Keeping the business community connected

Welcome to the Shoalhaven Business Chamber newsletter, the new look communication for our members in an easily digestible format that will be delivered monthly.

I believe 2016 is shaping up to be a prosperous year for business within the Shoalhaven with many encouraging signs that the local economy is as strong as it has been for some time.

The Christmas retail trade and tourism dollars have been strong by most early reports. This coupled with a strong real estate and construction market, high levels of government spending on infrastructure and defence in our region, the future is bright and extremely encouraging. ​

This year, the Chamber and its committee will continue to ensure that the voice of our business community is heard by Local, State and Federal government. Our interaction and opinions with relevant stakeholders in developments and issues affecting our area will assist in ensuring that contracts, jobs and investment dollars stay within the local economy wherever possible.

Some of these items and developments include:

  • Berry Bypass /Albion Park Bypass
  • Shoalhaven River Crossing
  • Egans Lane Development
  • Truck Stop South Nowra
  • Bomaderry Woolworths and Zoning Changes
  • CCTV Cameras
  • CBD Rates
  • $19million Yerriyong Motorcycle Park
  • The possible Kiama Council merger
  • Nowra CBD Revitalisation, Nowra Alive

 

In 2016 you will also have many opportunities to network and promote your business via the many events to be hosted throughout the year. Check for upcoming events or if you would like to host a Business After Hours event or a Super Dinner, please contact Jeni at our office for our proposal document.

We are a strong Chamber with an exceptionally generous committee who volunteer their time working hard behind the scenes to ensure the SBC can deliver a relevant offering to our members.

Meet the Committee

I am excited by the challenges and opportunities for the year ahead and would like to wish all of our members a successful and prosperous 2016 and look forward to seeing you all at the next event.

Yours sincerely,

bgoddardsig

Brendan Goddard
President​


Policy Matters

Motorsport Park

The proposed Shoalhaven Motorsport Complex will receive over $9M from the Federal Government towards this project subject to obtaining development consent.  The project will have motorcycle, motorcar and karting facilities, as well as a range of other low-noise events and activities such as commercial filming, corporate events, local sports events (cycling etc.) and well as driver training and safety courses.

It is now up to Shoalhaven City Council to assess the project which will go through the independent Joint Regional Planning Panel Process. To assist its passage, members need to write letters to Council (Attn. General Manager and quoting the DA number “RA14/1000”) in support of the project.

The large amounts of visitors and associated tourism will benefit the Shoalhaven economy as they use accommodation, food & beverage, mechanical services and so on as the money filters through the economy.

For our voice to be heard, members must engage with a letter of support for the project or contact the Chamber if you are not sure where to start.  The Complex also has a website with more information – www.shoalhavenmotorsportcomplex.com.au

Council Amalgamations

This will be another area where the Chamber’s business opinion is being requested. Please send your thoughts both positive and negative via email to the office.

The Chamber is yet to finalise a view on council amalgamations until we receive all the background papers, information and feedback from our members.

Rates

The rate review brief will be out soon in regards to rates versus services offered by Council. More information about this process will come through in early March.


Networking & Events

The Events Committee welcomes you to 2016. We will be keeping you, the website and Facebook up to date with the events as we book them in so you can save the date.

sg-technologies-logoFebruary Business After Hours

On Wednesday 10th February, SG Technologies are proudly sponsoring the first Business After Hours of the year at Quest Apartments from 17:30 to 19:30. Keep your eye on the website or Facebook for more information.

View Event

Government Information Breakfast

On Thursday 18th February, we will be co-hosting a Government Information Breakfast with the Department of Industry and AusIndustry.

This event will have brief presentations by the participating government agencies to provide businesses with a good overview of what programs and services are available to assist them to start, run and grow their business.

View Event

Bundanon Trust Riversdale Super Dinner

Wednesday 24th February is the annual Bundanon Trust Riversdale Super Dinner. This year we have a new sponsor hosting the event, the University of Wollongong.

For those of you that have attended in the past you will recall the stunning views on the Shoalhaven River, which you can again enjoy whilst enjoying a wonderful meal catered by Duck Duck Goose. Keep an eye on the website and your emails for the invite to this wonderful event.

View Event

Lunch and Learn Series

2016 sees the return of the Lunch and Learn series. These business lunches are hosted by a member business that can provide valuable and insightful information to assist you with your business strategies, business growth and/or development. Examples of lunch topics include business insurance, business cash flow, taxation, business leases, social media and staff recruitment.

Want to host an event? Please contact Jeni at the office to find out what opportunities are available.

The events committee look forward to see you at the next event!


In The Spotlight

2016 Shoalhaven Business Awards

Planning is already underway for the 2016 Shoalhaven Business Awards.

The SBC is now seeking expressions of interest from experienced and qualified Event Management specialists to stage this year’s awards.

A formal EOI document and consultancy agreement can be found here and contains full details of the contractual obligations.

Important Dates:
EOI Closing Date: 5 Feb
Awards Launch Date: 9 May
Entries Close: 30 June
Awards Gala Dinner: 26 August

Energise Shoalhaven: Discover the tools you need to thrive

Thursday 11th February is the fourth installment to the Energise Shoalhaven series: ‘Discover the tools you need to thrive in 2016’.
This one-day workshop with Steven Dixon will teach you how to become more efficient using the right programs, leverage resources from around the world to get fast results.

Steven will present automated processes and technologies for your business that can improve communication to your staff and customers.
Quest Apartments Nowra 09:00-16:00
Cost members $47
Non-members $97
Free to all attendees of Energise Shoalhaven.

View Event

Become a Member

Members of the Shoalhaven Business Chamber get access to a large number of benefits.