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Contact Us T: 07 5443 5661 F: 07 5443 5208 P: PO Box 181, Maroochydore QLD 4558 
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Welcome  Photo courtesy of Starshots Glamour Photography, Sunshine Plaza Everyone is telling us that the economy is slowing down but things couldn’t be busier at the Chamber office! It has long been our vision that we would bring a locally run Sunshine Coast Business Expo to fruition and this is the year it is going to happen. To compliment the phenomenally successful Sunshine Coast Excellence in Business Awards, now in their 15th year, we will bring to you the Sunshine Coast Business Expo on 22 and 23 October. The Awards and Expo were launched on 5 May at the beautifully refurbished Lily’s on the Lagoon at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort. It was a glamorous night with the who’s who in business on the Sunshine Coast in attendance. The business awards are the largest single business event for the Sunshine Coast. They have a proud and prestigious history and are a significant confidence building event for the business community. Take the time to tell someone you think they’re doing a great job by nominating them or their business . Nominations can be made on line at http://www.maroochy.org/news/sunshine-coast-business-awards-2009 or by calling the chamber office on 5443 5661. The Sunshine Coast Business Exp will provide a one stop shop for businesses in the region, showcasing the latest cutting edge products and services, valuable networking and educational opportunities and a wealth of information to help support businesses to gain a competitive edge. The Expo program has been designed to help business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs take their enterprises to new heights with a focus on dynamic speakers with ‘hot topics’. High profile key note speakers include Bernard Salt, who is a leading commentator, economist and advisor to corporate Australia. For expressions of interest for trade booths, becoming a sponsor or as an attendee, visit the website www.maroochy.org/sunshine-coast-business-expo or contact Sally Harris Expo Event Manager on 0418 658 453 or email: businessexpo [at] maroochy [dot] org Our next meeting will be a Social Networking Dinner at La Bella Roma on Wednesday 10 June with a special guest performance by ‘Cirque Espace’. This will be a lot of fun and a wonderful opportunity to make some new business contacts in a relaxed environment. The night is proudly sponsored by Recruitrain. Numbers will be limited so book now at: www.maroochy.org |
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Water Restrictions Several enquiries have been made of us asking if the substantial water level increases in SEQ dams has led to any reprieve in the usage restrictions that came into place on the 30th March for town water users within the Sunshine Coast business community. We confirm after checking with the Queensland Water Commission that there is no change to the policy (and it seems it doesn’t matter how much rain we cop, this will remain the case). Some two hundred businesses have already taken advantage of our free no obligation offer to assess the impact upon their business of the restrictions. This has been done by way of answering six survey questions then sent back to us. This then allows us to email back the appropriate impact advice. The great majority of respondents to date are unaffected or thankfully, they will be able to meet the requirements without much cost or even do it themselves. Beyond that, there are some very large water users and those with cooling towers who will be required to implement some form of Water Efficiency Management Plan prior to November 30 this year. If you are a tenant in say a large shopping complex, you should forward this to the complex management because it is highly likely the requirements will have some impact upon them. In the event you wrongly concluded (or hoped) during the recent heavy rains, that the new requirements would also be washed away, we have attached below the original explanation which includes the survey referred to above. New water restrictions for Sunshine Coast businesses. The Queensland Water Commission's (QWC) medium level water restrictions for businesses on the Sunshine Coast came into effect on 30 March. As a service to the Sunshine Coast business community, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) has developed an obligation and cost-free Water Restrictions Exposure Test. By following the link below and answering a few simple questions, CCIQ's Business Sustainability advisers will assess the specific impacts of the restrictions on your business and advise what steps (if any) you need to take. The survey consists of six simple questions and should take no more than a couple of minutes to complete.
For those businesses that will have to complete and submit a Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP), CCIQ's Business Sustainability Team will happily visit and provide an on-site assessment of requirements. Our team has a wealth of experience in water efficiency having already assisted over 150 businesses in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast through the WEMP process. For further information, or to make an appointment with one of our staff please phone CCIQ's Sunshine Coast office on 1300 763 777 or Troy Harrison on 0406 380 447. Further important information - Multiple tenancy arrangements In most cases tenants operating within multiple tenancy arrangements such as a shopping centres, commercial estates or office buildings will need to speak to body corporate or facility management about water restrictions. It will be the responsibility of such bodies to initiate an appropriate response to water restrictions. This does not mean your participation in the process will not be required as a tenant. Please contact CCIQ if you are unsure of your responsibilities. Mobile commercial washers (motor vehicles, external buildings and pets) are required by the QWC, to attend a 'Water Efficient Operator' training course and register with CCIQ in order to avoid breaching water restrictions. For more info please visit www.cciq.com.au/weo or contact CCIQ directly. WEMP deadline - 30 November. The deadline for businesses to be operating under an approved WEMP is 30 November 2009. It should be noted that the development, submission and approval of a WEMP can take some time, even several months. CCIQ would recommend that business begin the WEMP process early to ensure there is no risk of financial penalty for non-compliance. With sufficient time CCIQ staff can tailor a plan specifically suited to your business and ensure the best possible savings for the smallest possible investment spend. |
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Noosa Longweekend Festival 19th - 28th June 2009 The Noosa Longweekend has launched the Festival Program for 2009 which provides all the information on events, artists, genres and booking details for the entire ten day festival. You are invited to explore the diverse range of entertainment of offer as part of this year's festival by clicking on the link below and begin planning your own festival events program ready for when the tickets go on sale on 5th May. The Noosa Longweekend Festival Program 2009 Be ready to book your tickets as soon as they go on sale to ensure that you have a chance to experience your ultimate Noosa Longweekend! We look forward to seeing you at this year's festival events. |
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Department of Employment, Economic Development & Innovation Newsletter Welcome to the April newsletter from the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation's Sunshine Coast regional centre. This months newsletter includes: * courses and events |
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Australia's Biggest Morning Tea The Rotary Club of Kawana Waters Inc. will host Australia's Biggest Morning Tea in aid of the Cancer Council of Queensland, at the Kawana Community Centre, Nanyima St Buddina (behind the Kawana Library) on Saturday the 16th May from 10am to 12.30pm. Entry of $2 will get you a bottomless cup of tea/coffee and a piece of cake. There will be multi draw raffles and a huge range of second hand books for sale. Our major sponsor has donated 2 nights accommodation at the Luxury Silver Sea Resort, 6th Ave, Maroochydore valued at $420 as one of the raffle prizes. Come and support this local fundraiser where "Every Cup Counts in the Fight Against Cancer". Enquiries to President Col Pritchard 0418 887185. |
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Sunday Sessions Return to Twin Waters The sounds of swinging Sunday sessions will fill the Aqua Bar at Novotel Twin Waters Resort in May. After a complete refurbishment Novotel Twin Waters Resort have reinvented the Sunday Chill out Session and invite everyone to come and join them at Aqua Bar from 2-6pm. Live entertainment provides chill out music from the Eighties, Nineties and the latest charts with rock ballads and classics lending a laid-back ambience to the bar. Enjoy a beer, wine or cocktail while you sit on the balcony overlooking the lagoon or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere inside. Starting from 3 May this will soon be the place to be on Sunday afternoons. Guests who purchase a drink at the May Sunday sessions will receive a 25 per cent discount at the resort’s Nouveau restaurant which can be used for dinner that evening. For more information on Aqua Sunday Sessions call (07) 5450-9537 or e-mail h1644 [at] accor [dot] com |
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Sunshine Coast Businesses “Incredibly Upbeat” about their Economic Future Businesses on the Sunshine Coast remain “incredibly upbeat” compared to the rest of the State, according to AEC Group’s Michael Campbell after reviewing the Sunshine Coast’s first regional Business Confidence Survey undertaken by the Noosa Boardroom. Mr Campbell said despite some signs of weakening performance, the mood on the Sunshine Coast remained overwhelmingly positive. He said the clear majority of respondents (73 percent) expected business to stay the same or improve over the next three months – in stark contrast to the findings of a recent statewide survey where only 53 percent of businesses indicated the same level of confidence. Sunshine Coast Mayor Bob Abbot welcomed the results and congratulated respondents for taking the time to become involved in the survey. “While it’s essential to understand how the global, national and state business communities are faring, this survey gives us an understanding of the challenges we face and the mood of business on our doorstop,” Cr Abbot said. “As I move around the region I hear that business is still optimistic on the Sunshine Coast and these results confirm that. “I urge Sunshine Coast business and individuals to look closely at the results and remain focused and positive as we continue through these tough economic times.” The survey was conducted online over three weeks and consisted of five questions targeting business owners across the entire Sunshine Coast region, to gain a representative view of business confidence across all sectors. An impressive 502 businesses responded to the survey which is expected to be conducted on a quarterly basis. Anne Lawrence, co-owner of Noosa Boardroom and co-Director of Callister Lawrence Media and Communications who conducted the survey, said it was essential for local businesses to gain a region-wide perspective about the mood and performance of business on the Sunshine Coast, particularly in the current economic climate. “We are aiming to create information based on actual business confidence on the Coast so that business may be more accurately informed prior to making strategic business decisions,” Ms Lawrence said. “If business has an understanding on how the general business community is faring in the region it can assist with making decisions such as where you trade, whether you employ more staff and expand and how you engage with other business on the coast. “The optimism reflected in the business survey is also indicative of the proactive nature of the Sunshine Coast business community”. The survey results also indicated 40 percent of the Sunshine Coast businesses expected an increase in revenue and profit in the future, whilst 15 percent expected to hire more staff and 20 percent were planning to invest additional capital. The full survey results can be downloaded from www.noosaboardroom.com.au and businesses interested in subscribing to further surveys can register online. |
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Update - Tourism Levy Report The Sunshine Coast Council has moved to safeguard the central region’s financial future through the introduction of a tourism and economic development levy from July 1. The unanimous decision will bring the central region into line with the northern and southern regions, where the levy already exists. Councillors agreed it was an essential element of its broader tourism reform process and would assist the Coast’s key economic driver position itself in a very competitive and challenging market. Mayor Bob Abbot said the levy was expected to raise $2.7 million in the next financial year – all of which would be spent to promote and support the central region. “The money raised will be invested in tourism and destination marketing, on major events of economic significance, sponsorship, research and other key projects for the central region,” Cr Abbot said. “Council will allocate a portion of the funds in response to requests from external groups or boards. “This is designed to help the tourism industry take control of its own future, to put the responsibility for marketing this region in the hands of the experts and allow the benefits to flow through our entire regional economy. “The levy has proven its worth in the northern and southern areas and we know this will be the case in the central area too.” Tourism leaders in Noosa and Caloundra have strongly backed the introduction of a levy in the former Maroochy Shire, saying the move would support the industry and business in the central region and provide consistency across the Coast. A number of tourism operators and business groups in the area have also voiced their support. Council’s Executive Director of Finance and Business, Greg Laverty said the equivalent of a bed tax already exists in the central area, forcing residential property investors to foot the entire bill for tourism marketing, events and promotion. Mr Laverty said the tourism and economic development levy would apply to short-term accommodation, and commercial and industrial property, ensuring greater fairness and equity throughout the central area and across the region. He said the levy system would also allow those contributing to see clearly how their money was being spent. The owners of around 11,000 accommodation, commercial and industrial properties in the central region will pay a minimum of $50 per annum under the new levy system. The amount each will pay will be calculated according to the property’s use, its location and unimproved capital value. Please click here to view the Q&A with further information. |
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"A better world through better people building better businesses" The Encouragement Foundation is a not-for-profit initiative, formed to create and support a large body of individuals who are committed to making a positive contribution by being more aware of the value of encouragement and who are active encouragers. The Encouragement Foundation is dedicated to aggressively working towards providing the resources and support to make the act of encouragement by its individual members easy, inspirational and more effective. Their motivation is based on a deeply held belief that with appropriate encouragement, every person will, with renewed hope and strength, cope more effectively with whatever situation comes across their path. They are planning to launch a ‘Regional Encouragement Day’ here on the coast and over the years growing it into a national day to focus on the value of encouragement in our work places, our places of learning and our places of caring along with the general community. It may be as simple as putting up a poster in your premises on that day and encouraging staff members and suggest that they pass the positivity on to customers and clients. It would not only make for a better day for all concerned but would make for better staff moral and of course better customer service. Their motto is “a better world through better people building better businesses”. For more information please contact: John Shadforth Founder & Managing Director The Encouragement Foundation www.theencouragementfoundation.com 0418 711 729 shadfadmin [at] ourtelco [dot] com [dot] au |
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Executive Committee List
Please direct all enquires for committee via the Chamber Office
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Dinner Meeting 10th June 2009 JOIN US FOR A RELAXED EVENING AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO NETWORK Calendar
* Dates are subject to change Go Figure Workshops - Women in Business Attention all women in business.Here is an offer to help you as a business operator to increase your knowledge of the financial aspects of your business. The program will help you understand and give you confidence in:
The scheduled workshops will be run over 3 half days (mornings) in May (15th, 22nd and 29th). There is a minimal cost involved; $20 for any chamber members or $30 for non chamber members. The benefits of the program are profound and will be delivered by a very capable, well known and respected business operator in Michelle Hamer. Number of participants will be limited, so we encourage interested parties to contact us as soon as possible to book their place on this program. Ph: (07)5493 6211 Fax: (07)5493 6233 M: 0412 112 582 E: BusinessSupport [at] scenterprises [dot] com [dot] au
Small Business Workshops Tired of the doom and gloom? Get your business thriving with council's small business workshops. 5.30pm, May 27 : The Growth Vision Join small business marketing guru, Linda Hailey, from Ch7 Kochie's Business Builders Program to show you how, even in tough times, small businesses can continue to grow and prosper. 5.30pm, June 23 : Innovation - How it helps your business today! Learn how doing things differently in your business can help you become more efficient, productive and profitable today! Both workshops are $15.00 pp each (incl GST). Noosa Blue Resort, 18 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads For more information and to register visit: www.business.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au or call 5449 5118. Tax Planning Workshops
Please direct all enquiries to Robynne Clements on 5443 5550 or 5430 760 EMAIL rclements [at] holmans [dot] com [dot] au
Race Evening Corbould Park Race Course Pierce Ave Caloundra Saturday May 23 3:45pm to 8pm (First Race 4:16pm) All money raised will go to The Sunshine Coast Community Hospice to care for the terminally ill people in our community. $50 per person •Admission to member’s marquee •Welcome drink and canapés •sit down buffet dinner •raffles, prizes and Licensed bar Tickets: Please contact the Hospice office 5471 1793 or Sue Story 0449 879 358 “Tougher Times – Smarter Business”
The business world has changed forever. Small businesses on the Sunshine Coast are increasingly more exposed to the impacts of the current economic climate. In response to this crisis, SCE has initiated the Business Clinics program to support small businesses on the Sunshine Coast to maintain and strengthen their business ‘health’. |
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