Bellingen Chamber of Commerce » Chamber of Commerce

UMCC: Draft Agenda (for 29th Feb) & Minutes (from 30th November)

susan — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:43:32 +0000

Message from BCoC member UMCC

UMCC Members and Friends

The February monthly meeting of the Chamber will be held on Wednesday 29th. A Draft Agenda is attached, as are Minutes from the previous (November) monthly meeting. 2012-02-29 Draft UMCC Agenda 2011-11-30 UMCC Minutes

Please advise if there are matters you would like placed on the final Agenda.

Input to monthly meetings is always most welcome, whether or not you are currently involved with the Committee or a sub-Committee.

Current financial members of the Chamber are encouraged to attend [whether or not they are a current committee member].

Friends of the Chamber, who are currently not financial members, are most welcome to attend as observers.

Not financial? A Membership Application/Renewal Form for 2011-12 is attached, in case you’ve just forgotten to join/renew. Pro rata rates (half price) apply for individuals and businesses who join/renew now, with membership through to June 2012. UMCC_Membership_Application_or_Renewal_2011-12_V2

If you are a former member, please consider re-joining – the Chamber needs numbers to – so please show your support.

As this is the first formal meeting for the year, some members may “stay on” for some conviviality!! Some may even have dinner at Lui’s beforehand.

Regards

Pete Bennetts

[Pete Bennetts]

(Minute Secretary)

Urunga Mylestom Chamber of Commerce

Partners in Progress

02-6655.5001

PS New Chamber business activity of significant project size should be proposed in advance using the Business Proposal Form, available on request. Smaller issues may be raised at the meeting.

2011 – A YEAR OF CHANGE AND MORE TO COME

susan — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:30:26 +0000

Media Release from NSW Business Chamber

15 December 2011

2011 – A YEAR OF CHANGE AND MORE TO COME

NSW Business Chamber CEO, Stephen Cartwright, believes that the business community in NSW can look forward to a brighter 2012, after a year of transformation in 2011.

“2011 was a year of immense change for the business community in NSW. Not only do we now have a Coalition government for the first time in 16 years, but with that has come a start on much needed reform in the areas of infrastructure, service delivery and private sector involvement,” Mr Cartwright said.

“The “soap opera” that seemed to define the previous Government is over and the business community has been buoyed by the interest and action shown in its agenda to date by the new Government.

“In particular, the appointment of a Small Business Commissioner has been a great initiative, and one that the business community has been advocating for a number of years.

Mr Cartwright said that 2011 was always going to be about laying the foundation for the revitalisation of the State.

“There’s no doubt that the coming year is a crucial one, not only for the Government but also for the business community.

“The Government will be out to demonstrate that the huge mandate given to it by the electorate in March will be used to deliver further reform that empowers the business community to get on with their job of driving economic growth and increasing employment.

“The planned changes to stop the “double dipping of local councillors in State Parliament is just one example that shows how serious the O‟Farrell Government is in changing practices that create a potential conflict of interest and don’t sit well with the broader community.

The NSW Business Chamber will continue to work with government on key policy objectives for 2012, to follow on from the successful 10 Big Ideas campaign of 2011, and with the support of our members we will be working hard to deliver clear results. These include:

· Improving the final years of schooling, and the Higher School Certificate, to better prepare young people to enter the workforce, especially those who will not attend university;

· Cutting employment taxes and red tape to stimulate job growth;

· Funding government and business relocations to regional NSW;

· Delivering improvements in the efficiency of Government service delivery;

· Continuing the push for major reform in local government with the establishment of 10 super councils across Sydney

· Maintaining the momentum in tax reform and progressing improvements in Federal/State interactions and;

· Working with the Federal Government to undertake a serious review that looks at the capacity of small business in sectors such as retail to pay high fixed wages and penalties

“The NSW Business Chamber advocated for a number of reforms in NSW throughout 2011, and the new Government has adopted many of them already. It‟s important that momentum does not slow and appropriate resources and support are allocated to those entities already established such as the Small Business Commissioner and Infrastructure NSW.

“The business community has been enthusiastic to date with how the Government has begun the task of rebuilding NSW, but it‟s important that enthusiasm be rewarded with ongoing reform that keeps businesses in NSW at the forefront of Government thinking and action.

However, Mr Cartwright said that he believes that there needs to be a level of caution for business in planning for 2012.

“Tempering the optimism of the busines community in 2012 will be the introduction of the carbon tax and changes to compulsory superannuation

“The carbon tax is the „elephant in the room‟ for the business community because its impacts will be felt across all industry sectors. NSW businesses across the State must prepare themselves now for its introduction on 1 July.

“What is certain is that it is going to be very difficult for businesses to pass on carbon tax related cost increases, and they will get another red tape burden at a time when they can ill afford it.

“The move from a 9% to 12% superannuation guarantee is yet another impost on businesses that they have no ability to pass on, and a further disincentive to increase employment,” Mr Cartwright said.

Media Contact: Damian Kelly 0401 773 825

Kellon Beard

Regional Manager

Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber & New England NSW Business Chamber

146-148 Gordon Street Port Macquarie NSW 2444

Tel: +612 6584 0910 | Mob: 0427 767 246 | Fax: 02 6584 0930

Web: www.nswbusinesschamber.com.au

SMALL BUSINESS SNUBBED IN GILLARD RESHUFFLE

susan — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:05:33 +0000

Media release from NSW Business Chamber

Monday 12 December 2011

SMALL BUSINESS SNUBBED IN GILLARD RESHUFFLE

NSW’s peak business organisation, NSW Business Chamber, has expressed its disappointment at the missed opportunity for the Gillard Government to demonstrate its commitment to helping Australia’s small businesses by promoting the Minister for Small Business to a Cabinet position.

“The small business sector is the engine room of the national economy and yet it continues to be relegated to the outer ministry by the Federal Government,” said Kellon Beard, Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager.

“The NSW Business Chamber looks forward to working with Minister Arbib, with whom we have a terrific relationship, however this was a missed opportunity for the Prime Minister to place the health and wellbeing of the small business sector at the heart of her government – especially during these uncertain and difficult economic times.”

“It’s about time that small business was given the voice it so richly deserves in the national political framework.”

“On behalf of business across the country, I find myself asking who’s championing the cause for small business around the Cabinet table?”

“The Federal Government continues to talk about how it is listening to the community and how it is responding to feedback, but how can it properly understand the needs and pressures on the small business sector if that sector is not recognised in Cabinet?

“Small business is crying out for assistance in cutting red tape and government regulations that are proving to be barriers for them to prosper.”

Mr Beard said it was long overdue for the small business portfolio to be given a seat around the cabinet table and acknowledged that the Leader of the Opposition had announced that the small business portfolio would have a cabinet position in a Coalition Government.

“I welcome the Opposition’s commitment to giving small business a stronger voice in government. I would encourage the Prime Minister to reconsider the structure of the Federal Cabinet and add the Small Business Minister to the cabinet table before it is too late.”

Kellon Beard

Regional Manager

Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber &

New England NSW Business Chamber

146-148 Gordon Street, Port Macquarie NSW 244

Tel: +612 6584 0910 | Mob: 0427 767 246 | Fax: 02 6584 0930

Web:www.nswbusinesschamber.com.au

Carols Urunga – Sat December 17th 5pm to 9pm

susan — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 22:19:43 +0000

Message from BCoC reciprocal member UMCC

Carols Urunga by the river

Morgo Street Reserve

Saturday December 17th 2011 at 5pm

Carols Urunga is on Saturday December 17th and the weather forecast is for a clear evening – just perfect for relaxing, singing and watching the magnificent fireworks at 9pm.

Carols Urunga is renowned for its great family atmosphere and its very special setting with our riverside stage overlooking the twin rivers. To help everyone relax there will be plenty of food and drinks available for your family to enjoy on the night. Remember to have your singing voices at the ready as all the performers love to hear the crowd join in with their favourite carols.

Ian ”Hendo” Henderson from the breakfast crew at Radio Station 106.3 2CS FM will be our MC again this year. As well as performances by children from both of Urunga’s pre-schools – Stepping Stones and the Urunga Community Preschool – musical highlights will include all your Christmas favourites performed by various artists.

Among these featured artists will be crowd favourites Peter Cole, Aron Oroszvari, Sam Ledger, Barbara Trist, Winona Wyborn, Tammy Mathieson, Ron Law, Katie & Emma Goddard, Tahlee Rose, Liz Cole and the Urunga Public School Choir to name a few – and of course a visit from Santa.

You may be lucky and win a Christmas ham from the famous “ham wheel” spins or perhaps some other great prizes from the Carols raffle!

The Urunga~Mylestom Chamber of Commerce hopes you will all enjoy Carols Urunga on Saturday 17th December from 5pm and thanks the many sponsors and volunteers that make this night an integral part of Christmas in the Bellingen Shire.

Program Times

5pm Start

6pm Pre-Schools

Singers

Arrival of Santa

Singers

9pm Fireworks Grand Finale

In the remote possibility of rain, please contact Greg McPhee 0408 556 341.

Reminder: Police Information Breakfast – Wednesday 14th December

susan — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 22:09:51 +0000

Message from BCoC reciprocal member UMCC

Urunga Mylestom Chamber of Commerce is presenting a Police Information Session.

Our Guest Speaker

Superintendant Mark Holahan, Coffs-Clarence Local Area Commander

With the recent spike in break and enters and armed hold-ups on local businesses of the Coffs Coast the Chamber has asked Superintendant Holahan to give an information session explaining the police response to these offences and also give us information on how we can better protect our businesses. There will also be a question and answer session to help resolve any of your worries with relation to these crimes.

DATE: Wednesday December 14th

TIME: 7.00am for 7.30am Start

VENUE: Ocean View Hotel, Morgo Street, Urunga

COST: $10 tea/coffee and savouries provided (no full breakfast)

RSVP to Greg on phone: 6655 6340 or email: Urunga.hardware@urunga.com.au by Monday December 12th

Regards,

Greg McPhee

PR Officer

UMCC

Ph: 6655 6340

Mob: 0408 556 341

Come and meet your Local Area Commander – Wednesday 14th December

susan — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 23:33:05 +0000

Message from reciprocal member UMCC

Urunga Mylestom Chamber of Commerce is presenting a Police Information Session.

Our Guest Speaker

Superintendant Mark Holahan

Coffs-Clarence Local Area Commander

DATE: Wednesday November 9th

TIME: 7.00am for 7.30am Start

VENUE: Ocean View Hotel, Morgo Street, Urunga

COST: $10 tea/coffee and savouries provided (no full breakfast)

RSVP to Greg on phone: 6655 6340 or email: Urunga.hardware@urunga.com.au by Monday 12 December

Regards,

Greg McPhee

PR Officer

UMCC

Ph: 6655 6340

Mob: 0408 556 341

UMCC: Agenda (for 30 Nov) and Minutes X 2 (from 26 Oct)

susan — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:54:48 +0000

Message from reciprocal member, UMCC

UMCC Members and Friends

The November monthly meeting of the Chamber will be held on Wednesday 30th. An Agenda is attached, 2011-11-30 UMCC Agenda as are Minutes from the October AGM 2011-10-26 UMCC AGM Minutes and October monthly meeting 2011-10-26 UMCC Minutes.

Input to monthly meetings is always most welcome, whether or not you are currently involved with the Committee or a sub-Committee.

Current financial members of the Chamber are encouraged to attend [whether or not they are a current committee member].

Friends of the Chamber, who are currently not financial members, are most welcome to attend as observers.

If you are a former member, please consider re-joining – the Chamber needs your support.

As this is the last formal meeting for the year, some members may “stay on” for some conviviality!!

Regards

Pete Bennetts

(ongoing Minute Secretary)

Urunga Mylestom Chamber of Commerce

Partners in Progress

02-6655.5001

PS New Chamber business activity of significant project size should be proposed in advance using the Business Proposal Form, available on request. Smaller issues may be raised at the meeting.

BUSINESS SUPPORTS NEXT STAGE OF ELECTRICITY REFORM

susan — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 01:38:01 +0000

Media release from NSW Business Chamber

24 November 2011

BUSINESS SUPPORTS NEXT STAGE OF ELECTRICITY REFORM

NSW’s peak business organisation, NSW Business Chamber, said it supported the O’Farrell Government’s decision to privatise the NSW power generators, and would encourage further reform through the full privatisation of the sector.

“Business supports the decision to sell power generator assets as a necessary step on the path to raising the capital required to fund NSW’s infrastructure needs” said Stephen Cartwright, CEO of the NSW Business Chamber.

“The business community has long held the view that the NSW Government should get out of the business of power generation and transmission. The Government’s announcement today moves NSW closer to that goal.”

“Business agrees with Infrastructure NSW Chairman, Nick Greiner, that if we are to ‘move the needle’ on NSW’s huge infrastructure deficit we need to free up a significant amount of capital – and the only candidate is the full privatisation of NSW’s electricity assets.

“Without full privatisation of the electricity sector we cannot hope to raise enough funds to improve infrastructure in NSW in any meaningful way.

“The O’Farrell Government has put forward an ambitious plan to revitalise NSW. Privatising the electricity sector is a sensible way to fund this plan.”

Mr Cartwright said he encouraged all members of the NSW Parliament to approach the proposed legislation to sell NSW’s electricity generators with the primary objective of achieving the best outcome for all citizens of NSW.

Media Contact: Chris Taylor 041 969 2236

NSW BUSINESS CHAMBER BACKS KEEPING ABCC

susan — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 01:33:57 +0000

Media release from Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber

24 November 2011

NSW BUSINESS CHAMBER BACKS KEEPING ABCC

Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber said it is important to retain the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) as a safeguard against unlawfulness on Australian building and construction sites.

The Federal Government intends to abolish the ABCC and the Opposition has indicated it will vote against this legislation.

“Business backs the Federal Opposition on the need to keep the ABCC. Not even the Government can deny that there is a pressing need for a permanent change in the culture of the industry,” said Kellon Beard, Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager.

“The decision to abolish the ABCC is not about what’s best for law and order in the construction industry or what’s best for the Australian economy – it’s simply about ticking the box for the union movement.

“There continues to be special features in the building industry which require it’s being treated differently – and it may take generational change to accomplish a lasting cultural shift.”

Kellon Beard said the ABC Commissioner said in the 2010-2011 Annual Report that while the ‘industry’s widespread lack of respect for workplace laws and the ‘culture of silence’ identified by Royal Commissioner Cole has somewhat subsided, the ongoing legacy is an industry that continues to require targeted, comprehensive and impartial regulation.’

“The ABCC has made progress in reducing industrial disputes and cultivating a culture that respects workplace law in the construction sector – abolishing the ABCC now risks undermining that hard work.”

“The Prime Minister has committed to keeping a ‘tough cop on the beat’ – business backs the ABCC as that cop.”

Kellon Beard

Regional Manager

Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber & New England NSW Business Chamber

146-148 Gordon Street Port Macquarie NSW 2444

Tel: +612 6584 0910 | Mob: 0427 767 246 | Fax: 02 6584 0930

Web:www.nswbusinesschamber.com.au

NSW BUSINESS CHAMBER 2011 ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS. BLACKMORES NAMED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

susan — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 23:55:31 +0000

Media release from NSW Business Chamber

23 November 2011

NSW BUSINESS CHAMBER 2011 ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS

NSW’s peak business organisation, NSW Business Chamber, is proud to announce the winners of the NSW Business Chamber’s 2011 Annual Awards.

The NSW Business Chamber Annual Awards Dinner was held on Friday 18 December at the Sydney Town Hall with guest of honour, the Hon Mike Baird MP, Treasurer of NSW.