Applications open 2018 Mentoring Program
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Hi <<First Name>>,
68 sleeps until Christmas but for Ballarat retailers it is only 14 sleeps until they need to deck out their premises with Christmas cheer.

Whilst it might seem early Melbourne stores will already have the theme well and truly entrenched and we know this is a trigger for spending so let's keep the dollars in our town.


Applications open today for the 2018 Mentoring Program, this is a great opportunity for new and or existing businesses. Below you will find more information and a comment from a Mentee and Mentor, if you know someone who would benefit we encourage you to pass on the information.

This morning I and others attended a Networking Breakfast at Parliament House to support the City of Ballarat in advocating for support for projects that will assist with the growth of our fair city. Population growth is coming and that is a good thing as long as we carefully and proactively prepare and plan for it.
Have a great week!
Jodie Gillett

Chief Executive Officer 
Commerce Ballarat
Welcome New Member

Ryan Becker - R B Gardening
Member of the Week 
Dennis Family Homes has been proudly building homes of award-winning
excellence for Ballarat families for almost 20 years.
The Ballarat team actively supports local businesses and trades, working together to build quality homes their customers love to live in. Year after year, many happy new home owners refer family members and friends to also build with them. 
Underlining their community commitment, Dennis Family Homes is a proud sponsor of the Ballarat Cycle Classic, raising money for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Centre, and numerous local sporting organisations.
Upcoming Events 
The “After Five” is your chance to network, foster relationships with other like-minded people and build your profile in a casual setting. The host is given the opportunity to showcase their business to attendees and will provide drinks and savories for your enjoyment. We encourage attendees to bring along staff, colleagues or a guest. Formation Hairstylists invites you to visit their creative space & build your network. This event will be held on Wednesday, October 25 from 5.30pm - 7.30pm at Formation Hairstylists. For more information and to register click here
The Young Professionals Network Coffee Catch Up allows you to pop in for a quick chat and coffee before work or to stay longer. Take a break from your usual routine to catch up with like-minded young professionals in a relaxed setting. The event will be held on Thursday, October 26 between 7.30am and 8.45am at Bodega. No RSVP  required for this event. For more information click here
This event provides young professionals with an opportunity to get together to build networks and strengthen relationships with like-minded individuals, in a relaxed environment. One complimentary drink on arrival will be provided along with finger food on the night. Live music from Mark Muldoon. Bring a Christmas gift for a CAFS Child. The event will be held on Wednesday, November 15 from 5.30pm,  at The Yacht Club. For more information and to register click here
Decembers BisNet breakfast will give attendees the chance to bid and purchase from an exciting range of donated goodies! All proceeds from the morning will be donated to the 3BA Christmas Appeal helping make Christmas time more enjoyable for more than 4,000 Ballarat area families. Also hear from guest speaker Patrick Shaw cycling Champion. The event will be held on Tuesday, December 5 from 7am - 8.45am at the Ballarat & District Trotting Club. For more information and to register click here
Featured News 
WIN 4 tickets to Rock in the Vines Featuring Jimmy Barnes
Register before Friday and attend our upcoming After Five to go in the draw to WIN 4 tickets to Rock in the Vines Featuring Jimmy Barnes, Jon Stevens, Richard Clapton and Taxiride!*
*Register online before Friday 20 October 2017 - http://bit.ly/2zb2dyD
*Attendance at the After Five event is mandatory

^ See above 'Upcoming Events' for more info on the After Five, see you there!
2018 Business Mentoring Program - Applications Now Open!
An exciting learning opportunity for Ballarat business. Mentees will be matched with experienced local business people. Free for Commerce Ballarat members, participants also receive a free ticket to Business Day Out 2018.  More information here, to apply send a one page letter stating how you believe your business could benefit from this program to jodie@commerceballarat.com.au
Limited places - so get in quick!
Donations Wanted 
At our December BisNet Breakfast we'll be holding our annual  auction and raffle with all money raised going to the 3BA Christmas Appeal. Helping make Christmas time more enjoyable for more than 4,000 Ballarat area families. If your business would like to donate a product or a voucher please contact jodie@commerceballarat.com.au If you would like to attend this BisNet breakfast you can register yourself and colleagues here
Why You Should Charge Clients More Than You Think You’re Worth
Source: HBR 16 oct 2017
One of the most challenging decisions freelancers, solopreneurs, and independent consultants face is how much to charge for their time and expertise. What if people complain that you’re overpriced — or, even worse, walk away from a deal with you entirely? But the answer isn’t swinging to the other extreme and asking a fee so modest you’ll ultimately resent it read more...
Serious “KRACK” vulnerability puts nearly every Wi-Fi network at risk, opens sensitive data to hackers
Source: Smart Company 17 Oct 2017 
A massive vulnerability has been found in the WPA2 security protocol used by the majority of modern wireless networks, allowing potential hackers to steal sensitive data just by being in range of a vulnerable network. The vulnerability, called the “key reinstallation attack” or “KRACK” flaw, was discovered by Belgian security researcher Mathy Vanhoef and released read more... 
Members News 
Fiona Elsey Charity Love Night
Join the Fiona Elsey Institute  for the Premier screening of Bad Mums 2 at Regent Cinemas, Ballarat. This special early release screening is set to be a fun night girls night out!  Charity Movie Night tickets cost $25, with no concessions, and must be purchased prior to the event. Tickets include a choc top, 6:30pm arrival for 6:45pm start. You can purchase your tickets here All proceeds go to supporting the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute. 
Ballarat International Foto Biennale Thank you 
What an extraordinary Biennale it has been! 25,000 visitors, a record crowd, attracted by David LaChapelle coupled with the dynamic range of curated exhibitions, an extensive education program, prizes, public work in laneways and many Fringe exhibitions in Ballarat buildings, cafes and businesses. Thanks to all the wonderful venues - over 100, who helped bring photography to every corner of Ballarat. Registrations for the next Fringe program open early 2018, venues interested can email fringe@ballaratfoto.org
Nicole Crocker Becomes a Director at Cooke & Foley, Business Advisors & Accountants
The Directors of Cooke & Foley, Business Advisors & Accountants are excited to announce the admission of Nicole Crocker as a Director. Nicole commenced with us in 1999 and has consistently provided clients with proactive, understandable advice which has assisted the continual success & total financial care of our diverse client base. Congratulations to Nicole who can be contacted at the office on 5331 2600 or via email nlc@cooke-foley.com.au View full Media Release here...
The Best Christmas Party In The Goldfields!
This year RACV Goldfields is holding our first ever Corporate Christmas Party featuring Back to the 70s & 80s Show. It's guaranteed to be a fun night out and is a great option for businesses looking for something a bit different for their Christmas function this year! Venue: RACV Goldfields Resort Date: Saturday 9 December 2017 Time: 7pm to 11pm, includes three course meal with house beer, wine and soft drink* To book please CLICK HERE call 03 5345 9600 or email events_goldfields@racv.com.au
Items of Interest
ACCI: Urgent action needed to prevent job losses and business closure - read article...
VCCI: Businesses should be preparing for Australia’s new Mandatory Data Breach Notification Laws - read article...
Ballarat Free Trade Agreement seminar - read more...
Video of the Week
What's hidden under the Greenland ice sheet? Watch video...
Australia Bureau of Statistics

5671.0 Lending Finance, Australia, August 2017
9314.0 Sales of New Motor Vehicles, Australia, September 2017
3401.0 Overseas Arrivals and Departures, Australia, Aug 2017
5609.0 Housing Finance, Australia, August 2017

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