Welcome to the Hills & District Chamber of Commerce - a friendly and supportive business group bridging the Ferny Hills, Arana Hills, Ferny Grove, Keperra, Mitchelton and surrounding districts. Established in 1992, our Chamber is not-for-profit and is affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland.
If you are involved in a business or community group and live or work in the Hills Districts, why not register for the next meeting - new members and visitors are always welcome.
Now that the dust has settled from yet another successful Big Breakfast 2019 in which we were able to raise much needed funds for our “Not for Profits” in our area, I am delighted to confirm that the Chairperson for the next year event is again Michelle O’Hara and that when speaking with her this week the guest speaker has already been booked. He is Anthony Seibold, Coach of the Brisbane Broncos. The event has been booked for 2 September, 2020 so “save the date”. Thank you to Michelle and her committee for the success this year.
Our chamber has raised in excess of $71,000 for our local “Not for Profits” over the past 6 years. This is a wonderful achievement. Thank you to everyone.
I am always amazed at all the good work our chamber members undertake throughout the year, and the various committees and the Executive who work behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. The Chamber is not just a breakfast once a month, it is a growing group of members who continue good work throughout the community with our local schools, charities, government and social events.
As you are no doubt aware the end of the year will be here in around 10 weeks. The Annual Awards and Christmas party are on the website for 10 December. They will be held at the outdoor bar and patio area of the Arana Leagues Club, and you can book early.
The voting papers for these annual awards will soon be in your inbox, so keep an eye open for them. This year we have decided that there will also be Presidents Awards. These awards recognise the “Behind the Scenes” work carried out by chamber members which may not be generally known to the voting group. This contribution I believe, needs to be acknowledged.
The Executive who work closely with the committees will submit names for consideration. The winners will be announced along with the Annual Awards at the Christmas party.
Thank you everyone for all the time and energy you put into your chamber membership. If you feel that you would like to know more about a committee or how you can gain more from your membership let me know or contact a committee chair, each committee would welcome more members. Mary
Secretary
Leonard Whittaker
Our September breakfast attracted 51 Registrations including guests. Membership stands at 139 paid up members.
Key Community Chamber attendees were acknowledged.
Cr Andrew Wines
Tim Mander State Member for Everton
We acknowledged 7 New Members since the June meeting:
Derek Morgan, Marsden Fresh Start
Joleen Whittaker, Digi Thrive (not in attendance)
Evelynne Hatchard, Small Business Sidekicks
Sue Lester, Growing Content Pty Ltd
Vanessa Petch, HR Maximised
Roz Fenson, The Nest Community
Cindy Brewty, Cindy Brewty Photography
Visitors were acknowledged. The Business card draw was won by:
Vicki Buchanan, VB Finance
Presentations were made to all of the Big Breakfast recipients:
Recipient
Received by
Presented by
Amount
PCYC
John Underhill
Steve Butler (Innovate) stood in for Luke Steers of MBRIT, Gold Sponsor
$4,750
NWYAS
Nicole Walsh
John Hudson, Flametree, Silver Sponsor
$3,500
Picabeen
Jane McDonald
Cr Andrew Wines
$3,000
Scripture Union
Chris Macnaught
Trent Cornford
$1,000
The Nest
Roz Fenson
Tim Mander MP
$ 500
It’s not OK
Trish Jenkins
Joke Chadwick
$1,500
Total Donated this year is $14,250.00.
Total amount the Chamber of Commerce has donated to our Not For Profits over the past 6 years is in excess of $70,000.
Updates were received from the Committee Chairs or their nominees:
Advocacy Committee (includes meet the Candidates) - Brian Battersby
Big Breakfast Committee - Mary Di Marco
Commerce in Schools Committee - Eva Porter
Cultural Inclusiveness committee - Craig Shim
Development Committee - Di Krome
Membership Committee - Anita Bird
Public Relations Committee - Evelynne Hatchard
Regional partnerships Committee - Eva Porter
Website Committee -Margaret Sims
Women in Business - Di Krome
Young Entrepreneur Committee - Eva Porter
Our Member Speaker France Chaill went the extra mile giving everyone a full set of notes and conducting an extremely lively discussion on Polishing your Pitch including the Ninja hunh. (You had to be there 😏)
The participation in the Shout outs was limited by time but enjoyed enthusiastic participation.
The meeting closed at 8:30am.Leonard
Treasurer
Stuart Jaeschke
Financial reports for the month ended 31 August 2019.
Advocacy Committee
Chair | Brian Battersby
Employee Superannuation Guarantee - Review
The Federal Government announced on Friday 27th September to examine the present minimum/compulsory 9.5% level of super paid to employees, plus a few other matters. Early on the level of super was proposed to incrementally rise to 12% by the year 2025, but that was stalled some time ago.
While today's 9.5% level is great for employee’s retirement future then if it rises, one thought is it’s a good long-term strategic move for both Government and all Australians. Then, one opinion if it grows, the Government must give an equivalent $ amount back to businesses, so its extra cost does not just become another financial burden to potentially impact employment growth. Businesses need help not more costs. What are your thoughts, as our Committee is soon to consider this?Brian
Business Showcase Committee
Chair | Francis Cahill
Frances Cahill here - your brand new Business Showcase Coordinator.
We are welcoming back Business Showcases revamped with a new schedule and a new format to make them more accessible. Presenting Quarterly BIZ SHOWCASE events.
The events will be scheduled quarterly and be based around a topic with 4-5 businesses delivering under a common theme. There is still the option of an individual business delivering a solo event if that is preferred.
I want to avoid a talkfest with people sitting and being presented to. I am hoping to interest you in having an interactive type of event where you each have a booth/table. Your guests and the audience will be moving through each booth to interact directly with you and see what your business is about. Yes it is a guided tour of your businesses as exhibits in the showcase. No grinning and hoping someone will stop.
If this sounds great but you are at a loss for ways to have interaction with guests – let’s talk.
I am very happy to support you in presenting yourself and your business in a welcoming and engaging way.
Please let me know ASAP whether this opportunity interests you and you want to:
highlight your business to members and guests
introduce yourself personally and have a platform to ‘tell your business story'
take advantage of exposure for your business.
I will check in with the Arana Club on availability for the dates and the likely costs for the hosts – that is you. I understand you may need that information before you can make a final decision. I expect the cost will be manageable when spread between 4-5 businesses. If the opportunity to showcase your business doesn’t suit you at this time – please consider supporting those businesses who do take on the challenge.
Venues/locations/activities
Arana Hills for grouped events
Business premises as relevant for solo presentations
Events will incorporate engaging activities and encourage active participation with your audience
Outdoors if relevant – fitness/horticulture/pest control
Suggested themes – tentative
Date
Theme
12 November 2019
At your service
11 February 2020
Social Media – what’s that?
12 May 2020
Miscellaneous and proud
Coordinator Role
My role as your coordinator will be to encourage you and your business/groups of business, give you support for your presentations/activities and maintain the schedule. I welcome your suggestions on themes and activities for the upcoming events. Francis
President
Treasurer
Advocacy Committee
Business Showcase Committee
