To provide an effective organisational, member-based platform that values, supports, and gives voice to the business community of the Northern Illawarra.
SERVING THE COASTAL VILLAGES OF THE NORTHERN ILLAWARRA SINCE 1996
"CHAMBER BLAST" NICC eNewsletter - SEPTEMBER 2008
Message from the President A very warm WELCOME to all our new members who are receiving the Chamber Blast for the first time.
Spring has finally arrived - the whole of the Northern Illawarra is looking superb after recent rains, the warmer weather will again bring those extra people (customers) to our unique area.
At the August AGM your new Executive Committee was nominated - we introduce the Exec team to you later in the Chamber Blast – and I will just say that I am really looking forward to working with this talented group of people in the year ahead.
The new Executive Committee is currently working on a new online communication tool that we hope will assist both members and the Chamber to facilitate discussion and feedback on specific issues - more news later and watch for the launch date.
During the coming year the Chamber hopes to assist the local business community evolve through strategies the Committee is currently working on - one of the key areas we will be pushing this year is the 'Buy Local - Buy Chamber' campaign.
The Chamber is continuing its work with The Department of Environment and Climate Change, who is now in the process of short listing NICC member businesses to take part in the pilot of a new small business Waste Management Program - more news in next months Chamber Blast.
November is the time when the Northern Illawarra will show that we KNOW HOW TO PARTY. You are invited to join us this year on A MAGIC CARPET RIDE - our Annual Ball at Panorama House on 7th November with delicious food and wine, great entertainment and dancing, dancing, dancing. Reserve the date and book your tickets.
Have a great month,
Pauline Lacelles-Smith President.
Its fast approaching that time of year again and the Chamber is proud to announce that its hugely successful Annual Ball will be held on Friday 7 November with this year’s theme being A MAGIC CARPET RIDE.
Where: Panorama Restaurant, Bulli Tops
Cost: $85 for an all-inclusive night of delicious food and wine, a belly full of entertainment and dancing, dancing, dancing!
Time: 6.30pm pre-dinner drinks for 7.00pm start
Dress: Arabian Nights or dress to impress!
Bookings: Barbara Allen on 4294 9295.
All welcome.
In July this year the NICC was invited by Wollongong Police to represent the Northern Illawarra on a new Community Safety Precinct Committee along with other representatives from the Corrimal and Wollongong Business Chambers, State and Federal Members, Wollongong City Council, Wollongong Shopping Centres and the University.
Whist Wollongong crime statistics had clearly shown a significant reduction in the number of crimes being committed from 2001 to 2008, the Wollongong Local Area Command team have implemented a new proactive approach to policing. By working closely with each of these organisations on a regular basis Wollongong Police will be seeking localised input into addressing local crime issues.
Should you have any particular concerns, constructive suggestions or information you would like to voice about local crime in the Northern Illawarra contact Pauline Lacelles-Smith at president@nicc.net.au
Marketing Tips from The Guru By Warwick Reader
Profit Growth Systems, Thirroul
Don’t forget the up-sell..
The other day I needed to buy something from an electrical wholesale outlet… you know the one where tradesmen go to get their supplies – where the guy is behind the counter, has to look up what you want on the computer then disappears into the back of the storeroom to get the item. Not a place you would expect to find great marketing skills. Well this outlet was different. Here the owners had obviously trained their staff in some basic marketing and sales techniques....
The Chamber will be expanding its online communication channels in the coming months to include Facebook. Like many people in business today, they realise that there is a need to expand their communication and networking sites in addition to the traditional methods of phone, email and e-newsletters.
It is hoped that the new initiative will provide a quick and easy medium for our members to voice their opinions and participate in discussion groups. It will also give the Chamber another way to keep them informed not only about upcoming meetings and events, but to generate greater member feedback on a wide range of issues.
It is proposed that once launched, ongoing free informal tutorial sessions before and after General Chamber meetings will assist members to get set up and to talk them through issues they may be experiencing. Stay tuned!
Increasing awareness of Toastmasters as a business resource
Representatives from the two Toastmasters clubs in the area, Phil Preston and David Abernethy from Helensburgh and Thirroul clubs respectively, were invited to present at our August General meeting. They explained that Toastmasters is about building people’s confidence through improved communication skills and that it is a very useful resource for business owners, their employees and their friends. These local clubs provide a welcoming environment for people to learn and practice new skills and, at the same time, get positive feedback about what they do well and some tips about areas they can improve in.
Property Penguin is a new and exciting service based in the northern suburbs of Wollongong. Ian Pepper, founder and local resident of Stanwell Park, is a Chartered Accountant with almost two decades of experience in the property and finance industry. Mr Pepper provides a personal service available to all residents in the local area who are buying or selling property or want a second opinion on their finances.
Property Penguin has received a number of accolades in its short two years of business. The unique service was recognised by the NSW Government for innovation with David Campbell MP (Minister for State & Regional Development at the time) launching the company and providing some financial assistance. Property Penguin also received the top award for service in the Crown Street Retail and Business Awards 2008 in the category of Business Services.
The service is available around the clock, over the phone, internet or face to face. There are no charges for the service as the company is remunerated by the lenders it represents.
With interest rates dropping, now could be the best time to call Property Penguin!
Is there something else we could do to improve the Chamber Blast for you? Do you have an item that you would like to share with other Chamber members in the Blast?
A very warm WELCOME to all our new members who are receiving the Chamber Blast for the first time.
Why Documentaries
The service is available around the clock, over the phone, internet or face to face. There are no charges for the service as the company is remunerated by the lenders it represents.