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| A warm welcome to our new members for October | ||
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| Election of the new Executive Team | ||
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Following the appointment of four new Board members at the September AGM, the Chamber Board met yesterday and elected its Executive team. After appropriate nomination and seconding the following were unanimously elected to the respective officers of the Chamber:
Rob, Anthony and Peter have accepted another term in their respective roles and Hadyn joins the Executive as following a successful period as Chamber Executive Officer and casual Board position. Congratulations and all the best in your respective roles. |
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| Settlement City redevelopment proposal comment | ||
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It was great to see around 20 members attending and asking questions at the recent ING briefing for the Chamber on the proposed Settlement City redevelopment and expansion. Members feedback on important local developments is always welcomed as it allows us to provide the best possible representation of business opinion to Council and other stakeholders. You can view a copy of the Chamber’s submission to Council on the proposed Settlement City redevelopment on our website.
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| Accessing Government $ and Assistance | ||
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Chamber members and guests joined representatives from both State and Federal Government at the October Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce Information and Networking Evening. Representatives from Ausindustry, Austrade, Industry and Investment NSW, and the NSW Department of the Environment, Climate Change and Water provided information and answered questions on some more commonly accessed initiatives including Re-tooling for Climate Change, R&D Tax Concession, the Export Market Development Grant, the Green Building Fund and the Energy Efficiency for Small Business scheme. There are current opportunities for manufacturers, exporters, commercial landlords and small businesses. And it’s not just money on offer – it’s also free advice, particularly for small and new businesses.
It obviously can be hard to understand what assistance schemes are available and to assess whether it is worthwhile applying. The key message from the evening seemed to be to make the most of the people in the know and do your homework to assess how real the potential benefits are to your business. To find out more about what’s on offer contact Louise McMeeking tel 02 6583 5647 (or visit the Business NSW website) or Graham Baker at Ausindustry 02 4960 3823 (or visit the Ausindustry website). Join us on 24th November for our next monthly Information and Networking Evening, which will explore CBD vibrancy and vitality issues. We’d love to hear your views, issues and ideas on how Port Macquarie’s CBD shapes up in this regard. |
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| Apprentice Kickstart Bonus | ||
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Are you considering taking on an apprentice? Then you may be eligible for the government’s new Apprentice Kickstart Bonus. Between 1 December 2009 and 28 February 2010, employers who take on a young person aged 19 years and under into a traditional trade Australian Apprenticeship will be eligible for a $3 350 bonus during the first year of the apprenticeship. Employers who receive the bonus will still also be eligible to receive other incentive payments under the Apprenticeship Incentives Program. For more information about the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus or about employing an apprentice, visit the Australian Apprenticeships website. |
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| Retail optimism (Retail Insights, Australian Centre for Retail Studies) | ||
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According to industry analysts, there are signs emerging that an economic rebound is on the way. Major growth will be in the next financial year as conditions are still fragile, but still much better than six months ago. Toy and sporting goods stores and car retailers are expected to be among the main beneficiaries of the recovering economy. According to business information firm, IBISWorld, the onset of the Christmas season will mean stronger sales for toys and sporting retailers. Greater confidence would lessen demand for second hand items and more consumers would buy new goods, particularly video games. Revenue for the sector is forecast to rise 2.3 percent this financial year to $1.49 billion, before increasing 2.5 percent in 2010-2011 to $1.53 billion. Car sales, which have been falling since late 2008, are also forecasted to benefit due to increased demand for new cars by 2010. Tighter credit conditions have also affected demand in car sales and while recovery may be slow at first – with sales set to remain poor throughout 2009 – they are projected to improve in 2010, helped by a wider choice of small and more fuel-efficient cars. Revenue in this sector is forecast to fall 2.5 percent to $53.32 billion before rebounding with 7.5 percent growth in 2010-11 to $57.32 billion. |
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| Business Awards feedback | ||
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Thank-you to all of those members who recently provided feedback on the 2009 Commonwealth Bank Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards via the on-line survey. The survey is now closed and you can view the consolidated results by clicking here.
Your feedback and views will help us ensure the on-going success, support for and relevance of the awards.
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| Member Accolades | ||
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Chamber congratulates some fine members for the following October achievements: Darren Booth of Hopkins Consultants for winning the Best Cadastral Surveying Project for 2009 at the recent NSW Awards for Excellence in Surveying and Spatial Information. Blue Water Bar & Restaurant, for taking out the Best Family Establishment Award at the 2009 Savour Australia National Awards for Excellence. Cassegrain Wines – on their awards at the 2009 New England Wine Show ( 2009 Premium Semillon selected as the best of the Gold Medal winning wines; a Gold Medal for their 2007 Premium Semillon and Bronze Medal for their 2007 Premium Shiraz). The Observatory for winning the Australian Service Excellence Award in the small business category, and a high commendation in the Hotel and Motel Accommodations Association's inaugural National Industry Awards. Country Energy for receiving three accolades, also at the Australian Service Excellence Awards. And, all the members and champions of the Customer Care Program, which last week received national recognition with the Hastings being named the 'Most Customer Focused' region in Australia at the Australian Service Excellence Awards. The Customer Care Program has more than 300 active members, all of whom are committed to high quality service. The Customer Care Program was established in 2006 by Council and the Customer Care Taskforce. It is driven with the assistance of the Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Association, Hastings BEC, Hastings Business Women’s Network and the NSW Business Chamber. For more information on how to become a Customer Care accredited business submit an enquiry here. |
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| Member news: Wave Bowl and Jumbos Playland | ||
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With Christmas fast approaching it is time to plan your Christmas Party! The crew from two of Port's leading attractions, Wave Bowl and Jumbos Playland, have put together two irresistible corporate packages for Chamber Businesses Members (download package here). Or, party at your workplace and Jumbos' will cater! (view platter menu here). As an added bonus, the first five Chamber members to book a party will receive a scrumptious Jumbos platter valued at $60". To take advantage of this offer call: 6581 0909 (Jumbos), 6583 2238 (Wave Bowl). |
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| Chamber Board | ||
| Robert Turner (President) | Kellon Beard | Peter Buckland | Bob Gillroy | Stuart Goodfellow | Mike Graver | Janette Hyde | Daniel Jordan | Scott Leis | Bill Linney | Hadyn Oriti | Anthony Wilson | ||
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Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce Suite 5, Level 1 Garrison Building Cnr Hay & Clarence Streets, Port Macquarie 2444 Ph: (02) 6583 4412 F: (02) 6583 2766 Email: executive@portchamber.com.au Web: www.portchamber.com.au DISCLAIMER: the views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. All contents are protected by copyright and cannot be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. |