Ballina Chamber of Commerce

Merry Christmas & Annual Wrap Up

balchamber — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 04:03:01 +0000

As our retailers and tourism operators are preparing for what we hope will be a busy Christmas period, many are preparing for a break to spend time with loved ones and rest up ready for another huge year in 2012.

What a Year! It is always a mixed response when we talk to our members about how they are doing in business. Some will tell us that figures are up on last year whilst their neighbouring business tell a different story.

For most business has been tough over the past two years and we can only hope that things improve in 2012 and do our best to make it so. The Chamber will continue to look for new ways to support local business – please make sure you let us know if you have any ideas the Chamber can pursue and if you have specific issues impacting on your capacity to do business.

In terms of lobby and advocacy in 2011, we have cemented a strong working relationship with NSW Business Chamber having formalised our alliance in 2010. This partnership gives us the ear of decision makers at both a State and Federal Level (not to mention all the free additional membership benefits the alliance offers). As a result of the alliance I am now representing Alstonville Wollongbar, Lennox Head and Ballina Chambers on the Northern Rivers Regional Advisory Council so please know we are pushing for reduction of red tape – again feedback is encouraged.

The Chamber also enjoys a productive working relationship with Ballina Shire Council and, whilst we don’t always agree, are able to sit down with our local government staff and representatives when issues come up that impact on our members and the broader business community.

We have participated in the Bypass Taskforce and A-Ward Committees. Made submissions relating to the LEP and land use including participation in workshops on Bulky Goods and Affordable Housing, lobbied for the completion of the CBD upgrade (second last stage to commence in Feb), and lobbied (succesfully) for the installation of internet kiosks at the Airport.

As far as networking goes we have run a comprehensive events schedule again this year including:

11 Breakfast Before Business meetings (average attendance 65)
11 Business After Hours Networking Functions (average attendance 50)
International Women’s Day Luncheon attracting close to 300 women
Small Business Forum with Michael Pascoe (over 150)
Business Excellence Awards with 300 in attendance
Professional Development and Cluster Group meetings
Junior Chamber of Commerce monthly meetings and activities
Home Based Business Network meetings (and new website)

In 2012 the Chamber will again run a comprehensive events schedule and continue to lobby and advocate on behalf of our members on issues such as; instillation of gateway signage at the entry and exits to Ballina both by road and to the Airport along with a banner across the main road promoting activities in Ballina. Continue to lobby for the construction of a multi-level carpark in Tamar Street and completion of the final stage of the CBD Upgrade.

We look forward to participating in the Ballina Bar Dredging Taskforce and will continue to pursue the development of a commercial marina in Ballina. There are plenty of areas on which to focus in the New Year but as always let us know if your concerns and ideas.

When Christmas Shopping this year try to get personal gifts from local people for your friends and family. Some suggestions include:

Hair Cut or Clothing Vouchers
Restaurant or Cafe Vouchers
Tickets to the movies/theatre (we have both) or one of our local attractions (go the the discoverballina website for ideas – link below)
An overnight stay somewhere lovely (where better than Paradise..)
A local tour voucher - river/sky/ocean – there are plenty to choose from
Hampers of local produce made up at Ballina Visitor Information Centre or filled with scrummy treats at one of our Delicatessens
A piece of locally designed art or craft
Pamper or massage voucher
Homewares, music, plants ALL HERE IN BALLINA!!

I would also like to encourage you all to shop from within the Chamber membership. If you need referrals or contact details just drop me a line.

Don’t forget that there are some great offers available at the moment by way of the Local’s Reward card so check out www.discoverballina.com.au to see what special offers you can take advantage of this Christmas. There is also a list of Christmas Activities on the site.

I hope to see you at the new Twilight Markets in Fawcett park on Thursday 29 December. Let’s get behind this great initiative!

On behalf of the Board of Management I would like to thank our Secretariat, Irene and Nat Tory from Copy That @ Profsec for their hard work with our administration again this year, our sponsors for their steadfast support and significant contributions, and our members (that’s you!) for providing employment and keeping the cogs of our local economy going!

Merry Christmas and a Happy Prosperous New Year!! We look forward to continuing to be your voice for Business and Industry in 2012.

Nadia Eliott-Burgess

Executive Officer

Narelle Besseling, Leanne Cawley, Peter Carmont (Treasurer), Georgie Latimer (Dep. Chair), Glenn Costello (Secretary), Scott Gollan (Chairman), Mark Ezzy.

Business Awards Tickets On Sale Now

balchamber — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 07:01:40 +0000

Click here to download the Booking Form

ZZZ 2LM Trackside Marquee at the Slipway Ballina Cup 8/9

balchamber — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 03:39:59 +0000

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balchamber — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 07:12:37 +0000

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2011 Ballina Shire Northern Star Business Excellence Awards Nominations Now Open!!

balchamber — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 07:08:04 +0000

YES – it’s that time again!! Nominations are now open for the 2011 Business Awards. This year in addition to our tradition categories (see list below) we also have the new People’s Choice category.

We are encouraging everyone in the Shire to get on and nominate and vote for their favourite businesses. One vote per business per person BUT you can vote for any number of businesses you like.

The nominated business will go in the running for People’s Choice but will also be offered the opportunity to enter other categories which are judged either by Secret Shopper or a Written Submission.

There are a number of methods to vote:

Print off the Nomination Form and fax it in
email info@ballinachamber.com.au (name of business and your name)
Vote for your chosen business/es on the Ballina Chamber Facebook Page (voting mechanism on the Wall)
SMS your vote (name of business and your name) to 0428 417 811

Categories (include but are not limited to)

Retail

Customer Service

Food & Beverage

Trade & Construction

Tourism & Accommodation

Health & Aged Care

Fitness & Wellbeing

Hair & Beauty Services

Corporate Citizen

Green Business

Professional Services

Workplace Safety

Community & Social Services

Small Business of the Year

Big Business of the Year

2011 Northern Rivers Small Business Forum

balchamber — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 06:18:12 +0000

“2010 – 2011: The Year that Was” presented by Michael Pascoe

Michael Pascoe is one of Australia’s most respected and experienced finance and economics commentators with 37 years in newspaper, broadcast and on-line journalism. He’s also a most entertaining and provocative speaker on matters financial, economical and political.

Michael is seen on Channel 7′s Sunrise and news programs, is Contributing Editor for the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age’s BusinessDay.com.au sites, is a weekly finance columnist for Yahoo7, writes for magazines as diverse as Mining Monthly and YTE, and is an acclaimed speaker, bringing rare humour and plain language to the dismal science.

Born and educated in Queensland, he started his career with The Courier-Mail before working in Hong Kong for three years. He joined the Australian Financial Review in Sydney and then pioneered specialist finance journalism in commercial broadcasting – first with the Macquarie Radio network, then with Channel 9, Sky News and 7.

View Michael’s weekly video update ‘The Week that Was’ or visit The Sydney Morning Herald to read some of Michael’s recent commentary about business and the economy, covering everything from current election uncertainty, tax, rates, house prices, migration, and more!!

Wednesday 20 July 2011
12 noon to 2.00pm
at
Ballina RSL Club

$60pp. – $450 table of 8.
Two Course Luncheon

RSVP to info@ballinachamber.com.au

Register for this event today – tickets sell out fast!!!

“The Small Business Forum is a must attend for
all members of community and especially Small Business”

AGM Results for 2011

balchamber — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 02:59:25 +0000

Wow what a great turnout for the AGM with over 55 members making time to come and have their say on board representation for the 2011/12 year. Not bad considering it was held smack bang in the middle of school holidays.

Visit the Chamber Structure Page of the BCCI Website to see the results.

Junior Chamber of Commerce announces new sponsor

balchamber — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 02:56:29 +0000

Students from Ballina High, Southern Cross High, Emmanuel Anglican College and Xavier College kicked of Term 1 with their first meeting on March 2. The first exciting development for the Junior Chamber was the announcement of new Naming Rights Sponsor Newcastle Permanent Building Society. The students have since hosted representatives from Newcastle Permanent at one of their board meetings and are looking forward to the benefits sponsorship will bring. The Junior Chamber is also proudly sponsored by TURSA Employment & Training and Crowley.

March 2011 Breakfast Before Business – Meet the Candidates

balchamber — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 05:07:11 +0000

As always Chamber members had the opportunity to Meet the Candidates. Five of the six candidates in the State election attended for a Panel Discussion. Each candidate spoke uninterrupted for 10 minutes and then members participated in a Q&A.

International Womens Day Luncheon 2011

balchamber — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 03:28:58 +0000

220 women joined us for the Chamber’s annual IWD celebrations. It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon with lovely entertainment, inspirational speakers and a stunning menu!