TUESDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 2007 AUSTINMER BOWLING CLUB

ATTENDEES: K Prendergast, M Culbert, B Allen, N Craddock, L Craddock, B Neill, R Goldman, L Visser, G Brennan, M Brennen, P Smith, L Starkey, A Rust, F Vander, J Vander, C Bartlett, C Van Der Water, S Van Middelkoop, S Smith, G Watts, D Bradley, A Atkins, B Atkins, S Melchior, S Daniew.

APOLOGIES: Quentin Field

President – Pauline Smith introduced and welcomed Guest Speaker, Historian Dennis Wetheral.

Vice President – Neil Craddock introduced potential new member, Andrew Russ of Charlie Design.

Acknowledged new member Auto Image Detailing.

Pauline advised that the Executive Committee are listing to member feedback and provided following update for 2008:

3 Social functions planned throughout year.
Work to continue on development and distribution of Member Directory for Business’s

Dick Bradley from IACC, advised new Seminar “Customer Service to grow your business” for Wednesday 28/11 at Austinmer Bowling Club. Tracey Collins running seminar. Ads have been placed in local papers, attendance encouraged. Same Seminar to be held at Corrimal 29/11.

Pauline gave thanks to Barbara Allen for great job organising chamber meetings, Festival of Flight Ball, Lynda Starkey & Kayleen Prendergast also acknowledged.

Greg Watts opened discussion on the new Chamber Directory – advising it was a Tourist type map for chamber members of 2508 area and Austinmer, Thirroul. Opening hours have been added for the benefit of members. Question was asked “How do we show our Business?”. Greg encouraged members to provide suggestions and feedback regarding the map and chamber meetings by e-mailing the Secretary as the map needs to be finalised.

REPORTS:

President – Festival of Flight Ball Friday 9th November 2007 at Panorama Restaurant – a Terrific Night!

Secretary – 1 incoming correspondence – Tourism Wollongong acknowledging Lynda & Strategy team For their recent work and efforts. Information provided on local signage and RTA.

Treasurer – No report

Media Report – Busy month promoting Ball & advertising
Full page ad in Advertiser – promotion of all events in November in the north.
Disappointed in support from Chamber members. Chasing up distribution of the Advertiser in northern suburbs. Feedback requested from members on E-Blast.
General consensus very good.

Web Master - Developing E-Blast, new additions include press clippings/media releases to develop An archive for public information. Design – working with Greg on directory & Development of Data Base – contacts, information distribution, important issues Feedback welcomed.

Ball Committee - Happy to have exceeded 100 attending. Buses now full but can squeeze more. Bus From Helensburgh to Panorama, Stanwell Park – Stanwell Tops to Panorama
Austinmer Surf Club/Thirroul Beaches – Preschool to Panorama
11-45pm Greens coach Helensburgh through to Thirroul

Tourism Wollongong a late sponsor donating $250.00.

Membership Report – Michelle advised 69 financial members
Interest from Why Documentaries not yet financial
Sydney Hangliding previous members now renewed.

Question raised by Steve Melchoir regarding 1 member having 2 business’s, do they pay 2 separate fees – answer was yes, but Executive looking into it.

Strategy Group – Marketing strategy for region, information provided to members. By end 2008 Itineries to be developed in download form at Tourist Information Centre at Bulli Tops.

Guest Speaker – Carol Van Der Water from “Watergum Grove” provided information on 3 Bedroom Apartment for holiday rental at Stanwell Park. They are very customer focused Providing exquisite linen, furnishing, chocolates and champaigne, organising collection of guests and booking activities and restaurants.

General Business – Xmas party December 2nd at Your Art Gallery Stanwell Park 6pm BYO. Numbers required for catering.

Pianosa Fine Foods at Thirroul have a tasting for Xmas Saturday 10/11.

Feedback requested on effects of Syndey to Gong bike ride – Stanwell Tops Residents were affected by road closure, Stanwell Park business members takings Down approx. 80%, Concerns raised that not all business was notified of road Closure times.

Members happy to nominate John Vander as representative at Tourism Wollongong, nominations closed 1st November, Lynda to enquire if late Nominations would be accepted.

Scott Smith discussed new NIO Directory – offering unique advertising opportunities with added benefits for members. Current incentive for members to become part of the directory – 12 months advertising for the price of 6 months, excellent value at $88.00.
Scott also explained benefits of having Google Link attached.

Meeting Closed 9.35pm