7 July 2008

Mid-winter greetings, Reader,

I’m looking forward to this Thursday’s HBEC Networking Breakfast at Rydges Port Macquarie, as we have a very interesting keynote speaker lined up, and several other people providing tasty tidbits to keep us informed and amused. Our keynote speaker has been arranged by COMPASS financial management – see details below.

I’m very pleased this week to be able to welcome several new business members to Hastings BEC:

• Two talented and delightful young women, Tennille Sharp and Kylie Morris operate a graphic design business called Hot Graphics, located right across the road from Joyer in lower Murray Street, where they specialise in presentation, website and marketing graphic design. Welcome Tennille and Kylie.

• Sarah Carle is Advertising Executive for Prime TV, and we welcome Sarah and Prime TV to HBEC Membership. Now maybe we’ll be able to drag Prime’s Sales Manager Marc Stortenbeker out of bed in time for our BEC Breakfasts.

• Welcome to Peter Vane and his business, IT West. New to Port Macquarie area, IT West is a well established computer service and support business in Dubbo, now branching out to provide support services on the coast. Damien Bush will be the local face of IT West.

• Welcome to an old face (figuratively, not literally) under a new label. Gale and Scott Oxenford have recently taken over Westport Newsagency. Congratulations to Gale and Scott, and welcome to our first newsagency member.

• And, finally, not really a new member, but a new name for multi award winning Sunrise Health Consultancy (formerly Sunrise OT for Kids). Welcome back Angela Lockwood and congratulations on all your awards. Now, enough, give someone else a turn!

It’s very pleasing to see a steady trickle of new members joining HBEC. Even more importantly, it’s gratifying to see the strong participation by our valued existing members. I’m all too aware of the limited contribution we, as a small and government-unfunded organisation, can make to the business community. But the gradual growth in membership is a pleasing endorsement that we are moving in the right direction. Our principal function is to foster local economic development by facilitating networking and communication within and across the business community, and to providing visibility and promotion for our members at every opportunity. We also facilitate establishment and development of new businesses start-ups and, coordinate with other services including the Mid North Coast Business Advisory Service.

On a different topic, after discussion with Melinda and Steve Robinson, I’ve decided that a useful contribution HBEC can make to their efforts in Uganda (discussed in previous Updates - see our Blog at http://hbec.blogspot.com ) is by way of providing some wind-up powered LED torches for the remote villages in which they are working. These torches require no batteries or light bulbs, and are good for many years of use without replacement parts. They are also robust enough to handle shipping into remote Uganda, so they appear highly suitable. At about $20 each, we should be able to package up and ship a good number to help Mel and Steve “light up a bit of Africa”. I’ll communicate with members separately about some fund-raising.

Finally, for today, a warning about the ongoing (and growing) spate of internet-related scams. A member recently received an official looking letter addressed to her business, originating from a Spanish company but postmarked from France, entitled “WorldWideWeb Register”. Should you receive this rather official looking letter, DO NOT RESPOND. If you respond, you will be charged 870 Euros (approx AU$1400) per year for a three year contract. Yes, you will probably get what they tell you, your website listed on their website and a CDROM listing… but it’s worthless.

After that bit of negativity, on with this week’s events:

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Port Macquarie Community College

Food Hygiene & Safety
This course covers safe food handling and safe storage, effective use of detergents and sanitisers, waste and pest control. Includes an overview of how the new food safety legislation will affect you. Meets Food Safety Program requirements. Successful participants will gain Statement of Attainment THHGHS01B – Follow Workplace Hygiene Procedures from Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations). 807W009 Fri Jul 18 1 session 9am-3pm $95

NEW 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 in this "hands-on" workshop.808W002 Wed Aug 13 1 session 9am-4pm $98

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. Basic computer skills are essential. 806C021 Thu Jul 17 to Sep 4 7 sessions 3pm-6pm $250

Excel Assessment
Do you possess Excel Skills but have no formal recognition for this? If you have done the Introduction and the Intermediate Excel classes with the College, or you have the equivalent skills then this two hour assessment class will offer you (upon competent achievement) an Accredited Excel Certificate from Certificate II in Business BSB20101 - Unit of Competency BSBCMN214A Create and use simple spreadsheets.807C022 Thu Jul 24 1 session 6.15pm-8.15pm $95

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, printing and more.808C003 Fri Aug 1 1 session 9am-3pm $90

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Hastings BEC Networking Breakfast, Thursday 10th July at Rydges Port Macquarie

Acceptances are flowing in strongly for this week’s breakfast, so don’t miss out. This will be a memorable breakfast. Thanks to COMPASS financial management, and their close connection with AXA Australia, we are able to introduce AXA Business Development Manager, Mr Andrew McCormack to speak on “Behavioural decision making”. Following on from our ongoing discussions of personality issues relating to business, this talk is right on the button.

The presentation is based around “behavioural concepts” and in particular, behavioural finance. Why people make various decisions, sometimes irrational ones.Importantly, these same issues relate to your business, and how your customers relate to you and, perhaps, how you relate to them. An understanding of behavioural decision making may give you a greater insight on the behavioural decision making of your customers, and the way your behaviour may impact on your customers.

Any methods that helps you better understand your customers, positions you well to assist them to satisfy their needs. A positive outcome for you both.

As usual breakfast will commence at 7.00am (sharp) and finish by 8.30am.
This will be a very interesting breakfast, so book your place now.
RSVP to admin@hastingsbec.com.au
Members and Guests welcome$20 for Members, $25 for Guests

Remember: This breakfast is at Rydges Port Macquarie

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Seminars on financial markets, Superannuation, Centrelink and your financial health might not sound too exciting – but they’re sure to be informative!

COMPASS financial management invite you to a Financial, Super Strategies & Retirement seminar (Guest Speaker: Andrew McCormack – AXA)

• What is happening in all markets, and what can we expect? Some plain-language information on the current investment markets.
• Why is super an even more attractive investment under current rules and taxation?
• How can I continue working, access my super & save substantial tax if I am over 55?
• How can I take advantage of super opportunities in 2008 and beyond
• I hear that Centrelink entitlements allow greater access to funds – do I qualify?
• Why getting your finances right is only one part of a healthy, happy retirement.
• How much superannuation do you need to invest to fund your retirement?

All attendees receive a copy of ‘Choosing the Good Life’ which explores the four dimensions of a happy secure retirement

When: This Wednesday 9th JulyStart time: 6pmWhere: COMPASS financial management, 5 star Centre, 158 Gordon Street, Port Macquarie

Places are limited, so please call 6583 2211 during office hours to register, The AXA “I’m never too young for a retirement seminar” PLAN

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TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute presents A Course For Women

91347NSW Certificate II in Skills for Work and Training - Career Education and Employment for Women (CEEW)This course prepares woman for further education and employment. Commencing 6 August 2008 and will run Wednesdays to Fridays between 9.00am and 2.20pm at Port Macquarie TAFE.Information Session Wednesday 23 July at 10.00am in room F1.8.

For more details contact Port Macquarie TAFE on 6581 6200.

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The 2008 Volunteer of the Year Awards are a unique opportunity to recognise and publicly acknowledge the invaluable work done by hundreds of thousands of volunteers throughout NSW.

There are two major categories

- firstly, NSW Volunteer of the Year Award (with special Awards for Youth and Senior Volunteers of the Year), 16 Regional Winners, including the Mid North Coast

- secondly, NSW Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award (only one corporate Award will be issued across the State). Judging criteria comprise a range of factors and include -

- Demonstrated benefit to the local community, region or State
- Evidence of initiative and innovation
- Capacity building and sustainability
- Length of service and number of hours of the nominee
- An explanation of what is outstanding about the nominee and the work for which he/she is being nominated
- Any obstacles which the nominee may have had to overcome to achieve the outcomes of their volunteering Timeline
- Nominations opened Monday 12 May 2008, and close on Tuesday 30 September 2008.
- Regional Winners announced mid-October to mid-November 2008
- 2008 NSW Volunteer of the Year announced Friday 5 December 2008, International Volunteer Day.
- Cash awards will be made to the winners' nominated non-for-profit organisations.

For more information, have a look at www.volunteering.com.au/nsw_volunteer_awards/

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Come To The Camden Haven - Holiday Coast Pictorial - August Edition

Holiday Coast Pictorial is making advertising available at a special rate - specifically in the Camden Haven Section which continues to grow each month and showcases progressive Camden Haven and district businesses. They are still offering the $ 110 adverts ( 5cm x 6cm ), as well as the attached offers, but do require 12 businesses ( currently 3 ) to keep this offer going each month.

If you wish to advertise in the August edition, please contact Chrissy Jones, Sales & Marketing Consultant, The Pictorial, Ph: 0412 137 621 or chrissy@thepictorial.com

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Don’t forget, tomorrow New Business Member, IT West is presenting a seminar called “The 5 biggest mistakes small business computer owners make with their computers”.

Where: Mercure Centro Hotel, 103 William Street, Port MacquarieDate: Tuesday 8 JulyTime: 5.00pm—6.15pmRSVP to Brooke via phone or email by Friday 4 JulyPhone: 6884 3188 - Email: admin@itwest.biz

Download the full brochure from: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/itwest.pdf

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Why You Should Care About Ethics

Reason #1: It makes economic senseReason
#2: It improves the quality of resultsReason
#3: It is the socially responsible choiceReason
#4: It makes humanistic senseReason
#5: It shapes and sustains organizational value systemsReason
#6: It strengthens strategy and competitive advantageReason
#7: It builds trust as an organizational resourceReason
#8: It helps avoid civil and criminal penaltiesReason
#9: It advances managerial leadership as a professionReason
#10: It is the right thing to do

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

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And just to finish off, a little something from the gnomes of Belconnen:

8635.0.55.002 Tourist Accommodation, Small Area Data, Australia, Mar 2008http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/8635.0.55.002?OpenDocument

8635.1.55.001 Tourist Accommodation, Small Area Data, New South Wales, Mar 2008http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/8635.1.55.001?OpenDocument

30 June 2008

End of FY greetings, Reader,
A beautiful sunny 22C day makes it hard to realise we are nearing mid-winter as we wrap up another Financial Year. Hopefully you and your business have done OK, despite increased interest rates and fuel costs heading the way of gold and diamonds.
The completion of another year is a timely reminder of the need for all of us to consider our decision-making processes. Do you make business and financial decisions logically or emotionally? Find out what “Behavioural Decision Making” is all about. COMPASS financial management have kindly arranged a very useful presentation for our July 10th BEC Breakfast. See the full details below, and don’t miss out on this one. It will be interesting and fun!
Last Saturday night at Tommies By The Beach, a celebration dinner was held for supporters of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. I enjoyed meeting a lot of people from all over northern NSW who support this wonderful service. I wouldn’t hazard a guess as to how many lives have been saved by the Westpac RHS who do some of the hairiest flying imaginable in order to save other people.
To give you an idea of the service Westpac RHS provides, During the 3 months from 1 Dec 2007 to 26 Feb 2008, the Hunter – Mid North Coast unit performed: 177 primary missions (typically rescuing casualties from car accidents and other life-threatening situations) 69 inter-hospital transfers, and 17 search and rescue missionsA full list of missions can be found at www.rescuehelicopter.com.au
I vividly recall television footage of a helicopter from sister service, SouthCare, operating out of Canberra during the Sydney to Hobart race a number of years ago. In 70 knot (120 km/h) winds and rain, the helicopter crew hovered above stricken yachts while the (absolutely insane!) rescue crewman (and woman!) was repeatedly winched down into the sea to retrieve shipwreck survivors. The image of the helicopter “hovering” – actually continually rising and falling to match the massive sea swell underneath – in those horrendous conditions is indelibly etched in my mind. Amazing flying skills, and incredible guts all round.
A very similar scene was enacted by a Westpac RHS crew above the Pasha Bulker in Newcastle last year. A fantastic effort.
It’s a great service that we should be very proud of, and it deserves our strong support. You’ll hear more on the subject later, when we will take part in a fund-raising exercise for the service.
Welcome to new Community Relations Officer for Sponsor Member Country Energy, Ms Sandra Hollins. Sandra will be coming along to our breakfasts to suss us out. Sandra is also keen for Country Energy to introduce us to ways in which we can save on our power consumption (and therefore costs), and that has to be a good thing. We will explore opportunities during future BEC events.
Finally, for this week, goodbye WorkDirections and hello Jobfind Centres. Our very supportive Sponsor Member WorkDirections has just been rebranded Following the successful acquisition and integration of WorkDirections Australia with Jobfind Centres Australia, all WorkDirections Australia sites have now changed their business name to Jobfind Centre Workforce Development (Jobfind). Congratulations to Port Macquarie Manager, Pam Foye and her team, and we look forward to continuing our great relationship under their new banner.
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Port Macquarie Community College
Quality Customer Relations Learn about customer service strategies that work/don't work, techniques for telephone and face to face communication, techniques for dealing with awkward and difficult customers and situations and strategies to build customer loyalty. Book a workshop for your entire team.807W007 Thu Jul 17 1 session 9am-4pm $98 Starting up a Bed & Breakfast Learn about the daily issues that confront Bed and Breakfast operators. This enables you to understand why B & B is a trend, not a fad and outlines how to be efficient and successful. Stewart is a research lecturer and internationally published author of several books including Getting into Bed & Breakfast in Australia.807LR003 Thu Jul 3 1 session 9am-1pm $55
Starting up a Coffee Shop/Restaurant Everything you need to know before purchasing or starting a coffee shop, tearoom or small restaurant. Useful information for all aspiring owners or managers. Learn the importance of market research, market research surveys and answers to questions such as, should we start a new business or buy an existing one? Topics covered include; leases (not legal advice), insurances, staff, pricing, menu planning, design & presentation as well as the kitchen and food safety.807LR004 Thu Jul 3 1 session 1:30pm-4:30pm $40 Espresso Coffee including Food Hygiene & Safety Provider No. 90886 Participants receive a Statement of Attainment for the following units - THHBFB12B Prepare and Serve Espresso Coffee and THHGHS01B - Follow Workplace Hygiene Procedures from Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations). Participants must collect and complete a workbook prior to attending this course.807W002 Thu Jul 10 1 session 9am-4:30pm $110
Food Hygiene & Safety This course covers safe food handling and safe storage, effective use of detergents and sanitisers, waste and pest control. Includes an overview of how the new food safety legislation will affect you. Meets Food Safety Program requirements. Successful participants will gain Statement of Attainment THHGHS01B – Follow Workplace Hygiene Procedures from Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations). 807W009 Fri Jul 18 1 session 9am-3pm $95
Intermediate Excel Workshop Take the next step with Excel. You will learn about absolute references, charts, more functions, linking and protecting worksheets.807C004 Thu Jul 10 to Jul 17 2 sessions 6:15pm-9:15pm $90807C008 Fri Jul 25 1 session 9am-3pm $90 Computer Skills for the Office If you are seeking employment or returning to the workforce this course will provide an excellent grounding in essential skills for office administration. It will include a keyboarding speed test to Australian Standard AS2708-2001. Five units of competency: BSBCMN107A Operate a personal computer, BSBCMN108A Develop keyboard skills, BSBCMN213A Produce simple word processed documents, BSBCMN214A Create and use simple spreadsheets and ICAU1133A Send and Receive Information using web browsers and email. Statement of Attainment from Certificate II in Business BSB20101.807C020 Tue Jul 22 to Nov 11 15 sessions 9:30am-12:30pm $520
A usual, contact the College on 6583 7288 or online at www.portace.com.au
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HBEC Networking Breakfast, Thursday 10th July at Rydges Port Macquarie.
This will be a memorable breakfast. Thanks to COMPASS financial management, and their close connection with AXA Australia, we are able to introduce AXA Business Development Manager, Mr Andrew McCormack to speak on “Behavioural decision making”. Following on from our ongoing discussions of personality issues relating to business, this talk is right on the button.
The presentation is based around “behavioural concepts” and in particular, behavioural finance. Why people make various decisions, sometimes irrational ones.Importantly, these same issues relate to your business, and how your customers relate to you and, perhaps, how you relate to them. An understanding of behavioural decision making may give you a greater insight on the behavioural decision making of your customers, and the way your behaviour may impact on your customers. Any methods that helps you better understand your customers, positions you well to assist them to satisfy their needs. A positive outcome for you both.
As usual breakfast will commence at 7.00am (sharp) and finish by 8.30am.
This will be a very interesting breakfast, so book your place now. RSVP to admin@hastingsbec.com.au Members and Guests welcome$20 for Members, $25 for Guests
Remember: This breakfast is at Rydges Port Macquarie
+ = + TrustDefender and BCU join forces to announce an ‘Australian first’ in the fight against online crimeLeading regional credit union, BCU has announced that it will provide the TrustDefender online security solution to all its customers, free of charge and thereby herald in a new era in transacting online!Sydney Australia – Thursday 26 June, 2008 - TrustDefender, a leading provider of ‘On Demand’ Security Technologies, announced today it will partner with leading regional credit union, BCU (Bananacoast Community Credit Union) to provide all BCU customers with the TrustDefender security solution in order to help protect them when they do their online banking with BCU. This ‘Australian first’ means that BCU is providing its customers with a level of security protection notoffered by any other bank or financial institution in Australia.For more information on this innovative move, please download the full media release www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/TrustDefender.pdf With the recent flood of “phishing” expeditions and online security breaches, this is a very timely initiative. Well done BCU!
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New Business Member, IT West is presenting a seminar called “The 5 biggest mistakes small business computer owners make with their computers”.
I know the biggest ones I make (and they usually start with “M”), but you can find out more: Where: Mercure Centro Hotel103 William Street, Port MacquarieDate: Tuesday 8 JulyTime: 5.00pm—6.15pmRSVP to Brooke via phone or email by Friday 4 JulyPhone: 6884 3188 - Email: admin@itwest.biz
Download the full brochure from: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/itwest.pdf
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Because too many awards is never enough…
WorkCover NSW 2008 SafeWork Awards
Have you developed or implemented a solution to a workplace safety issue?Then be recognised for your commitment to safety by entering the WorkCover NSW 2008 SafeWork Awards.The SafeWork Awards is an annual event designed to recognise and promote innovative businesses dedicated in promoting health and safety in the workplace.
The awards are open to any NSW registered business, organisation or individual. You can nominate yourself or someone can nominate on your behalf.Entries to the 2008 Awards close at 5pm Friday 11 July. For more information please visit www.safeworkawards.com.au
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Don’t forget the Charity Golf & Bowls Day, in support of Starlight Children’s Foundation, Australia
Date: Sunday 20 July 2008Venue: Wauchope Country ClubEvent: 9 Hole 3 Person AmbroseCost: $22.00 includes Green Fees and a light lunchStart time 9.30amContact - Michelle McDonald on 0417 204 850PLEASE CONSIDER BECOMING A SPONSOR!
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HURRY – LAST DAYS TO BECOME A SMALL BUSINESS CHAMPION!
The Australian Small Business Champion Awards is the only national comprehensive awards program of its type to acknowledge and support the hard work and achievements of small businesses across Australia whilst providing state and national recognition.
The Awards are open to all eligible small businesses within the retail or service sectors with no more than 40 full-time employees and the manufacturing industry with no more than 100 full-time employees.
From now until entries close on TUESDAY 15 JULY 2008, Australian small businesses are invited to enter one of the 34 industry categories and in addition, may choose to enter one Entrepreneur Award category.
The Awards program is proudly presented by Precedent Productions and supported by the Major Sponsor, Commonwealth Bank Local Business Banking; Associate Sponsors, Reckon, the Australian developers of QuickBooks, CPA Australia and Fairfax Community Newspapers; Champions Supporters, NT Department of Business, Economic and Regional Development, NSW Department of State and Regional Development and the Council of Small Business of Australia.
For further details and to download and entry form visit: www.businesschampions.com.au
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At EOFY it’s timely to mention a workshop the fun-loving people at the ATO have coming up…
The Record Keeping Workshop provided free by the Australian Taxation Office is great for those new in business.
The free workshop will be held at Westport Club, Buller Street, Port Macquarie on Wednesday 3rd September 2008, from 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm.To register please email nsw.taxbasics@ato.gov.au or call 1300 661 104 Or, you could contact Tracey Corbin-Matchett, Marketing and Education, ATO – Hurstville on (02) 9374 1771 or tracey.corbin-matchett@ato.gov.au
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Finally, the fungis at ABS have just released the following couple of datasets:
1350.0 Australian Economic Indicators, Jul 2008http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/1350.0?OpenDocument
8635.0 Tourist Accommodation, Australia, Mar 2008http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/8635.0?OpenDocument looks interesting!
And that’s it for another week in the jewel of the nation.
Dwell on this: the correct collective noun is a tok of capercaillies. So, the next time you see a whole “herd” of capercaillies dallying around your vicinity, you will know how to address them correctly – as a tok.

23 June 2008

Bright Blue-sky Greetings, Reader,

After a glorious weekend in the sun, it’s good to be alive. And the pleasure is doubled this week, with an opportunity to write about a really good guy.

Last week I reported on the Customer Care Awards, and I carefully avoided mentioning another award made the same night (because I wanted to feature it separately). Frank and David Deguara, from Macquarie Business Centre and Port Macquarie Labour Hire (Sponsor Members of HBEC) have very generously provided a perpetual trophy to be awarded annually to recognise a person who has made an outstanding contribution to business in Port Macquarie.

This year, the trophy has been awarded to Kellon Beard, Regional Manager for NSW Business Chamber. Reporting the award to Kellon is particularly pleasing for me, as Kellon was my predecessor at Hastings BEC, and I still work closely with Kellon on a great number of activities around the town. I strongly endorse the citation that was read at the presentation, to the effect that Kellon is a great guy who has for many years put his heart and soul – and considerable ability – into supporting business in this region. So congratulations Kellon!

Last year Janette Hyde, Community Relations Manager for Panthers Port Macquarie was recognised for her contribution to the business community. Frank and David have generously included retrospective recognition for Janette on the perpetual trophy.

So, what a great start to a week, to be able to report on two people I enjoy working with, both being recognised for their enduring contributions.

An excellent follow-up is my pleasure in being able to welcome Cassegrain Wines Pty Limited on board as a Sponsor Member of Hastings BEC. Great to have “a taste of tradition” with us, and thanks to recently appointed Cassegrain Marketing Officer, Liz Giles for facilitating the membership. The breadth and diversity of membership of Hastings BEC continues to grow, and that is great for all members. Our networking events take on extra significance with such a variety of businesses represented.

Finally, for this week, some changes to report with one of our Members, East Coast Holidays. Kathy and Peter Balodis have sold Ki-ea Apartments and are busy exploring new business opportunities. Kathy will continue on the Board of Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association and retain her role with regional tourism. The delightful Ms Alison Innes has been appointed General Manager of Macquarie Waters.

Well done, Kathy and Peter, and congratulations Alison.

Now, on to our events news:

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Port Macquarie Community College

Responsible Service of Alcohol
Provider No. 90886 LAB Approved. Participants will receive a Statement of Attainment THHBFB09B Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol from Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations) and a Certificate from the Liquor Advisory Board. The LAB Certificate is required for employment in the industry.
807W003 Wednesday July 2nd 1 session 9am - 4pm, $90

Quality Customer Relations
Learn about customer service strategies that work/don't work, techniques for telephone and face to face communication, techniques for dealing with awkward and difficult customers and situations and strategies to build customer loyalty. Book a workshop for yourself or your entire team.
807W007 Thursday July 17th 1 session 9am - 4pm, $98

Introduction to Computers & Microsoft Word
Having skills in Word is your gateway to creating and editing smarter, more efficient documents.
For beginners, this course will take you from the start to expanding your skills and knowledge. This is an accredited course consisting of 2 modules from BSB20101 Cert II in Business. BSBCMN107A - Operate a Personal Computer and BSBCMN213A - Produce Simple Word Processed Documents.
806C022 Monday June 30th to August 4th 6 sessions 6pm - 9pm, $220

A Simple Introduction to Microsoft Access
This course will introduce participants to the concepts of Access. The course will cover creating and using simple databases, creating forms and reports and creating queries which extract information from the databases.
807C011 Tuesday July 8th & July 15th 2 sessions 6pm - 9pm, $90

Website Design and Maintenance
In these introductory lessons you will learn the basics of Website design and construction, and how to maintain content in a website that has been built by professionals.
806C014 Thursdays July 3rd to July 17th 3 sessions 9am - 12noon, $85

(Gregg’s comment – I like to plug the Website D&M course, because it is one I present, and I really enjoy it.)

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Hastings BEC Networking Breakfast – July 10th

Our next BEC Networking Breakfast will be held at Rydges Port Macquarie on Thursday morning July 10th. Following a couple of jam-packed breakfasts that have left little time for mixing and networking, I’ll keep the formal content down this time to allow you more “free time”.
We will, however, have time for a quick look at Team Membership Roles, to supplement the personality types we touched on last breakfast.

Date: Thursday 10th July (starting at 7.00 am)
Venue: Rydges Port Macquarie
Members and Guests (and visitors) welcome. Members $20, Guests and Visitors $25
RSVP to admin@hastingsbec.com.au

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Port Macquarie –Hastings Life Education Support Group
Invites you to join us for a special breakfast!
DATE: Tuesday 24th June 2008 ( that’s tomorrow morning, so don’t miss it! )
TIME: 7am – 8:30 am
VENUE: Port Macquarie Panthers ‘ Auditorium’
COST: $30 per person or $300 for a table of ten
Bookings and pre payment are essential from Port Panthers - Phone: 65 802 300
PART OF THE PROCEEDS OF THIS EVENT WILL GO TO LIFE EDUCATION
“for drug and health education for Hastings children”
For further information contact Maggie Barnewall on 0409 457 405
THIS IS A ‘DRUG ACTION WEEK’ ACTIVITY

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Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce Member Information and Networking Night
Tuesday 24th June 2008 – 6.00pm for 6.30pm

Sponsored by Settlement City Shopping Centre

Program for the evening will be:

Rob Turner – President – Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce
Update of Chamber Activities

SPECIAL GUESTS

Ian Moore from the Department of Immigration will address members on the advantages of considering and employing skilled workers from overseas. There are 300,000 skilled migrants expected to come to Australia giving businesses the opportunity to recruit, enthusiastic and capable staff. Also discussion will be the opportunities for the region to attract and service the this employment opportunity. The Chamber is approved by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to assess the capability of a business to employ and retain the employee for the duration of the specific visa.

Neal Godbolt one of Port Macqaurie’s leading thoroughbred horse trainers will speak on how his business has recruited from overseas and how the immigration department has assisted. The experience Neil has obtained will certainly highlight the advantages of exploring this service.

Date: Tuesday 24th June 2008 Time: 6.00pm for 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 (02) 6583 4412 or Email: info@portchamber.com.au

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I don’t believe it… it’s charity golf time again, already!

Charity Golf & Bowls Day, in support of Starlight Children’s Foundation, Australia

Date: Sunday 20 July 2008
Venue: Wauchope Country Club
Event: 9 Hole 3 Person Ambrose
Cost: $22.00 includes Green Fees and a light lunch
Start time 9.30am
Contact - Michelle McDonald on 0417 204 850
PLEASE CONSIDER BECOMING A SPONSOR!

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NSW TAFE – North Coast Institute

THH21802 Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations) - Cafe Skills
This exciting 10 week course commences on 23 July 2008 and will be offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9.00am to 2.00pm.
Learn the practical Service Skills required for working in the cafe industry including- Preparation and Service of Espresso Coffee, Non alcoholic Beverage Service, Customer Service Skills, Cash Handling Procedures, Hygiene and Cleaning Practices, Gourmet Sandwich Preparation, Organise and Prepare Food, Fast Food Service.
Recognition for units in THH31502 Certificate III Commercial Cookery course will be offered.

Enrolling now! Contact Port Macquarie Campus on 6581 6200 to secure your place.
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Film night to raise funds for North Coast Worldskills competitors

WORLDSKILLS competitors will ‘Get Smart’ in the lead-up to the national trade skills competition - with a fundraising movie night in Port Macquarie.
A combined team of 14 competitors, including five from the Port Macquarie region, will compete in the upcoming national WorldSkills competition to be held in Sydney in July. Several fundraising activities are being held to support the team, the first of which will be a screening of the blockbuster film “Get Smart” on July 2, at 7pm at Port Macquarie’s Majestic Cinema.
The cost of the ticket for this event is $15 including light refreshments.
Special tickets can be purchased from the cinema, from Mid Coast Group Training or from Port Macquarie TAFE Administration.
For more information please contact Matthew Giles from Mid Coast Group Training on 6583 5355 or 0408 620 890.

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Final word, thanks to Beth Flynn, http://leadershipcenter.osu.edu

You Matter.

“Whatever your role in life may be, you make a difference.

There is a 100 percent chance that you can be a role model for leadership.
There is a 100 percent chance that you can influence someone else’s performance.
There is a 100 percent chance that you can affect what someone else thinks, says, and does.
There is a 100 percent chance that you will make a difference in other people’s lives.”

(Reference: Kouzes, J.M., & Posner, B.Z., (2006). “A leader’s legacy.”)

Have a good week,