist
- Remedial Massage Therapist
- Medical Acupuncturist
- Chiropractor
Cooking Demonstrations

Our Personal Trainers will be on hand also with Free FITNESS AGE testing and cardio fitness testing.

Friday 17th October 12 Noon till 4pm, and Saturday 18th October 10.30am till 3.30pm

Buy 12 Months membership and receive 15 Months with $0 Joining Fee

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We are looking for support from Hastings BEC for the upcoming Wauchope Country Music Festival set down for 9, 10 and 11 January 2009.

We have so far secured some very talented artists from as far away as Ireland, New Zealand and Norway, not to mention our local and interstate artists. Our program is now full and we have a waiting list for the 2010 festival.

The festival also includes a ute show, market stalls, buskers and a street parade.

We have secured major sponsors NBN Television and Countrylink.

I have attached a couple of our press releases (download here: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/wcmf.doc ) which include more detail of where we are up to.

This will be a major event for Wauchope and it is proposed to put this festival on each year at the same time which coincides with the lead-up to the Tamworth Country Music Festival and is also located on the proposed Slim Dusty Way.

Please contact Debbie Jones, Ph: 0411208867 or email: gdjones1@bigpond.net.au

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Here’s a good news item. The Bill Ussher Agricultural Scholarship, provided by our Patron Member BCU, has been awarded to a local business.
Susie Boswell of PORT P.R., who manages publicity and promotions for Ricardoes Tomatoes, sends news of a significant achievement by one of our keenest local entrepreneurs:

On Friday, Ricardoes was awarded the Bill Ussher Agricultural Scholarship, announced at the BCU Pro-Ag event at Macksville.

Started by banana growers at the Pub with No Beer in 1970, the scholarship funds access to education and training or networking with other professionals to share ideas and improve skills to keep abreast of industry changes. BCU's testimonial said: "In a short space of time, the Sarks family has become not only an efficient producer of high quality tomatoes and strawberries, but an important tourist attraction and employer in the Port Macquarie district, a highly impressive business that has managed to develop a sought-after brand and reputation for quality. Judges were impressed by Ricardoes’ ability to meet customer demand, identify opportunities and exploit them, and their willingness to share information." Ricardoes aims to study methods of producing quality strawberry ice cream, expanding its production portfolio and its workforce from its current level of about 20 staff.

Well done Ricardoes, and well done BCU.

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Your weekly diet of statistics from ABS… I know you’d get twitchy without them…

5372.0.55.001 International Merchandise Trade: Confidential Commodities List, Sep 2008
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/5372.0.55.001?OpenDocument

6202.0 Labour Force, Australia, Sep 2008
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6202.0?OpenDocument

5671.0 Lending Finance, Australia, Aug 2008
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/5671.0?OpenDocument

8752.0 Building Activity, Australia, Jun 2008
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/8752.0?OpenDocument

8782.0.65.001 Construction Activity: Chain Volume Measures, Australia, Jun 2008
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/8782.0.65.001?OpenDocument
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And, finally, this week’s thought provoker from my friend Beth Flynn:

From Wilkinson, P.R. (2008). Aha: insights for effective leadership and management. Baltimore: Publish America.

The Peter Principle

“We have all heard of the Peter Principle. It is usually couched in very negative terms concerning the people suffering from the malaise. Maybe we should dig a little deeper.

I believe each of us has an inherent capacity to understand and cope with certain levels of complexity. When an individual is at the top of their capacity, he/she is right on their game and usually very effective at what they do. This level of effectiveness is likely to be noticed and can result in a promotion because of the old adage that past performance is usually the best indicator of future performance. So the promotion comes and they get moved to a position of increased complexity which they cannot handle. They become ineffective and people wonder how they ever got to that position. The problem is that no matter how hard they work, they will not be effective because the job has exceeded the level of complexity that they can manage. It is not that they are bad, they are just in the wrong position. There is a way out.

If a person is suffering from the Peter Principle, it would be a great benefit to the organization - and the person - to find another position that matches this person’s complexity level capabilities. While this can be challenging, it will result in the organization benefiting from a very effective employee (Wilkinson, 2008, p. 159-160).”

07 October 2008

Tuesday greetings, Reader,

I hope you found the long weekend refreshing and, with the change to daylight saving time, you are fully energised for the sprint to Christmas.

An email from an associate who has recently recruited staff stimulated the following discourse:

At a time when our business sector is experiencing severe stress, and competition for employment is likely to become more severe, the initial impression created with a potential employer is absolutely critical. A desirable position is likely to attract significant response from potential employees, so it is vital to ensure that your written application receives the most favourable possible reaction.

It is intriguing then, to read a collection of application letters – especially so, when the criteria for a position include accuracy, precision and carefulness.

Letters arrive with incorrect business name, misspellings, atrocious grammar and major omissions. Often the obvious is overlooked – the applicant doesn’t actually apply for the position. Frequently, specific required information is not provided, even such basic data as return mail address, contact phone number or the title of the position for which application is being made.

Many applicants completely ignore specified selection criteria, to their detriment. Others totally ignore mandatory requirements for qualifications, experience or specific skill sets. Even when the required content is (more or less) present, many applications demonstrate a total lack of understanding of corporate style requirements. A business letter is different in form to a love letter, or an SMS message, and for good reason. Not understanding the difference adds yet another black mark.

As a potential employer, I have always performed an initial cull of applications based on care in the application. My reasoning is that if the applicant doesn’t care about the quality of their application, they are likely to apply the same lack of care to their work for me. When business computer skills are a specified requirement, lack of use of a spell-checker is suicidal. So is lack of proof reading, to pick up correctly spelled, but misplaced words.

Yes, over the years I may have culled a few otherwise useful applicants on this basis, but that’s life. Care is a two-way street. If you want me to care about your application, show me that you have put some care into its preparation.

What do you think? I’ll be interested to hear of, and publish for the benefit of Members (anonymously if you wish) some of your experiences.

Finally, I was taken to task for recognising a couple of our Patron Members specifically in my recent article relating to community involvement. More specifically, I was taken to task for not recognising the community involvement of our other Patron Members and, indeed, the vast majority of all our members.

The active involvement of all our members in supporting the HBEC is just one indication of their shared community involvement. It is silly to try to recognise every member on every occasion, but please don’t interpret a negative from my mention of only a couple of specific members. I promise to share the limelight around. And no, it wasn’t a Patron Member who chipped me.

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Business-related skills development from Port Macquarie Community College

Networking Skills for Shy People in Business
Effective Networking can really help build your business. If you're shy meeting new people, to increase your contacts and promote yourself can be a traumatic thought. Your attempts might be unsuccessful if people misinterpret your shyness as having no confidence in your own abilities and no interest in them!
810W011 Thu Oct 16 1 session 9am-4pm $75

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

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

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

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

Creative Writing
Have you always wanted to write? This course will show you how to get started on that first book. If you always planned to write a book someday then that day has arrived, each session includes valuable tips on aspects of style and content.
810CP006 Tue Oct 14 to Nov 18 6 sessions 6pm-8pm $110

Introduction to Wine Appreciation (of course it’s business-related. Wine and business are inseperable!)
Lively and social overview of basic winemaking, red and white varieties and styles. Local viticultural areas, wine with food and fortified and sparkling wine production. All in a relaxed atmosphere. Conducted by the Senior Wine Maker from Cassegrain Vineyards, wines will be available for tasting in some classes.
Optional 6th session at Cassegrain Restaurant (at own cost)
810LR007 Tue Oct 14 to Nov 18 6 sessions 6:30pm-8:30pm $120

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Hastings BEC Networking Breakfast – Thursday 9th October at Mercure Centro Hotel

If the weather gods are kind to us, and provide another morning like today’s, this will be sensational – on the rooftop at Mercure.

If the weather is inclement, no problem. The rooftop reception area at Mercure also caters for wet weather, with roll-down “windows” to keep us dry.

This will be a relaxed and “less wordy than usual” breakfast, with plenty of time for catching up with your business colleagues – and for enjoying the surroundings.

Hosted by Digital Design & Poster Studio, with some wonderful lucky door prizes.

Starts at 6.45am for 7.00am at Mercure Centro Hotel, Cnr William and Hay Sts Port Macquarie
$20 for Members and $25 for Guests. Guests and visitors are very welcome.
RSVP by cob Tuesday 7th October (that’s today! – or early tomorrow at latest) to admin@hastingsbec.com.au

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The Home Business Forum meets every second month in Port Macquarie from 9:00 until 12:30.
The next meeting is on Friday 17th October 2008 at Panthers.

The cost to attend is only $15 with morning tea provided.

Our Guest speakers this time are:

Barbara & Laurie Smith presenting:
"Make the Important Things Count" - Learn from the experts in time management how to work smarter not harder!
Laurie and his wife Barbara have had a diverse background in management roles, including being owners/directors of a Time Management franchise - Priority Management. As time management trainers, they trained over 2,000 people in personal effectiveness, and major clients included Westpac, BHP, RTA and AMP.

Wayne Graham, (PM Hastings Council’s Industry Development Officer) presents:
'Doing business from home in the Hastings 5 years from now'
Discuss strategic issues affecting home-based businesses in the Port Macquarie-Hastings area. Wayne and guest speakers will talk to us about home based business issues concerning the local council, regulations, business statistics, infrastructure development, population trends and the industry development program. How council can help you grow your business and the do’s and don’ts of operating business from home.

If you are interested in attending or to find out more, contact
Renee Bell Photographer Tel: 02 6584 8866 / email: info@reneebell.com.au
OR Lisa Christie Tel: 0438 847 825 / email: lisa@visualedge.com.au

Everyone is welcome but you must RSVP! For more information: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/hbfoct08.pdf

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Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce is holding a Meet The Candidates evening

Tonight, Tuesday 7th October
At Panthers Auditorium
Starting at 6.30 pm
No RSVP necessary – all welcome

And the next Members Meeting is to be held:

Date: Tuesday 21st October 2008
Time: 6.30pm
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 Monday 20th October to (02) 6583 4412 or Email: info@portchamber.com.au .

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The next Customer Care Meet & Mingle Night will be held:

DATE: Tuesday, 21 October 2008

TIME: 6pm - 9pm

VENUE: Port Macquarie Race Club, Port Macquarie

COST: $10 per head (payable by either cash or cheque made out to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council upon entry, includes nibbles)

RSVP: ASAP but by Thursday, 16 Oct 08 to Rachel.Ross@pmhc.nsw.gov.au

Highlights of the evening include:
• Guest Speaker - Rodney Nugent (Monday morning "Take 15" staff education and awareness designed to ensure knowledge and service excellence)
• Administrator, Dick Persson welcome and introduction of new General Manager, Andrew Roach and his wife, Amy.
• Introduction of Liz Paine - new Customer Care Trainer replacing part of Geraldine's position
• Introduction of Sue Faulkner - new Customer Care Consultant replacing part of Geraldine's position
• Lucky Door Prize - 1 Free full page interview in the November issue of Focus Magazine
• Announcement of our 200th Customer Care Accredited Member - Special surprise for them!
• Craig Freudenstein, Catering Manager of Port Macquarie Race Club will be showcasing his glorious food. Yum!
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Port Macquarie Cup Champagne Breakfast – Friday 10th October

Kick off the Port Macquarie Cup in style at the Town Green Inn (upper level)

Inclusions:
Deluxe canape breakfast
Live entertainment
Prize draw
One-way private coach transfer from TGs to the race course

9.00am till 11.30am. Cost $40

For tickets, contact Jordan Humphries on 6580 7899 or email jordan@macquariehotel.com.au

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TASTINGS OF THE HASTINGS - A JOURNEY OF FLAVOUR

Take a journey of flavour to Greater Port Macquarie for “Tasting of the Hastings”, a week long celebration of food and wine from Friday 24 October to Sunday 2 November 2008. New events this year include a Farmers Market dinner, SLURP night of wine, an evening with the winemakers at Bago in Bloom, plus favourites from last year, coffee and brewery tours – all culminating in the main event on Sunday 2 November 2008.

On the Sunday some 5,000 gourmands will converge on Port Macquarie Race Course to taste their way through stalls from 50 local food producers and growers, and 20 restaurants. Buy local trademarks such as freshly shucked Laurieton oysters, Lorne Valley macadamia nuts, Ricardoes Tomatoes and strawberries, and wicked Russian style chocolates.

Local and guest chefs will conduct ‘Cooking Demonstrations’ in a kitchen and the inaugural ‘Waiters Race’ at 1pm will be a light hearted test of serving skills. The Tastings of the Hastings Main Event will be held from 8am to 2pm and offers free entry.

For the first time this year patrons can buy a souvenir cook book for $10 which features 30 local restaurants and producers, and is developed from the freshest and the best of the region.

“Tastings Diary”
? Six Degrees of Degustation Dinner (24 Oct) - six local chefs, six wines and a 6pm start at Rydges overlooking the Hastings River
? Mountain Market, Cuisine and Countryside (26 Oct) - the hinterland village of Comboyne will offer a special food market and garden walks from 10am to 1pm
? Peak Coffee Appreciation Nights (28, 29, 30 Oct) - learn from the baristas at the Mid North Coast’s first roasting business
? SLURP a Night of Wine (29 Oct) - perfect for wine connoisseurs, a fun night in the private dining room at The Corner restaurant with local sommelier Renee Baird
? Stunned Mullet ‘Farmers Market’ Dinner (30 Oct) - an evening of food and indulgence with insights from leading local producers
? The Little Brewing Company Tours (1 Nov) - discover the passion and processes behind Port’s pioneering and award-winning boutique brewery
? ‘Bago in Bloom’ at Bago Vineyards (1 Nov) - an evening with the winemakers under the pergola at this picturesque vineyard in the hinterland, ‘the home’ of monthly jazz concerts
? Tastings of the Hastings (2 Nov) – the main event with growers, producers, cooking demonstrations, entertainment and more

A full schedule of events with locations and prices is available at www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au along with travel packages. Or call 1300 303 155.

Our HBEC Patron Member Holiday Coast Credit Union is the official sponsor of Tastings of the Hastings 2008.

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Kellon Beard (NSW Business Chamber) has provided an example of a useful newsletter distributed by a NSWBC Member.

The newsletter, entitled “Employment & Industrial Law Update” can be viewed by downloading here:
www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/eilu.pdf

Free subscription can be arranged on request to Jay Clowes jclowes@fwolaw.com

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Louise Petschler, Chief Executive Officer of Abacus – Australian Mutuals has provided an informative media release about the position of Australian credit unions and mutual building societies in the face of the current world financial situation. It makes interesting reading.

Download the document from: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/abacus.pdf

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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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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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In finishing, some more words of wisdon from Beth Flynn, Leadership Consultant & Trainer at Ohio State University

Promote Constructive Insubordination
From Kouzes, J.M., & Posner, B.Z., (2006). A leader’s legacy. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Leaders have to be able to promote, demonstrate, and support constructive insubordination. It’s been said that ‘if both of us are always in agreement, then one of us is redundant,’ and this is no less true today. When everyone agrees, especially for the sake of getting along, we’re unlikely to achieve the best results.

We can’t afford to surround ourselves with “yes people”. We need to have people willing to support us and also willing to voice their disagreements. Other will see issues that we don’t see – perhaps never even thought about – and may even come up with a better solution than our own.
We have to make it possible for people to argue with each other – up, down, in, out, and sideways – if we are to realize the best from today’s diverse and talented workforce. We shouldn’t strive to win every skirmish, but instead endeavor to unite in our decisions so that we can win battles that matter most. The legacy that comes from difficult conversations will be far more creative and sustaining than ones that come from people who always see eye to eye. (Kouzes & Posner, 2006, p. 68-70)

And that’s about it for another week in sunny Port Macquarie,

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

- - -

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)