Ballina Chamber of Commerce » Notice Board

Merry Christmas & Annual Wrap Up

balchamber — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 04:03:01 +0000

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.

Business Awards Tickets On Sale Now

balchamber — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 07:01:40 +0000

Click here to download the Booking Form

ZZZ 2LM Trackside Marquee at the Slipway Ballina Cup 8/9

balchamber — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 03:39:59 +0000

balchamber — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 07:12:37 +0000

AGM Results for 2011

balchamber — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 02:59:25 +0000

Wow what a great turnout for the AGM with over 55 members making time to come and have their say on board representation for the 2011/12 year. Not bad considering it was held smack bang in the middle of school holidays.

Visit the Chamber Structure Page of the BCCI Website to see the results.

Upcoming Events

balchamber — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 04:12:41 +0000

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

Business Awards – 2 weeks to go to Deadline – Workshop Next Week!

balchamber — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:42:11 +0000

2010 International Women’s Day Celebration Luncheon sponsored by Ballina RSL Club

nadia — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:07:37 +0000

The Northern Rivers celebrating International Women’s Day 2010 Sponsored by Ballina RSL Club

Ballina Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Ballina Shire Council and the Office for Women invite you to join us for a celebration luncheon

Wednesday 10th March 2010 -@ Ballina RSL Club | 12noon – 3pm | $45 per person

Inspirational guest speakers, sumptuous lunch, fantastic door prizes! BOOK EARLY!

Tickets can be purchased from Ballina Chamber of Commerce & Industry on 6681 5049 or download a Luncheon Booking Form and fax to 6686 5810.

IWD is about remembering the battles long fought to build a society in which diversity, tolerance, safety, social justice and equality between women and men is a given. Its about celebrating what women have done, are doing and can do. In addition, the theme for 2010 is. . . alleviating poverty

Strategic Plan 2009 – 2012 and Beyond

nadia — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:30:02 +0000

The Ballina Chamber of Commerce and Industry Strategic Plan 2009 – 2012 and Beyond is a blueprint for the future direction of the Chamber. The Board have dedicated many hours to putting this document together incorporating feedback received from members.

A copy of the Strategic Plan can be downloaded here or found in the Documents section of the Website.

Feedback is welcome and encouraged. This is your Chamber.