Merry Christmas & Annual Wrap Up
Monday, 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:
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11 Breakfast Before Business meetings (average attendance 65)
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11 Business After Hours Networking Functions (average attendance 50)
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International Women’s Day Luncheon attracting close to 300 women
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Small Business Forum with Michael Pascoe (over 150)
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Business Excellence Awards with 300 in attendance
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Professional Development and Cluster Group meetings
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Junior Chamber of Commerce monthly meetings and activities
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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.
