Happy New Year!

Some of you may have heard that I spent quite a bit of time in Canada and the US recently - a fantastic break, loads of fun with family and friends and as always a great reminder of of how nice it is to come home to such a magnificent community, and (at the risk of sounding corny), one of the best places in the world.  So, as Chamber starts the year, we are fired up and looking forward to supporting our members and sponsors and ensuring 2012 is a year full of opportunity for local business.  Will it be better or worse? Without a doubt it will be different to 2011. So, our continued focus will continue to be on solutions and opportunities!  

We look forward to working with you,

Kind regards,

Liesa Davies
Port Chamber Executive Officer

In late 2011, the Chamber Board and Executive met to plan for 2012.  It was agreed unanimously that we need to put aside the external uncertainties and focus on what we can do as an organisation to support out members and grow a strong and diverse economic base.

Matters identified as key priorities for 2012 include supporting the major transformations which are well underway (eg the airport upgrade and expanding higher education opportunities); putting more feet on the street in the CBD via the rejuvenated Town Centre Masterplan Committee; positive engagement with the NSW Government to ensure agreement to and implementation of our foreshore plan; and incentive to "make things happen" here in Port (to encourage major events and an open for business impression). Naturally, there will be other issues and opportunities arising during the year warranting Chamber attention.  As always, we'll be welcoming member views and input.

 

Are you a woman who is looking to kick off the new year with a fresh focus on your business? Are you looking for some support and direction to help grow your enterprise? Or perhaps as someone who's been in business for a while you've got a wealth of valuable knowledge and experience to share?

 

The Women in Business Mentoring Program is for you!  The Port Chamber is partnering with the NSW Department of Trade & Investment and local business networks to offer a business mentoring program for women in the Hastings commencing in February 2012. The program is available for 25 business owners who are looking for strategies and skills to help take their businesses to the next level, and will involve a proven formula of workshops, mentoring and networking to strengthen the growth stage of your business.

Past participant, Samantha Clarke from PC Pitstop says the Women In Business Mentoring Program is an opportunity not to be missed - "Focused training and regular contact with your mentor throughout the program sets you on the path to becoming a strong, balanced and successful businesswoman yourself. The lessons and inspiration I took from the previous mentoring program have served me well in a variety of business situations. I am an empowered businesswoman thanks to this program and the people I shared the experience with.".

 

To read more or register your interest in participating visit www.portchamber.com.au or call 02 6583 4412.

Council's draft Waste Management Strategy is on exhibition until 31 January.  Included in the draft is an undertaking to focus more on commercial and industrial waste - specifically in terms of recycling and resource recovery.  This focus and the anticipated increase in waste costs to landfill in coming years will impact on many local businesses.  Read the draft strategy here to learn how your business may be affected.  Should you wish to provide comment to Chamber, please do so to executive@portchamber.com.au or, submissions directly to Council are invited by COB 31 January.

Like any good business, much of our success as a member based organisation stems from what people say about us.  If you are a member of the Chamber and would like to see our voice and influence grow locally, please spread the word and encourage other great local businesses to be members too.  Membership information can be found on our website, or our team are happy to speak by phone or in person and can be contacted on 6583 4412.

We also welcome testimonials on why being a Chamber member is beneficial to you/your business/our community.  Just drop us a few words here.

 

J&H Tours are offering a $2,000 discount per couple  for Chamber members on their October 2012 culinary tour to the Dordogne region in South West France!

 

This is an extra special tour being accommodated at a  very special villa in a small French village with Michelin chefs providing the cooking school.  With only 2 spaces remaining on the 19-25 Oct tour, you'll have to get in quick.  For all the details, click here.

On the local business calendar

Chamber Board

Robert Turner (President) | Kellon Beard | Peter Buckland | James Dunn | David Edgerley | Alex Glen-Holmes | Stuart Goodfellow | Janette Hyde |  Cathie Linklater | Hadyn Oriti | Tony Thorne | Anthony Wilson   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.