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Business After Hours

Each month a different member of the Chamber hosts up to 60 members at their business premise. This is a fantastic opportunity for members to showcase their product or service to a large audience of other business operators keen to be involved in cross promotion by getting familiar with their neighbours product or service. The BAH are also well known for being the most effective networking functions in the region. To host one of these functions or RSVP for an upcoming BAH contact us.

When: 2nd Tuesday of each month from 5.30 – 7.30pm
Where: See below or contact us.

Merry Christmas & Annual Wrap Up

December 19th, 2011

 

As our retailers and tourism operators are preparing for what we hope will be a busy Christmas period, many are preparing for a break to spend time with loved ones and rest up ready for another huge year in 2012. 
 
What a Year! It is always a mixed response when we talk to our members about how they are doing in business. Some will tell us that figures are up on last year whilst their neighbouring business tell a different story. 
 
For most business has been tough over the past two years and we can only hope that things improve in 2012 and do our best to make it so. The Chamber will continue to look for new ways to support local business – please make sure you let us know if you have any ideas the Chamber can pursue and if you have specific issues impacting on your capacity to do business.
 
In terms of lobby and advocacy in 2011, we have cemented a strong working relationship with NSW Business Chamber having formalised our alliance in 2010. This partnership gives us the ear of decision makers at both a State and Federal Level (not to mention all the free additional membership benefits the alliance offers). As a result of the alliance I am now representing Alstonville Wollongbar, Lennox Head and Ballina Chambers on the Northern Rivers Regional Advisory Council so please know we are pushing for reduction of red tape – again feedback is encouraged.
 
The Chamber also enjoys a productive working relationship with Ballina Shire Council and, whilst we don’t always agree, are able to sit down with our local government staff and representatives when issues come up that impact on our members and the broader business community.
 
We have participated in the Bypass Taskforce and A-Ward Committees. Made submissions relating to the LEP and land use including participation in workshops on Bulky Goods and Affordable Housing, lobbied for the completion of the CBD upgrade (second last stage to commence in Feb), and lobbied (succesfully) for the installation of internet kiosks at the Airport.
 
As far as networking goes we have run a comprehensive events schedule again this year including:
  • 11 Breakfast Before Business meetings (average attendance 65)
  • 11 Business After Hours Networking Functions (average attendance 50)
  • International Women’s Day Luncheon attracting close to 300 women
  • Small Business Forum with Michael Pascoe (over 150)
  • Business Excellence Awards with 300 in attendance
  • Professional Development and Cluster Group meetings
  • Junior Chamber of Commerce monthly meetings and activities
  • Home Based Business Network meetings (and new website)
In 2012 the Chamber will again run a comprehensive events schedule and continue to lobby and advocate on behalf of our members on issues such as; instillation of gateway signage at the entry and exits to Ballina both by road and to the Airport along with a banner across the main road promoting activities in Ballina. Continue to lobby for the construction of a multi-level carpark in Tamar Street and completion of the final stage of the CBD Upgrade.
 
We look forward to participating in the Ballina Bar Dredging Taskforce and will continue to pursue the development of a commercial marina in Ballina. There are plenty of areas on which to focus in the New Year but as always let us know if your concerns and ideas. 
 
When Christmas Shopping this year try to get personal gifts from local people for your friends and family. Some suggestions include:
  • Hair Cut or Clothing Vouchers
  • Restaurant or Cafe Vouchers
  • Tickets to the movies/theatre (we have both) or one of our local attractions (go the the discoverballina website for ideas – link below) 
  • An overnight stay somewhere lovely (where better than Paradise..)
  • A local tour voucher - river/sky/ocean – there are plenty to choose from
  • Hampers of local produce made up at Ballina Visitor Information Centre or filled with scrummy treats at one of our Delicatessens 
  • A piece of locally designed art or craft
  • Pamper or massage voucher
  • Homewares, music, plants ALL HERE IN BALLINA!! 
I would also like to encourage you all to shop from within the Chamber membership. If you need referrals or contact details just drop me a line.
 
Don’t forget that there are some great offers available at the moment by way of the Local’s Reward card so check out www.discoverballina.com.au to see what special offers you can take advantage of this Christmas. There is also a list of Christmas Activities on the site.
 
I hope to see you at the new Twilight Markets in Fawcett park on Thursday 29 December. Let’s get behind this great initiative!
 
On behalf of the Board of Management I would like to thank our Secretariat, Irene and Nat Tory from Copy That @ Profsec for their hard work with our administration again this year, our sponsors for their steadfast support and significant contributions, and our members (that’s you!) for providing employment and keeping the cogs of our local economy going!
 
Merry Christmas and a Happy Prosperous New Year!! We look forward to continuing to be your voice for Business and Industry in 2012. 
 
Nadia Eliott-Burgess
Executive Officer
 
 
Narelle Besseling, Leanne Cawley, Peter Carmont (Treasurer), Georgie Latimer (Dep. Chair), Glenn Costello (Secretary), Scott Gollan (Chairman), Mark Ezzy.

 

Web Bug from http://click.icptrack.com/icp/track.php?msgid=31382649&act=8LBY&r=1077190532&c=56417

February 2011 Business After Hours – Hosted by TURSA

April 19th, 2011

The February Business After Hours was a great introduction to the new year with over 50 members enjoying the Hospitality of TURSA Employment & Training at their premises in Tamar Street.

2010 Chamber Christmas Party

April 19th, 2011

What a great night of Christmas Cheer at Deli 4 U.  The food was stunning and the champagne was icy cold!!

The Christmas Party was held on Friday 10th December with over 100 Chamber members and guests enjoying the lovely jazzy blues sound of Ella Mingaye and her musicians.

Upcoming Events

October 22nd, 2010

Home Based Business Network Social Drinks – Wednesday 27 October 5.30 pm @ The Henry Rous

Junior Chamber of Commerce meeting – Wednesday 3rd November 7.00 am @ Crowley Village

Business After Hours – Tuesday 9th November 5.30 to 7.30 pm – hosted by Fleurs Restaurant @ Comfort Inn All Seasons

Breakfast Before Business – Wednesday 17th November 7.00 to 8.30 am – keynote: Robyn Henderson, Networking Guru @ Ballina RSL

Chamber Christmas Party – Friday 10th December @ Deli 4U – 7.00 pm til late ;-)

Phone Nadia 6681 5049  with queries or to register

July Business after Hours

July 7th, 2010

Business After Hours
Tuesday 13th July
5.30 – 7.30 pm
 
Hosted by  
Shop 27 Ballina Central Shopping Centre
 
“If telecommunications are a corner stone of your business you should not miss this Business After Hours”

 
Yummy nibbles catered by Deli 4U  
 
Telstra Turbo Card to be given away as a Lucky Door Prize!! 
  

Don’t forget your business cards! 
 
Come along to learn about this Ballina business, enjoy a drink, promote your business and meet some great people.   
 
As a business operator, networking is an important way to promote your business, gain contacts, generate referrals and keep abreast of what is happening in the local marketplace.
 
RSVP by Monday 12th July
 Phone 6681 5049 or email info@ballinachamber.com.au

 

 

Getting on to Broadband via your phone and the latest release for Smart Phones

June Business after Hours

June 2nd, 2010

Business After Hours
Tuesday 8th June
5.30 – 7.30 pm
 
Hosted by  
 
Seamark Building Shop 1, 46-54 River Street
 
The Yellow Pages® Network spans print, online, voice and mobile and allows businesses to be found 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – when customers are ready to buy!  Based locally in Ballina and with a team of committed and experienced Account Executives we take our role supporting the growth and prosperity of local businesses very seriously.
  

 Don’t forget your business cards to go in the running to win a Door Prize! 
 
Come along to learn about this Ballina business, enjoy a drink, promote your business and meet some great people.   
 
As a business operator, networking is an important way to promote your business, gain contacts, generate referrals and keep abreast of what is happening in the local marketplace.
 
RSVP by Monday 7th June to
 info@ballinachamber.com.au or phone 6681 5049

 

 

April Business After Hours

April 27th, 2010

Business After Hours
 
Hosted by  
 
 
With postcard views over Shaws Bay and a view from every table makes Sandbar Restaurant a local favourite. Known for great food and friendly service, 60 members came along to enjoy a fantastic networking event at this great location.
Check out the footage of the night;

March Business after Hours

March 5th, 2010

Business After Hours
 

 

Hosted by  
124 River St, Ballina Town Centre
 
JUST FUNKIN MUSIC has got even funkier.
 

 

 

 

After nearly 10 years of introducing the community to some weird and wonderful music, Jen & Graham from JUST FUNKIN MUSIC decided it was time for a change. In fact the change was a bit of the old and a bit of the new.

The new – is a groovy espresso bar, serving the great taste of Melbourne’s Premier boutique coffee company…..”GRINDERS”.

 “we wanted a coffee that was medium roasted with a smooth taste, with a lingering mellow finish. After sampling a lot of coffee in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, we kept coming back to GRINDERS. The espresso bar gives the store a New York feel about it”.

The Music side of the shop has gone a bit “Retro” while still providing the newest of local, national and international releases. The store has taken on a more 60’s look with music Icons on the walls, such as Jim Morrison, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, painted by local artist – Wayne Brown.

A number of listening stations are dotted throughout the store with different genre’s of music already loaded and ready for a listen, and a great place to drink your ‘GRINDERS’ coffee.

 “we are a cd store and that’s what we concentrate on. Although we have a wide range  of music related dvd’s, the cd’s are our main business. What you will find is music of all genre’s and all era’s, the majority don’t feature on many Australian radio stations. and you have to ask yourself why.

I guarantee you can come into JUST FUNKIN MUSIC and walk out with something you have never heard before. We are constantly looking for that album that blows you away, like a lot of people out there wanting to expand their mind and looking for something new – well JUST FUNKIN MUSIC is their haven. That’s not to say we don’t cater for the more popular artists, in fact it’s difficult to think what we haven’t got. After nearly 10 years, we have got lots of loyal customers up & down the coast, as well as our locals that pop in when passing to check our ever expanding range”.

In a world where major record companies and chain stores are trying to limit the range of music we listen to, Ballina has got what a lot of cities are craving for, and that’s a cd store that is an interesting place to browse, full of every genre and era of music, and is run by true music enthusiasts, and now a great place to get a great coffee.

TRADING HOURS 7.30AM – 5.30PM  MONDAY TO FRIDAY. & 8.00AM – 2.00 PM SATURDAY 

February Business after Hours

February 9th, 2010

 

Was hosted by      

Ballina Marineland Boat Sales is owned by Kim and Ken Fitzgibbon, employing 3 full time staff and a casual. For the owners and staff at Marineland, boating is not a job- it’s a lifestyle!! Our motto is “we live it, love it , we do it!” And indeed we do – a boat builder, water ski racing champion, and we have a couple of mad keen fisho’s here too!!

Last October we had our very first Open Day to celebrate the opening of our new indoor showroom. It was a great success, we were thrilled with the response from the community and the Northern Rivers.

The  expansion of the business premises means we can display a variety of boat packages indoor, we have more boating accessories, and now have room out doors for  customers to sell their  boats on consignment.

     As a business operator, networking is an important way to promote your business, gain contacts, generate referrals, keep abreast of what is happening in the local marketplace.  

September 2009 Business After Hours

September 16th, 2009

AirtandgOur members enjoyed the opportunity to hear Business of the Year Air T&G Helicopters in their bigger and better hangar at the Ballina Airport  speak about their award winning business.  In addition, networking  Chamber members  got to meet all of the Award Winners from the 2009 Ballina Shire Northern Star Business Excellence Awards
 
Food & Beverage Award winner Blackboard at the Beach  provided stunning canapes and cold drinks!