Keeping the business community connected
This is our fourth e-newsletter for the SBC and to date our analysis indicates a high level of readership and I would like to thank you all for that. We hope to continue to produce informative content that appeals to the broad cross-section of our membership and also to communicate the great things the SBC is doing for you and the greater Shoalhaven business community.
Getting positive feedback from long-standing members as well as our newest members re-assures us that the committee is providing the right service. Quite simply, there’s a great buzz in the SBC at the moment.
Some members have suggested there’s a family vibe about the SBC and a feeling of inclusiveness at our events; it’s a place where everyone feels welcome and wants to take part. Creating unity was one of my main objectives in my role so I am glad to be receiving such encouraging, unprompted comments.
If you have not yet experienced one of our events we have several coming up such as the Post Budget Luncheon on 13 May, the Lunch and Learn Series and Information Breakfasts that are well attended. We also have the inaugural SBC Women in Business Luncheon this month, which has received such an overwhelming response we have had to move it to a larger venue.
Our array of events are designed to give you and your staff access to tools that will help you grow your business and increase the economic prosperity of the region.
The value to our members comes in many forms even by simply being a member you are already helping to strengthen our united voice. Our voice reaches beyond the boundaries of the Shoalhaven into various parts of the state, in an effort to encourage business and investment to the Shoalhaven.
A bigger membership means a bigger voice and we are encouraging you, our members, to get involved by participating in our Member get Member program where you could win a fantastic prize as well as recognition in this newsletter for introducing a new member to the SBC family.
Collaboration, unity and working towards a shared goal have been my other objectives as President of the Chamber. Strengthening relationships with key partners such as Council, SPBA, NSW Chamber, industry groups and smaller Chambers ensures that we remain relevant, but also gives us the ability to get things done when it is needed.
You will notice in this month’s edition a new advertising banner promoting one of our members. This advertising space will appear regularly and is available to all our members for purchase. If you would like to promote your business here, please contact Jeni Vine at the office for more details.
Another major project currently being undertaking by our committee is the 2016 Shoalhaven Business Awards and I encourage to you read more about this in this month’s newsletter. Regular updates will now feature in the newsletter keeping informed of progress and developments of the Shoalhaven’s biggest gala event.
I hope you enjoy the content of this month’s newsletter.
Kind Regards,
Brendan Goddard
President
Our Business After Hours in March was sponsored by Macey Insurance Brokers. Guests where given information on the importance of cyber insurance, whilst enjoying delicious food, history, art exhibitions all at the tranquil settings of Jervis Bay Maritime Museum.
Breakfast Bites Series last month was sponsored by Telstra Business Centre Nowra and supported by Shoalhaven City Council. 30 guests learnt about the value of the NBN from the Telstra NBN specialists.
March Lunch and Learn was hosted by TAFE Illawarra and supported by Shoalhaven City Council. Lynelle Johnson from Digital Business Hub gave an informative outline of the what, why and hows of developing a digital strategy and how it can deliver real benefits and help grow your business.
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Launch of the Shoalhaven Women in Business Lunch – SOLD OUT
April will see the launch luncheon for the SBC’s newest event, Shoalhaven Women in Business. This group is for like-minded woman who are keen to learn, collaborate and share ideas with others for mutual success. If you operate a small or large business, looking to start up on your own, employed, self-employed, a professional, an experienced executive or someone who has a great business idea, Shoalhaven Women is Business is for you!
If you are looking for an inspirational, motivational environment to meet like-minded women join us at the launch luncheon at the Wharf Rd Restaurant Friday 15th April.
Proudly supported by the Chamber’s business education and events supporter Shoalhaven City Council. Click here for more information.
Due to popular demand, the Women in Business Luncheon is now sold out. Apologies for any inconvenience.
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April Business After Hours – Quest Nowra
Come and celebrate Quest Nowra’ 1st Birthday who is sponsoring April Business After Hours.
When: Thursday 21st April
Time: 17.30pm to 19.30pm
Cost: Free to members
RSVP: Monday 14th March
Contact Jeni at the Chamber office on 02 4423 3582 or admin@shoalhavenbusiness.com.au
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Events coming up in May
NSW Business Chamber Workplace Update Seminar
Employee Performance: Dead wood or diamonds in the rough. Which will it be?
When: Thursday 12th May
Venue: Bomaderry Bowling Club
Time: 07:00-09:00
Cost & RSVP: Click Here
Book your place at the Annual Post Federal Budget Lunch
Join us for a two-course lunch and hear about the Federal Budget.
Macey Insurance Brokers and SV Partners are hosting this year’s event with guest speaker Martin Lakos, who will be providing insights on Macquaries appraisal of the issues facing our economy.
When: Friday 13th May
Venue: Sunrise Room, Bomaderry Bowling Club,
Time: 12 noon
Cost: $55 members, $66 non-members. Table of 8 with naming rights $440.
RSVP: Tuesday 10th May
Contact Jeni at the Chamber office on 02 4423 3582 or admin@shoalhavenbusiness.com.au
View EventThank you for your continued support, we look forward to seeing you at our next event.
Meeting with Minister for Small Business at Parliament House
On March 9th, President Brendan Goddard and John Lamont went to Parliament House to meet with the Minister for Small Business and Regional Development, the Hon. John Barilaro MP.
The Minister took representation from the SBC in reference to the Motorsports Complex and was very well received by the Minister who wrote letters of support for the project to the Planning and Environment Ministers.
Brendan and John then had lunch with the Hon. Shelley Handcock MP and MLC Paul Green and caught up on many other local state issues effecting small business within the region. The Chamber thanks both Paul Green and the Hon. Shelley Hancock MP for assisting with representations to the Minister.
Brendan spoke recently in regards to the Motorsports Complex at the Joint Regional Planning Meeting on behalf of Chamber Members in support of the new facility. Let’s hope after all the public display of support by both Chamber Members and the Public we get this project over the line.
The Policy Committee is also working on the New Nowra Bridge with the State Government, Truck Stop at South Nowra, Flinders Road Upgrades, and payroll tax reductions and of course has formally submitted the Chamber’s position against the Council Mergers to the State Government.
If there are other policy issues you would like represented at any of the three levels of government, please let us know, especially with a Federal Election on the horizon.
SBC 2016 Business Awards
Planning is underway for the 2016 Shoalhaven Business Awards.
This year’s Awards gala will be held on Friday 26 August at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre. The official launch will be on Monday 9 May, which is also when entries open for the Awards.
The SBC has contracted event manager, Miranda Packer to manage this year’s Awards. Miranda has extensive event management experience, having managed both small and large events and conferences in Australia and a number of international destinations.
Miranda will shortly be seeking sponsors to help us get the support we need to create an incredible Awards program this year.
With the resignation of Grant Gleeson from Chair of the Judging Panel, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Raj Ray from Silos Estate who will chair this year judging. Raj is a past judge as well as being awarded a place in the SBC Awards Hall of Fame.
If you are interested in sponsoring, please phone Miranda on 0418 885 550 or email awards@shoalhavenbusiness.com.au
Equally, if you are thinking of entering and have questions about the entry process, please also contact Miranda.
In a few weeks’ time we will start recruiting for judges, so please consider whether you would like to get involved as a judge this year. More information about the judges’ role will be available in the coming weeks.
Make sure the key dates are in your diary, and I look forward to sharing more with you in the next newsletter.
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Community News
Each month, we will be providing you with information on other important things that are happening in and around the Shoalhaven community. Whether it is a local event, not-for-profit initiative or an update on other regional organisations and people, SBC will ensure you’re aware of what’s going on.
Get a team together for the 2016 Noah’s Challenge and raise money for children and families living with a disability
On Sunday 15th of May, Noah’s Shoalhaven will hold its annual adventure race, Noah’s Challenge. The organisers are calling for competitors 12 years and over, of all fitness levels, to form teams of 2 and take part in this adventure race. The invitation is also extended to local business and communities to register their teams of 2 to 6 people.
The race includes a running, mountain bike and canoeing leg on and around the stunning setting of Noah’s at University of Wollongong’s Shoalhaven Campus.
Noah’s Shoalhaven is a non-for-profit children’s charity, a centre for excellence in early childhood inclusion services, providing care and cultural services for children and families where the child has a disability, developmental delay or challenging behaviour.
The event includes family-friendly activities and entertainment at the start and finish line. What’s more, this year’s ambassadors of the challenge are locals Dr Anthony Bennett and Dr James Carroll from Lifestyle Channel’s ‘Village Vets Australia’.
Registrations are now open at noahschallenge.com.au. For volunteer opportunities and donations please contact Noah’s Shoalhaven on 02 4423 5022.
Blessing and opening of Vinnies new Retail Centre and Shoalhaven Warehouse
When: Monday 9th May
Venue: 11/58 Princes Highway, South Nowra
Time: 10:00 Blessing by Fr Patrick Faherty followed by morning tea
Cost: Free
RSVP: Wednesday 4th May
Contact tina@svdpwgong.org.au or 0476 983 579
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March New Member Referrals
We would like to welcome Raine & Horne Nowra and Shoalhaven Ex-servos to the SBC who were referred by Macey Insurance Brokers and Cambewarra Estate who were referred by Linda Marquis.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our next events.
If you have referred any new members, please ensure you advise Jeni at the office so your name appears in the newsletter and you go into the September draw.