PRESIDENT'S REPORT - AUGUST 2008

Hello everyone – this is my last President’s message!

AGM Dinner Meeting – Maroochy Surf Club (3 September) – I have not renominated as President this year.  After three years as President, it is time for a new face at the helm!  I have been involved with the Maroochydore Chamber since 2000.  Firstly in my capacity as the Maroochy Shire Councillor for the area, then in 2004 I became an Executive Committee Member, and in 2005 I was elected as President.   
It has been a busy, challenging and most rewarding three years.  We have maintained a cohesive and progressive team on the Executive Committee who has worked harmoniously towards achieving positive outcomes for our members.  We have made constructive enhancements to the Chamber’s operations and focussed on improving our membership benefits and services.  We are delighted that the Sunshine Coast Excellence in Business Awards have grown to become the most significant and prestigious business awards event on the Sunshine Coast.  It is an enormous challenge to organise and coordinate the Awards from the Chamber Office and we are very proud of that fantastic achievement.  I look forward to covering the activities and achievements of the Chamber when I present my President’s Report at the AGM.  For your reference, a copy will be placed on the website and in next month’s Newsletter.

My sincere thanks to our Executive Officer, Melinda Shelton with whom I have enjoyed a special working relationship, and also to Susi Priest from the office.  Many thanks to the Executive Committee for their contribution and great support;  Myles McNamara, Kathy Contoleon, Ken Wright, Cynthia Howland, Toni McCulloch, Helen Perry, Andrew Urbahn, Philippa Holmes and Leisa Toomey.  Good luck to Vice President, Myles McNamara who has held the reins as Vice President for a few years and is now stepping up to the President’s role – well done, Myles!  Please note your diaries for Wednesday 3 September for the ‘entertaining’ AGM which will be kindly sponsored by new members, Holmans.

Members Program of Purchasing Power – the Executive Committee has been investigating the feasibility of developing a ‘Program of Purchasing Power’ for our members.  The concept is to provide a series of products and services at a better than usual competitive rate to our members.  In the coming months we will be approaching a broad range of businesses to seek their involvement in this Program.  Does this interest you?  For further information please contact our Business Liaison Officer, Cynthia Howland on 0408 828 066.

Networking Night at the 4th Floor Restaurant (5 August) – Thanks to the hospitality of Matthew and Priscilla Williams, the newly refurbished 4th Floor Restaurant in Mooloolaba provided an inviting networking environment for over 120 members and guests.  Many thanks to our sponsors for the evening Warren and Carol Smith of Twylite Signs, who  informed us about their exciting sign products and displayed some visually eye catching examples on the night,  Once again, our appreciation to  the wonderful  business owners who generously donated the raffle prizes - the Chamber values your contribution. And of course, we welcomed a heap of new members!

Sunshine Coast Excellence in Business Awards 2008 – It certainly is an hive of activity at the Chamber Office at present with well over 100 entries received, and judging about to commence in September. This year the spectacular Gala Dinner will be held on a Saturday night - 8 November which allows plenty of time for the girls to get ‘frocked up’ and the boys to don their attire!  And there’s more!  We are thrilled to announce that as well as celebrating the tremendous achievements of Sunshine Coast businesses, the sensational “Grace Knight” will be performing for us on the night.

Congratulations to John Knaggs!  John’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council was announced recently. I believe it is a positive outcome for the organisation, the Council and indeed the Sunshine Coast community.  The Chamber looks forward to maintaining its very positive relationship with Council in relation the support and sponsorship of the Sunshine Coast Excellence in Business Awards, and all matters pertaining to business, tourism and the Maroochydore CBD area.

Golf Day – Friday 12 September. We are delighted with the continued support from members who sponsor holes or donate prizes for our Golf Day.  It is a wonderful event which provides us with the opportunity to network in a relaxed environment while enjoying a game of golf.  If you are interested in sponsoring or playing golf with your fellow Chamber members, please call the office on 5443 5661 as soon as possible.

Thanks to everyone for your support over the past three years. I have enjoyed my time as President and it has been a pleasure keeping you informed in my articles in the Newsletter.  Bye for now - and over to you, Myles! 

Kind regards

Gillian Taylor
President