11 August 2008

Chilly greetings, Reader,

I don’t know how the PRIME network managed to organise it, but I’m sure the chilly weather over the weekend helped to ensure record numbers in front of warm fires and TVs for the Olympics opening events. The coverage has been fantastic, and is a real credit to the Australian production team involved. Watching in high definition on a big screen is breathtaking – maybe even better in some ways than being there.

Two of the teams I have particularly enjoyed have been The Opals (women’s basketball) and the Australian Womens Beach Volleyball. What do these two have in common (apart from a lot of gorgeous, fit, tall Aussie women)? Well, the costumes of course. Both supplied by our member business Soft Edges. Out of pure loyalty to Soft Edges I promise to very closely watch every match that these two teams play – all the way to gold ;-)

Having complimented PRIME on the coverage, I will add a plea to cut down on the continuous repetition of the same promotions for upcoming shows. Over and over again… it’s enough to give a bloke the dry racking sobs. Aversion therapy sure has turned me off watching those shows and, if I see a chicken eater slapping someone again, I’m likely to turn postal!

Last week I dropped in a plug for a triathlon costume. I chose to insert the plug as I thought it provided an opportunity for BEC Members and local businesses to increase their exposure a bit. I’ve been advised that all may not be quite as it appeared and, in fact, my note may have unintentionally misled people. The “Michael” mentioned in the insert was assumed by some to be Michael Reid (for obvious reasons, with Mike Reid’s high profile involvement in the triathlon / Ironman scene), but this is NOT the case. I apologise to Mike Reid for any confusion, and to Sue Reid and Discovery Health and Fitness similarly.

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I frequently include in this email links to Australian Bureau of Statistics data. Now you have the opportunity to discover how to make this freely available data work for your business.

Effective Business Planning and Decision Making using ABS data

This 90 minute seminar will show you how to gain advantage for your business from the huge range of data freely available online from Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Presenter: Amanda Biltoft (BA, Dip Soc, MBA, Master Politics Public Policy)
National Account Manager, Private Sector Australian Bureau of Statistics

Location Date& Time Venue Investment
Port Macquarie Wednesday
August 20
3pm to 4.30pm Port Macquarie Community
College
77 Hastings River Drive $25
($15 for HBEC Members)

For the full brochure, download this document: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/absdatapres.doc

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Port Macquarie Community College

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

Advanced Excel Workshop
This course follows on from the Introduction and Intermediate Excel classes and is for participants who use Excel on a regular basis and need to know the advanced functions for extracting information or customising workbooks. Topics include: macros, templates, lookup tables, merging with word, pivot tables and creation of form controls.
808C006 Tue Aug 26 & Sep 2 2 sessions 6pm-9pm $90

MYOB Advanced Workshop
This short course will enhance your existing skills in MYOB with GST Reports BASlink, jobs, time billing, customising MYOB, forms, useful reports and report batches, designing, filtering, saving reports, to do list, contact log, entering transactions directly in the register, invoicing/sales tips and how to use inventory items creatively. Time is also allowed to cover topics raised by students.
808C008 Tue Aug 19 to Sep 9 4 sessions 6pm-9pm $148

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

NEW Body Language

We base our judgements of people primarily on their non-verbal communications, but it is easy to misjudge people because non-verbal communication is so difficult to 'read'. You will have the opportunity in this course to explore the impact that your own non-verbal messages have on your relationship with others and develop strategies to improve your interpersonal communication.
809W006 Thu Sep 11th 1 session 9am-4pm $98

Colourful Insights into Communication

Here is an opportunity to gain a communication tool which not only achieves results but creates an entertaining, dynamic and unforgettable professional development experience. Based on the research of Carl Yung this workshop introduces an easy to understand communication tool through which to identify and celebrate existing strengths and emerging human potential. At the same time it promotes self awareness. The true colours metaphor demonstrated in this workshop can easily be used to identity learning needs in students and respond, motivate and work collaboratively with the personality styles of managers, colleagues, customers and family.
810W007 Tue Sep 30 1 session 9am-4pm $98

FREE INFORMATION SESSION TO LET YOU KNOW WHAT THIS CLASS IS ABOUT IS ON WEDNESDAY 10 SEPT 9AM TO 10:30AM

Please phone the College to register: 6583 7288

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HBEC Networking Breakfast – This Thursday, 14th August at Panthers Pier One Restaurant

Hosted by J&H Tours, this will be a terrific breakfast.

Mandy Miller, from J&H Tours will be whetting your appetite for travel, with an illustrated presentation.

Glen Kolpak has now taken over the running of the annual Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Golf Day from Kylie Eakin.
This year WRHS have been asked to bring the date forward to September to suit one of their sponsors. The date will be Monday 15th September and Glen will be promoting the day at breakfast.

We anticipate a large attendance, so RSVP by cob Tuesday 12th to admin@hastingsbec.com.au

As usual, Members $20. Guests and Visitors welcome at $25.

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Business of the Year Final Vote

Thanks to everyone for participating in the Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards 2008. It’s been a great success so far!

We have all the finalists for the 23 business categories, and for “Most Nominated”, "Disability Friendly" and "Environmental".
Voting for the “Peoples’ Choice” award through the Port Macquarie News will continue until close of business on Wednesday, August 20.

All we need now is your vote on the "Port Macquarie Business of the Year" and the overall winner, “Business of the Year” categories.
It’s a lot easier than the last vote – you only need to vote for your top three (3) from the finalists in both categories and submit it to us.

Let’s make sure the best business wins!

To vote, click here ( address: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=BkpkV45VNe5ezryCbrUVbw_3d_3d ).

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A few years ago, when a young family friend was dying of leukaemia. I saw the enormous support provided to his family by Ronald McDonald House, so I am delighted to support the
Ronald McDonald House In The Hunter - Gala Charity Dinner & Show.

The Dinner and Show will be held at Tommy’s By The Beach at 6.30pm on Wednesday 3rd September 2008.
Tickets are only $60 and include “Tommy’s Punch”, canapes and two-course dinner and, of course, the show.
There will also be a charity auction and lucky door prizes.

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

Tickets and information from: Mandy Miller 6583 1788 or Email mmiller@rossgroup.com.au

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The Rock Eisteddfod Challenge is a National competition for Government, Catholic and Independent schools. It is a non-profit initiative of Global Rock Challenge. The purpose of it is to give young people the opportunity to stage a major performance and access facilities and light and sound production that they would normally never be able to afford. The standards are astonishingly high. Schools compete in heats all around Australia and then finalists are selected for Grand Finals.

St Columba Anglican School has achieved the remarkable, and is one of 8 schools to compete in the Sydney Grand Final on Friday 05 September.

They need financial help to enable their travel and incidental costs. Business sponsorship is urgently requested. If your business can help, please download this information: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/ColumbaRock.doc for details of how you can help.

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Chrissy Jones is promoting a Camden Haven Cruise feature for the September issue of Holiday Coast Pictorial.

Closing date for booking and copy is 25th August.
See this document for details of the promotion: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/CHCruise.pdf

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Port Golf Day – all proceeds to Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service

Date: Monday 15th September 2008, rego from 11am, 12 noon shotgun start.
Price: $50 per player including green fees, bbq lunch and nibblies at the presentation.
Teams of 4. 18 hole ambrose at Port Macquarie Golf Club.
Great team and individual prizes. Hole sponsorships are still available.

For info: Glen on 1800 155 155 or email glen.kolpak@rescuehelicopter.com.au

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How to win more tenders...Upcoming Workshops

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council E-Tendering System

Hello artists and creatives, this is your chance to tell the people who run our e-tendering services how difficult it was for you guys to use the system or maybe learn their secrets. More and more council services will go through tendering processes e.g. for graphic design, etc.

One day workshop in Sydney (16 or 17 September ) Brisbane and Melbourne
Ring Annette Eassie 9270 2502 from Regional Arts NSW for the possibility of a Quick Turnaround Grant towards the $324-50 workshop fee

Download full details from: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/etender.doc

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Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards Dinner and Ceremony 2008

Friday 29 August is the big night, when Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards 2008 will be presented.

Tickets are now on sale through Panthers Port Macquarie for $75 per head or $750 per table.

The evening will start at 6.30 pm. Cricket commentator and comedian Kerry O’Keeffe will be master of ceremonies for the evening. If you’ve ever listened to ABC test cricket commentary, you will have an idea what to expect. Lubricate your laughing gear!

It will be a fun evening and an opportunity for all businesses to gain maximum exposure.

Don’t miss out!

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Women In Business Mentor Program

The Women in Business Mentor Program is a six-month agenda that helps women business owners (mentorees) grow their business by linking them with experienced business people (mentors). Using a combination of mentoring, practical business workshops and networking events, the Program lends a hand to women to improve their business skills and successfully manage business growth.

Results from past Programs show a significant increase in business income, business employment levels and networking opportunities.

Many women who are mentorees return later to become mentors. This underlines the commitment to, and success of, the Program.

For more information about this program, or to take part, please contact Gale Oxenford ( gale.oxenford@priority1.com.au )

The 2008 program is about to start, but late applicants may still be accepted.

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Vale Isaac Hayes. The theme to Shaft was formative music for many “boomers” and “X’s”, and one could only admire his ‘bling’.

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OK. Back to the beach volleyball… er, to admire the Seabird Swimwear!

4 August 2008

Judicial greetings, Reader,

While you read this missive, I shall either be ensconced for jury duty or, if the legal practitioners have any sense, excused as a bad bet for a juror. This means that I am preparing this email on a glorious Sunday afternoon, sacrificing perfectly good flying conditions for the greater good. The price we pay!

Lots of news this week, and reminders for a couple of very important events.Also time to say farewell, for a while, to Barbara and Laurie Smith - who are off to volunteer at the Beijing Olympics and Special Olympics, and to Melinda and Steve Robinson who are already on the ground in Uganda. On the subject of Mel and Steve, a big thank you to our friends from SKILLED recruitment, who have donated a bag full of nifty little squeeze-powered LED torches. I'll package those with the wind-up ones we are obtaining through IT West and ship them off to Light Up A Bit Of Africa.

Also heading off OS are Geraldine and John Lightfoot - Geraldine has been trainer and a key driver for the GPM Customer Care program - who are slipping off to Abu Dhabi, UAE, to take on long-term teaching contracts there. We wish Geraldine and John all the best for their big adventure.

Not moving so far, but making a big role change is Steve Talbot. After about 15 months with The Greater Building Society, Steve is moving to take on the role of Finance & Administration Manager for Laurieton United Servicemen's Club. I thank Steve for bringing The Greater into HBEC - as he did with Bendigo Bank, and I hope his successor will maintain the membership and participation. Steve can relax this time, as LUSC is already a valued member of HBEC.

I think that's it for the comings and goings, for the moment. I do look forward to inviting our new Council General Manager, Mr Andrew Roach, to attend our breakfast once he has his feet on the ground.

Finally, for this week, I wish newly endorsed Nationals Candidate for Lyne, former Mayor Rob Drew, the very best of luck. Why he would want to go to Canberra is beyond me, but - party politics aside - Rob is a real gentleman and a lovely fellow, and I wish him all the very best in his new challenge.

OK, on with the show:

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Port Macquarie Community College

A series of free seminars on Financial Literacy is being offered in celebration of Adult Learners Week
• Home Budgeting – Mon Sept 1st, 1.30 to 2.30 pm
• Debt Management – Tues Sept 2nd, 1.30 to 2.30 pm
• Understanding Superannuation – Wed 3rd Sept, 10 till 11 am
• On-line Banking – Thurs 4th Sept, 10 till 11 am
• Financial Difficulties – What are the Options? – Friday 5th Sept 10 till 11 am
(All seminars are offered by courtesy of COMPASS financial management)
Bookings essential – 6583 7288

Advanced Microsoft Excel Workshop
Excel is a brilliant tool, but most of us only scratch the surface of its capabilities. Find out how to get this powerhouse working for you.Tuesdays Aug 26th and Sept 2nd, 6pm – 9pm only $90

Your Business Presentations With PowerPoint
Learn how to make your presentations attention-grabbing. Create professional presentations that stand out from the crowd.Tuesdays Sept 16th to 30th, 3 sessions 6pm – 9pm only $93

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Hastings BEC Networking Breakfast, Thursday 14th August,
at Panthers Pier One Restaurant.

Sponsored this month by J&H Tours

This will be a breakfast to remember and, already, acceptances are pouring in. I wouldn't be at all surprised if we exceed 100 attendees.

Don't miss out. RSVP now to admin@hastingsbec.com.au to secure your place.

As usual, Members, Guests and Visitors are very welcome. Breakfast starts at 7.00am, but you are advised to arrive a few minutes early to beat the rush.$20 for Members, $25 for Guests and Visitors - payable at the door (cash or cheque only, please)

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Greater Port Macquarie Home Business Forum

This group is going from strength to strength. Under the enthusiastic leadership of Lisa Christie and Renee Bell, the HB Forum offers a wonderful support group for operators of small and home-based businesses.

The HB Forum meets every second month, for 3 hours, and engages a couple of speakers to talk on topics of importance and relevance to small business operators.

The next HB Forum is Friday 8th August, from 9.15am till 12.30pm at Panthers Pier One Restaurant. Admission is only $15 which also covers morning tea.

Download a flyer from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/hbfflyer.jpg andDownload a full brochure about HB Forum from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/hbfdocument.doc

You could also visit the Blog at http://aushomebizforum.blogspot.com/

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Be Inspired! Become Involved! Demonstrate your support for the locals!

The 2008 Port Macquarie locals triathlon uniform is currently being prepared for the Ironman series which starts very soon. Local competitors wear this uniform to many races, most specifically the Port Macquarie Half Ironman and Port Macquarie Ironman!

In 2007 over 45 of the uniforms were provided to local competitors, and were worn during both training and racing. Already we have a list of nearly 40 triathletes wishing to wear the new 2008 uniform as they appreciate the support they receive on the course when identified as a local!

The uniform design is put together by the Ironman renound Cannibal clothing. The product is fantastic and lasts a long time and great to race in. It is also great for advertising your business!

The 2007 uniform is shown on the linked diagram. A new design will be produced as soon as the sponsorship for the clothing is finalised, this design will be printed and the clothing will be distributed to local triathletes at a cost to cover the production and design costs only. This is a not for profit production to ensure the cheapest possible price for our triathletes and to show off the businesses that support triathlon.

Detailed on the diagram ( download from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/costume.jpg ) are 6 options for sponsorship.These will be given on a first come first serve basis so get in quick as last year they sold within a week!

Don't miss out on this great opportunity to help out local triathletes, support the sport, and show off your business! Call Michael on 6584 4218 or 0421 755 299 with the sponsorship package you are interested in.

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Grow your business – Export to the world

For many small business owners, taking your goods and services to overseas markets can be a highly effective way to expand your business. If you find that you are increasingly reliant on shrinking local markets, exporting can be a profitable and rewarding exercise.

But what do you do once you’ve taken the decision to enter international markets? How do you go about marketing your product in a country where it is unknown, and competing with other products with different pricing structures and varying levels of quality?

It’s difficult to know where to start, but research is the key. Successful exporting doesn't happen by accident – it needs careful planning and commitment. Understanding and preparing for risks associated with exporting before you get started can be crucial.

To begin your export planning for success, you need to look closely at the legal and political risks that might be associated with particular countries. Then there are quarantine and customs issues, and not insignificant matter of financing your new venture. You should also be aware of other exporting issues including international intellectual property protection, foreign exchange and shipping. Also research how Australia's Free Trade Agreements can affect your export business.

The good news is that there are plenty of resources around to help potential exporters. Both federal and state governments have export assistance services that can help you to develop an export plan, advise you on how to realise your export potential, and in some circumstances, partially fund your project.

A good place to begin your research is at www.business.gov.au, which can lead you to much of the information you’ll need to get started. To get you started, here are a few resources:

You can promote your business overseas by registering on Austrade's Australian Suppliers Directory. This directory contains a list of Australian companies, products and services targeted at overseas buyers. Visit www.austrade.gov.au/asd . A range of assistance programs for exporters is available from state and federal government agencies. Visit business.gov.au for more information on grants that may apply to your exporting business.

Exporting online can be a cost-effective way of entering the overseas market. Online tools commonly used to market internationally include websites, e-mail, e-marketplaces and collaboration tools. For more information on these, visit www.exportingonline.gov.au.

For more information on all these exporting issues, visit business.gov.au. You can also download the Growing your business checklist which covers Exporting and a range of other growing topics by visiting www.business.gov.au/checklist. Start your exporting business success today!

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And that's about it for today. As usual, those guru nerds at ABS are light-years ahead of the rest of us, and they had the following all prepared for me this week:

1234.0 Australian Standard Offence Classification (ASOC), 2008 (Second edition)http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/1234.0?OpenDocument

See you next week.

28 July 2008

Wallaby greetings, Reader,

When all else is going to pot, at least the glorious Wallabies can still put one over that mob from the other side of “the dutch”.

Well, as a financial analyst I’ve turned out to be a promising gardener. No sooner had I predicted recovery than the Australian market took another tumble. All right, I’ll stick to my day job and try not to think about my super savings. Hmmm, is the word “savings” still appropriate?

Now, to add an extra dose of vinegar to the stew, there is a nationwide trucking stoppage looming. While I have some sympathy for the truckies’ plight, it seems to me that getting the rest of the population off-side is not a great way to further the owner/drivers’ cause. One positive side-light could be to focus public attention on the huge distances that our produce is carried, from farm to point of sale.

There is definitely a lot to be said for regional farmers’ markets, and consumption of local produce. Here in Greater Port Macquarie, we have great opportunities to source a lot of our produce locally. Do we? If not, why not? At the Wauchope market last Saturday morning I was able to buy a great range of excellent produce at very competitive prices. The quality is very good, and boy, are they fresh! You really can taste the difference.

Speaking of freshness and quality… Congratulations to the Hastings Business Women’s Network (and no, I’m not going to use the “t” word) who held a great event last Friday night at Mercure Centro Hotel to celebrate their 200th Member.

To President Gale, VP Margaret, the Committee and members, Well Done! I’m going to refrain from any comment about a certain party game involving pinning parts on a man (especially as I understand that a female HBEC Member played A Not Zo minor part in organising it). It’s great for the BEC to have a close working relationship with HBWN. We are fortunate in having several strong business networking groups in this area and, through close cooperation and mutual support, everyone benefits.

On with this week’s activities:

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Port Macquarie Community College

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

MS Publisher Essentials Let your imagination soar! Desktop publishing is fun and has scope for many different applications including brochures, flyers, greeting and business cards, advertisements, newsletters and letterheads. In this one day workshop you will learn how to create, edit and manipulate pictures and text using wizards and drawing tools.808C005 Sat Aug 16 1 session 9am-4pm $75

Introduction to Excel Workshop An ideal course for small business owners or householders who want to keep track of their budgets, or set up a simple spreadsheet. Learn creating worksheets, formatting, formulas, functions, printing, sorting & filtering, copying, moving, fill-in feature and conditional formatting.808C013 Wed Aug 27 1 session 9am-3pm $90

Advanced Excel Workshop This course follows on from the Introduction and Intermediate Excel classes and is for participants who use Excel on a regular basis and need to know the advanced functions for extracting information or customising workbooks. Topics include: macros, templates, lookup tables, merging with word, pivot tables and creation form controls.808C006 Tue Aug 26 & Sep 2 2 sessions 6pm-9pm $90

MYOB Advanced Workshop This short course will enhance your existing skills in MYOB with GST Reports BASlink, jobs, time billing, customising MYOB, forms, useful reports and report batches, designing, filtering, saving reports, to do list, contact log, entering transactions directly in the register, invoicing/sales tips and how to use inventory items creatively. Time is also allowed to cover topics raised by students. 808C008 Tue Aug 19 to Sep 9 4 sessions 6pm-9pm $148

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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Low cost business computing

For people operating small businesses, where every dollar counts, there are excellent alternatives to those very expensive Microsoft products. Bill has gone. There is no reason to make him any richer. Yes, the alternatives have now reached “business standard”. I am testing the waters to see who might be interested in a couple of workshops to be held at the PM Community College to introduce the much cheaper (even free) alternatives.

Please email me admin@hastingsbec.com.au to express your interest.

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Hastings BEC Networking Breakfast, Thursday 14th August 2008

This is the one we’ve been waiting for. Sponsored by J&H Tours. Helen and John Ross will introduce their sensational tour and travel offerings.You can be sure this will be a memorable breakfast.

Venue: Panthers Pier One Restaurant7.00 am start (and being a few minutes early will do no harm as we anticipate a big attendance).As usual, $20 for HBEC Members, and $25 for guests
RSVP (so we can cater for numbers), to admin@hastingsbec.com.au by cob Tuesday 12th August.
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Online business is smart business.

In ever-increasing numbers, small businesses are stepping into the global marketplace and taking their goods and services far beyond the traditional reach of the phone book. Using the internet to communicate and do business can help you reach a much wider market both locally and overseas, as well as saving you time and money.

Along with the many benefits e-marketplaces can offer are more than a few virtual traps for businesses to navigate. For example, how can you guarantee the security of your customers’ credit card details, or protect your own information? How can you protect your intellectual property – your logos, ideas, products – from illegal use? What about privacy, consumer protection, licensing?

Once you've got all the legal requirements considered, you can turn your attention to acquiring the electronic equipment and software you need to run your business. The next step then is to plan, design, build and market your website. Remember, a well planned and designed website will make it easier for you to do business - not only with your customers but also with your suppliers. To set up a website you can employ the services of your internet service provider (ISP), a specialist web designer (and we have a couple of excellent members in this field) or develop the site yourself by choosing to invest in web skills.

Once you have established your website, it is important to ensure that it is properly protected, to prevent sensitive data being stolen, corrupted or destroyed. In particular, any pages within your website where you accept customer information and credit card details must be secure. For planning guides, information on getting a website name, and help with setting up your website, visit the E-business topic at http://www.business.gov.au/ .

There are also a range of grants and assistance to get online, including IT training, technical support and skills development. For a list of grants, visit the E-business topic at http://www.business.gov.au/ .

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Masquerade Charity Ball

Friday 1st August 2008, from 6.45 pm. Cost $85 per person.To benefit Mid Coast Care and Hastings Women & Children’s Refuge Inc.

Elly Franchimont cabaret band, drinks on arrival, canapes main and dessert, fabulous door and raffle prizes.

For bookings, contact kate_woodfoye@rydges.com or 6589 2811

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Women In Business Mentor Program

The Women in Business Mentor Program is a six-month agenda that helps women business owners (mentorees) grow their business by linking them with experienced business people (mentors). Using a combination of mentoring, practical business workshops and networking events, the Program lends a hand to women to improve their business skills and successfully manage business growth.

2005 was the 10th anniversary of the Program which is based on a proven approach to co-operative learning between business people. More than 1,800 women have participated in the Mentor Program since its inception.

Results from past Programs show a significant increase in business income, business employment levels and networking opportunities.

The women who join the Mentor Program come from a diverse range of backgrounds, which reflects the multi-faceted character of small business in NSW. For example, a recent Program included a light and furniture designer, a doctor turned apothecarist, a baby behavioural management specialist, a farm holiday service, a free trade coffee importer, an award-winning kitchen designer and a manufacturer of stormwater treatment devices.

Many women who are mentorees return later to become mentors. This underlines the commitment to, and success of, the Program.

For more information about this program, or to take part, please contact Gale Oxenford ( gale.oxenford@priority1.com.au )

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Friday 29 August is the big night, when Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards 2008 will be presented.

Tickets are now on sale through Panthers Port Macquarie for $75 per head or $750 per table.
The evening starts at 6.30 pm. Cricket commentator and comedian Kerry O’Keeffe will be master of ceremonies.

It will be a fun evening and an opportunity for all businesses to gain maximum exposure.

Download your invitation flyer here: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/busawardssingle.pdf
Don’t miss out!

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Now, for a taste of something a little different this week.

Do you think electronic voting is a good idea? Have a look at this site, and then see whether you still think the same…
http://nightweed.com/printableusavotefacts.html

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New bumper sticker: “Don’t blame me, I voted informal. But I didn’t think my guy would get in!”

See you next week,