To provide an effective organisational, member-based platform that values, supports, and gives voice to the business community of the Northern Illawarra.
Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce Inc.
Next Meeting
Tuesday 7th July Cliffhanger Restaurant, Bulli Tops
SERVING THE COASTAL VILLAGES OF THE NORTHERN ILLAWARRA SINCE 1996
"CHAMBER BLAST" NICC eNewsletter - JUNE 2009
Message from the President
Hi Everyone,
We are pleased to announce that Sharon Bird, ALP Federal Member for Cunningham, will be our special guest at the next General Meeting. In this Blast, we are giving members the opportunity to submit questions in advance, or issues for discussion you would particularly like raised.
In response to local security concerns from our small business owners in regards to the increase in graffiti and vandalism, the Chamber has now initiated talks with Police and Local Council and will be making further representation to State Government, to devise a strategy that will help meet the CCTV installation costs of business owners and/or landlords. Advice about CCTV security can be found in this month’s Blast.
It is that time of year again when membership renewals are due. This year the Chamber is offering a two-tier Membership. In addition to the existing Member level, a new Platinum level will offer a further range of benefits providing increased promotional opportunities. Visit the website for all the details.
Although we have a really cold spell of weather at the moment, as well as a harsh economic business climate, it never ceases to amaze me the way our Members support one another and, being small businesses, give that little extra welcome, service, care or smile to their clients and customers. Well done all our Members.
Look forward to seeing you at the next Meeting.
Have a GREAT month.
Pauline Lacelles-Smith
President
Welcome New Members
Glenbernie Orchard
Fruit growing farm and shop selling apples and stone fruit in season plus pure honey, homemade jams and apple juice.
259 Darkes Forest Road, Darkes Forest, NSW, 2508.
Ruth and Glenn Fahey
Juanita Studio Gallery
Art gallery featuring local artists in solo and group exhibitions.
35 Asquith St, Austinmer, NSW, 2515.
Juanita and Don Bailey.
The Old Siam Thai Restaurant
Authentic Thai cuisine.
2 McCauley St, Thirroul, NSW, 2515.
Ms Parichat Sukapojana (Joanne)
Sydney Hanggliding Centre
Hanggliding tandem flights.
Bald Hill, Stanwell Park, NSW, 2508.
Mr Chris Boyce.
What’s My Scene Tours
Mini bus charter, day tours, airport and cruise ship transfers, special occasions, wedding guest transfers.
84 Walker Street, Helensburgh, NSW, 2508.
Ron and Lucy Brandwood.
Myhome Residential Cleaning Wollongong
Professional residential cleaning.
P O Box 190, Corrimal, NSW, 2518.
Mr Shaun Tipping
Curves Thirroul
Fitness centre for women.
Level 1, 378 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, 2515.
Rachel Denniss
Bad Influence Cafe
Café during the day and fine dining restaurant at night!
35 Walker Street, Helensburgh, NSW, 2508.
Marcel and Ute Roder
New Platinum Level Membership
Members are reminded that membership fees for 2009-2010 are now due, with a $10 Pay on Time Bonus reduction if payment is received by the due date of 30 June 2009.
You would have noticed in your Renewal notice, the Chamber is now giving its members a choice of benefits by introducing a second tier of membership – Platinum. Platinum members, in addition to receiving the existing Member benefits package, will receive:
Their logo included in the footer of selected, printed NICC material;
A banner advertisement on the home page of the NICC website linking to their website;
50% reduction on a Premium listing in the Northern Illawarra Business Directory (published by member business NIO);
One (1) free ticket to the NICC Annual Ball;
Opportunity to address members at one General Meeting, during the membership year.
Renew your membership online by clicking here
Remember, if paying by EFT please use your business name as the Reference.
Contact the Membership Officer if you have not received your renewal or have any questions.
Federal Member invited as Guest Speaker
The Federal Member for Cunningham, Sharon Bird will be addressing the Chamber at the next General Meeting on Tuesday 7 July. The Executive Committee is keen to ensure that the Member focusses on issues that relate to small business and in particular, issues that affect the Northern Illawarra small business community.
To that end, the Committee will be forwarding to her in advance, two topic of concern: Shared Apprenticeshipsand Maternity Leave. If you have a question you would like to have raised please contact the Secretary on secretary@nicc.net.au. Please note we will do all possible but cannot guarantee that every issue/question will be addressed on the 7th July.
Make sure you register your attendance for the July General Meeting by Saturday 4 July at meetings@nicc.net.au or call Barbara 4294 9295 during business hours.
AGM Nominations and Executive Committee Nominations
The Annual General Meeting and re-election of Executive office bearers will be held on Tuesday 4 August at the Cliffhanger Café and Function Centre. Your role in this process is important to ensure that the NICC Executive Committee continues to be strong, active and committed.
All members are now invited to nominate their preferred candidates by nominating members from the current Executive Committee or any other Chamber members. Members are also able to also nominate themselves for a position on the Committee.
Register your nomination online here.
Online nominations will close on Tuesday 4 August 2009 with final nominations taken at the AGM. To case your vote you must be present at the AGM, otherwise proxies can be advised to the Secretary 24 hours prior to the AGM taking place.
Dates for your Social Calendar
Mid Year Get Together Friday 31 July - Bistro 345 Thirroul
It’s half way through the year and a good excuse to take a breather for some social activity with the Chamber. Bring your family or reward your staff – just come along and take a break with us. Full details will be advised shortly.
The Stimulus Ball Friday 30 October at Panorama House - Bulli Tops
End the year (well not quite the end) the way it started, at the Chamber’s 2009 Annual Ball - The Stimulus Ball. Don’t miss out on this night of fun and frivolity and reserve the date in your calendar now. Full details will be launched at the July General Meeting and tables will be available for sale shortly after.
Tourist Trails Update
Work is well underway on the second stage of production of the Chamber’s five Northern Illawarra Coastal Village Tourist Trails. Content and images have been finalised and letters have been sent to particular non-member tourism-based businesses inviting them to participate. Eligible NICC member businesses that fall into one or more of the Trail categories, will automatically be included in the Trails. The third stage, involving the development of the Trails template, will commence by the end of June.
The Northern Illawarra Tourist Trails will feature the five major tourism attractions for visitors travelling to our particular region:
Art, Antiques and Markets
Café’s and Dining
Outdoor Activities
Natural Attractions
History and Local Attractions
CCTV Camera Systems: Within your business and the community. By Quentin Field – Electrician, Security Technician, Security Consultant and unrestricted cabling licence holder
It has been reported lately in various publications that there is an increase in crime and vandalism throughout the Northern Illawarra. With the reduction in police numbers in our region it is important to find ways to reduce crime and vandalism of your business (and home) premises.
Although each business is different, one way to help reduce incidents around your business is by installing a CCTV camera system to record any and all activity in view of the cameras. This activity is recorded on a hard drive, which can be re-played and copied for the police to help identify and arrest the perpetrators.
CCTV camera systems are a supplementary part of your security and should be accompanied by good locks and a back to base security alarm system and on occasion Insurance companies will give discounts on insurance policies when security is increased within your premises. A good starting point is to arrange a security risk assessment of your business and plan your future security plans in a cost effective and achievable way.
To assist you in identifying your security requirements, what processes to follow when designing of a security system and in selecting an installer, a basic checklist is attached here.
Village Signage Upgrades
After 2 years, Helensburgh Lions have successfully found a sponsor, Ian Pepper from Property Penguin, to fund the installation of the light on the Helensburgh community sign at the town entrance on Parkes St. Other sponsors of this project also to be acknowledged are Quentin Field of Interphase Electrical and Security, and Scott Smith, from Northern Illawarra Online (NIO).
The Chamber is also in the process of reinvigorating and upgrading the neglected Business Directory sign at Stanwell Park to include new banner signs, new locator grid map and an easily updatable directory casement. While NICC members will automatically receive a fully maximised listing, non-members in the village have been invited to join the Chamber in order to receive the same level of recognition.
It is envisaged that if the scheme goes well, the same approach of installing an interactive Business Directory will be taken at Thirroul, Austinmer and Helensburgh town centres and the Chamber would be seeking interested members to form a sub-committee to work on this project.
The Final Wrap
Entries from the $900 Easter promotion have been entered into a database and a summary was presented at our last general meeting. The total number was more than anticipated with 660 entries received from 33 different NICC member businesses, which meant over 30% of our members participated in the promotion. Also interesting, was where those customers came from: 35% were from Stanwell Park/Helensburgh and 12% from Thirroul, resulting in a huge 53% from outside our area.
It is difficult to determine whether any customers who entered the competition came to our businesses because of the promotion, however, it was definitely used by many of our businesses as a reward to their customers for shopping locally. Further discussion on the results of the promotion and usage of the data will be held at upcoming Executive meetings. Feel free to forward any of your feedback or ideas for future promotions to secretary@nicc.net.au.
Photo: Brendan Fattore accepting his $900 winning prize at Otford Pantry
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New Platinum Level Membership 
