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| A warm welcome to our new members for November | ||
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| CBD Vitality and Vibrancy | ||
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Attendees at Chamber’s recent Information and Networking Evening had plenty of comments and questions in response to the information presented by the University of New England’s Dr Robert Baker on creating vibrant CBD precincts. The business community clearly wants to see our CBD continue to develop as a thriving centre that engages locals and tourists alike. Robert spoke of the importance of a good retail policy, consumer movement/shopping trip behaviour and vitality, and the business ‘mix’.
“As Robert demonstrated, effective parking and people movement solutions are only one element in the mix required to sustain a vibrant CBD. Chamber will continue to engage Council and stakeholders to ensure the on-going development of our CBD,” said Chamber Executive Officer Liesa Davies. Establishment of CBD Sub-Committee Noting the level of interest that has stemmed from this meeting and in interest in future development of our CBD, Chamber is looking to establish a CBD sub-Committee. If you would like to volunteer for the Committee and participate in further discussions on CBD issues, please register you interest with Liesa on tel 02 6583 4412. |
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| Chamber moving forward – plans for 2010 | ||
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Your Board and Executive Officer are finalising plans to provide an increased service offering to Chamber members. Recent changes in the Chamber’s sources of revenue, such as the loss of “work for the dole” and regional certifying for immigration, has added impetus to the need to develop a more sustainable proposition for members. Chamber President Rob Turner says, “At the forefront of our considerations has been ensuring we continue to provide value for members. While we are a not-for-profit organisation, we still need an appropriate financial structure to ensure our long-term viability. During 2010, you’ll see some further changes with the introduction of new membership levels, branding, and an interactive website. These will allow us to improve our engagement with members and prospective members, provide value in a number of new ways and streamline our administrative processes.” New membership levels The first change will be in the amendment of membership fees and the introduction of a new membership level for corporate members. From 1 January 2010, annual Chamber membership fees will be: $255 (Business Member) and $670 (Corporate Member). Corporate Membership is for medium-sized and corporate businesses who not only like to know what’s going on and contribute to the Chamber voice, but also want to participate in B2B offerings and receive added recognition of their financial support. Gold and Platinum Sponsorship levels are also to be introduced in 2010 Seeking Expressions of Interest Members interested in submitting a proposal to meet the Chamber’s branding and website requirements, should register their interest with Chamber Executive Officer, Liesa Davies by e-mailing executive@portchamber.com.au by Friday 11th December. Chamber’s statement of requirement will be released in the near future. |
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| Chamber Christmas Celebrations | ||
| A reminder that Chamber will celebrate Christmas with the members of the Hastings BEC, NSW Business Chamber, Hastings Business Women’s Network and the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association at our Combined Christmas Party, Tues 15th December from 5:30pm-8pm. For $15 you’ll have the chance to share in the festivities with all our wonderful members and have a drink (or two...) and finger food. Be sure to register your attendance by e-mailing Maree McEntyre on maree.mcentyre@AustralianBusiness.com.au. | ||
| Australian Business Week Mentors | ||
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Representatives from 18 Chamber businesses assisted with St Columba Anglican School’s recent “Australian Business Week’ program for year 10 students. By all accounts the experience was very productive for both the students and the business mentors/presenters. Thank you to all who volunteered their time.
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| Parking and People Movement Survey results | ||
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The results of the Chamber’s CBD Parking and People Movement Survey are in and it is clear, this was an important issue for many members as you had a lot to say. A summary of the results is now available on the Chamber website (hyperlink). Thank-you to all respondents – we were very pleased to have 62 businesses complete the survey. Members of the Chamber executive presented the results to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Administrator and General Manager in a meeting last week. Chamber’s formal recommendations on CBD parking and people movement will be published shortly.
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| Industrial Open Forum Contributions | ||
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50 business and property owners from our region’s industrial zones gathered with the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce Industrial Sub-Committee on 25th November to have their say on the opportunities and issues they face in our local government area. The most prominent issues raised were access and vehicle movement into and through the Port Macquarie industrial area (especially traffic volumes along Lake Road), zoning matters (the need to better manage the mix of industrial, commercial and bulky goods land usage), and the development application approvals process (which is viewed as extremely difficult and time consuming). On the plus side, most participants felt that the region is well placed to cater for a growing industrial sector, as the supply of industrial land expands with the development of Sancrox and Kew Industrial areas. In addition, industrial land usage in the region is seen as affordable and the services provided, generally of a high standard. “The issues, opportunities and suggestions made during the open forum will now be considered in more depth by the Sub-Committee. We’ll be looking at how we continue to engage relevant stakeholders, particularly the Port Macquarie Hastings Council, on these issues to maximize business opportunities for existing and future businesses in our Industrial zones,” said Industrial Sub-Committee Chair, Kellon Beard. “The Industrial Sub-Committee has engaged positively with Council to date, and a number of Council representatives came along to the forum to hear industry’s views. We look forward to such positive engagement in the future.” |
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| Work for the Dole equipment auction | ||
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Chamber will be offering its work for the dole assets to the highest bidder via a graysonline.com auction later this week. If you are in the market for a mini-bus, box trailer, lawn equipment, power or hand tools, stay tuned for more information via e-mail .
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| Member Profile: Olive Communications | ||
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Based in Port Macquarie, Olive Communications is your local Print and Production Services Specialist with over 25 years of industry experience. Olive Communications mantra is to take the pain out of the entire print production/management process leaving you more time to focus on your business. High levels of service combined with high quality products at competitive prices is what we are about. We manage and produce all types of printed material and collateral including: Need some help with creative development or design? We have local creative and design partners who we will refer you to for these services (both print and web). During December 2009 we are offering special prices on 4pp A5 Xmas Cards and DL Marketing Flyers. Please email Guy atguy@olive.net.au. or call 0410 550 845 for a quote or advice on what your business may require, we have a large range of samples of our work. 
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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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executive@portchamber.com.au
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. |