Keeping the business community connected

What a high paced start to 2016 with the SBC already having held 3 successful and well-attended events, Business After Hours, Breakfast Bites Series and the Super Dinner at Bundanon Trust, Riversdale.

If you have not been to an event recently I would strongly encourage you to keep an eye on the events calendar this year. We are committed to providing a diverse range of educational and networking events in various formats to deliver something for everyone.

There has been plenty of discussion in the media lately around the CBD. The SBC is still extremely relevant in the CBD, with over 150 members in the Nowra area and with our relationship with Council being extremely strong, we are currently being consulted on the following:

  1. CBD Rates: we currently sit on the Rates Review Committee
  2. Infrastructure: we are being regularly consulted in relation to funding expenditure through the Stronger Regions Funding grants
  3. CBD Revitalisation: we have a seat on this committee where we decide on everything from promotional activities & events through to infrastructure such as signage and footpaths.

However, most of our members rely on more than the CBD for growth in their business and therefore the SBC will always consider the Shoalhaven as a whole. As previously stated my goal is to work collaboratively with all minor groups in the area on matters that will enhance the overall Shoalhaven economy, and as a result improve the opportunities for our members.

As always, the SBC is committed to delivering many opportunities for our members to promote their own business, gain access to training opportunities and to attend networking events. However, in addition to this our Policy Sub Committee continues to work hard on major political and policy issues effecting business opportunities in the region. Please be sure to read the Policy Matters section this month.

I would also encourage all of our members to contact our office if you have any issues that are affecting your business where you feel the SBC can assist. Feedback from our members makes our Chamber stronger and enables us to deliver more relevant value and business services back to you.

Finally, planning is well underway for the 2016 Business Awards and after an extensive process we have selected the event organiser for this year’s Awards. Her name is Miranda Packer and she comes well qualified and experienced. As with all good events, sponsorship is important and if your business were looking for some fantastic exposure I would personally recommend one of the awards sponsorship packages. If you are interested please contact the office for details.

Kind Regards,

bgoddardsig

Brendan Goddard
President​


Networking & Events

What a great start to 2016. We kicked off the year with Business After Hours on the 10th February at Quest, sponsored by SG Technologies. It was a great night of networking for many business people.

We held the first Shoalhaven Business Chamber and Shoalhaven City Council Breakfast Bites Series on 18th February in collaboration with Department of Industry and AusIndustry. 13 federal, state and local government services provided information on the services available to our business community.

The 24th February saw the annual Bundanon Trust Riversdale Super Dinner sponsored by University of Wollongong. Chief Administrative Officer at University of Wollongong, Melva Crouch CSM, was keynote speaker for the evening. Melva said the event provided an excellent opportunity to thank the Shoalhaven business community for their ongoing support.

Whilst enjoying the picturesque views, networking and fine food, our guests were entertained throughout the evening by critically acclaimed mezzo soprano Annette Tesoriero and pianist Lisa Baraldi.

Macey_Insurance_Logo_FINALMarch Business After Hours

Macey Insurance Brokers will be focusing on Cyber Crime that costs Australian Businesses $4.5 billion annually yet it remains one of the least insured policy areas. Macey Insurance Brokers will outline the significant risks SME Business owners face with today’s fastest growing crime.

JBMM1Date: Wednesday 16th March
Venue: Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, Woollamia Rd Huskisson
Time: 17:30pm to 19:30pm
Cost: Free to members

Maximum of 2 guests per business, additional guests welcome at $20 per head.

Please advise of dietary requirements at time of booking.

RSVP by 14th March. Contact Jeni at the Chamber office on 02 4423 3582 or admin@shoalhavenbusiness.com.au

View Event

TBC LogoMarch Government Information Breakfast

SBC and Shoalhaven City Council Breakfast Bites Series sponsored by Telstra Business Centre Nowra.

NBN (National Broadband Network)

Discover everything you need to know about the NBN and how it can help save money whilst increasing productivity and efficiency in your business.

Shoalhaven_logo_Transparent_2014Date: Thursday 17th March
Venue: Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Sports Club, 131 Greenwell Point Rd, Worrigee
Time: 07.00am – 09.00am
Cost: FREE event subsidised by Telstra Business Centre Nowra

RSVP by COB 14th March. Contact Jeni at the Chamber office on 02 4423 3582 or admin@shoalhavenbusiness.com.au

If you would like to host an event, please contact Jeni at the Chamber office.

We look forward to see you at the next event!

View Event

Policy Matters

Council Merger: The Chamber has put forward it’s NO vote and document in regards to the position on the Merger. It is hoped that a different Kiama/Shellharbour proposal may come forward in the future. A decision will come from the NSW Government in May.

Motorsports Complex: Today we have received confirmation from Council that the Shoalhaven Motorsports Complex Development Application (DA) is now formally out on public exhibition (again).

Following the exhibition there will be a determination by the JRPP to see if the project will proceed.  There is a $9.5 million grant for the region that is riding on the outcome, a grant that will not be redistributed but simply withdrawn.  However it doesn’t happen, the tourism and business benefits will be lost to the region.

Council is asking for written submission to be made by close of business on 28 MARCH 2016.  It is vital that the support for the facility come through loud, clear and positive – please pass on the word to those that you think will be interested.  If you have not done so already, please SUBMIT NOW before it’s too late.

If you would like to know more about the project we have a new updated website – www.shoalhavenmotorsportcomplex.com.au – which has a whole lot of facts and Q&A’s under the “About the Complex” section.

If you are ready to make a submission, please do not hesitate and do one of the following:

  • email your submission to Council via council@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au
  • Post a hard copy submission to – General Manager, Shoalhaven City Council, PO Box 42 Nowra NSW 2541
  • Submit online – go to the Shoalhaven City Council website (shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au), click on “DA Tracking” on the right hand side of the front page, enter RA14/1000 – click on show, scroll all the way down the page to the “contact us about this application” button.  You will also see all the submitted project information here.

If you need any assistance, just let us know.

The Committee has voted in favour of this development based on the positive financial impact for the region. Many of the environmental concerns have now been addressed forcing a redesign of the track.

Chamber Members are requested to write letters of support to Council on this project.

SBC to meet Minister for Small Business: The Hon. John Barillo MP, Shelley Hancock MP, Brendan Goddard and John Lamont will meet in NSW Parliament House on March 9th to discuss issues facing small business, and issues such as the Motor Sport Park. Any special topics effecting Members should be forwarded to the Chamber Office as soon as possible so we can brief the minister. This is great recognition for the Chamber to be invited to Sydney for this meeting.

New Policy Committee Members: We would like to Welcome Stuart Clarke from GHD and Sophie Alexander from RMB who have stepped forward to join the policy committee. Again thanks to Grant Gleeson for his fantastic efforts over the past 7 years on this sub-committee.


In The Spotlight

Membership and Communication

Growing our membership

Every month we’re receiving more membership applications, which is a very positive indication that the Chamber is delivering more value since most new members are coming from referrals.

We don’t have to tell you that getting new SBC members means more opportunities for you to network with and it also means a stronger Chamber, so in order to grow our membership further, we’re initiating a new member-get-member incentive program.

How it works

Each month, any SBC financial member who introduces a new member to the Chamber and subsequently signs up will be rewarded. Both the new member and the referring business will have their logos included in the subsequent month’s newsletter and linked to their website in this section.

Referrals mean rewards

What’s more, every six months there will be a prize draw for all successful referring businesses that will be automatically entered into a raffle to win some great prizes. More information will follow.

Promote your business

Now that the newsletter is up and running, we will be offering members to promote their business to other members in our newsletter.

Each month, there will be two advertising spaces within the newsletter that will be available for financial SBC members to promote their business. Each banner costs $100 and bookings will be confirmed once payment is received.  For conditions and inquiries contact Jeni at the Chamber office on 02 4423 3582 or admin@shoalhavenbusiness.com.au

Become a Member

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