PRESIDENTS REPORT

The Kawana Waters Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KWCCI) are off to a flying start this year. Success was the word on everyone’s lips at the Kawana Waters Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (KWCCI) first networking event for the year, which provided local business owners and operators with practical advice on how to achieve business goals throughout 2011.

Yvette Adams, multi-award winning businesswoman, speaker, entrepreneur and director of creative services and training agency The Creative Collective, shared her secrets for achieving business success with more than 60 attendees at the Lake Kawana Community Centre. Yvette cited communication, cloud computing, innovation and enthusiasm as just some of the tools local business owners and operators can use to help their businesses prosper throughout 2011. The event, held on Wednesday 16 February, saw attendees treated to a delectable array of wood-fired pizzas and entertained by local musician and chamber member David Burnes.

The potential merger between the Kawana Waters and Caloundra chambers has also been a hot topic of conversation amongst chamber members and the wider business community over the last few months, and I am pleased to report we have been in talks with representatives from Caloundra and have come to an agreement that suits both parties. One common response our executive team received from members when seeking their opinions regarding the merger was there was simply not enough information available to make an informed decision. Our members are our first priority and, consequently, we requested to defer the vote to either merge the two chambers or remain separate entities until at least the end of 2011.

The postponement will allow us more time to provide our members with information about the potential merger so they can ascertain whether it will be beneficial for their businesses and the wider business community. I am very confident our decision was the right one for our members and I look forward to seeking their thoughts and opinions in the future. Despite the postponement of the vote, we will begin working with the Caloundra Chamber to lobby the local council and other government bodies on issues currently affecting the Sunshine Coast business community.

The chamber has a number of educational breakfasts and networking events planned for the coming months and new members are always welcome. To find out more about the upcoming events or to secure your ticket, visit www.kawanabiz.com.au.

Regards,
Jo Hall

SUNSHINE COAST BUSINESS EXPO

How can I attend the Sunshine Coast Business Expo? It’s easy!

The KWCCI is proud to be supporting the Sunshine Coast Business Expo on Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 March at the Institute of TAFE, Mooloolaba. We encourage all our members to book a ticket to one of the many inspiring and motivating sessions. Check out your options below:

• FREE ENTRY to the Exhibition Hall (TAFE main building) with up to 60 trade booths showcasing an exciting range of products and services. Come and go as often as you please over the two days. Also by simply visiting the Exhibition Hall you have the chance to win prizes and competitions! That’s right, ENTRY is FREE! 
  
• PURCHASE TICKETS to attend the Expo’s very SPECIAL EVENTS in TAFE’s new Sustainability Centre:
  Opening Breakfast Wednesday 30 March from 6.45am with guest speaker Michael Sherlock, founder of Brumby’s bakeries. $49 pp includes hot, plated, sit down     breakfast with great networking opportunities (Free entry to Exhibition Hall)
  
  Women with Drive corporate fashion lunch with designer Sacha Drake. Wednesday 30 March from 11.30am, $59 pp includes two course meal and complimentary drink (Free entry to Exhibition Hall)
  
  David Koch Business Lunch and Forum Thursday 31 March from 1pm to 3pm. $99 pp includes two course lunch (Free entry to Exhibition Hall)
   
• BUY A PASS to attend a series of professional development seminars adjacent to the Exhibition Hall. 
  Wednesday (9am-12) $25 pp - select from 9 seminars 
  Wednesday (2pm-5pm) $25 pp - select from 9 seminars 
  Thursday (8.30am-1pm) including Peter Blasina & Andrew Griffiths sessions - a choice of 7 seminars - $50pp 
   
• ENJOY the TOTAL EXPO EXPERIENCE and purchase a DAY PASS on either day for $130 pp per day and attend the special events and your choice of seminars. Great Value!
  
  For more information and the complete program go to www.scbizexpo.com.au or contact the Chamber.

SUNSHINE COAST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL UPDATE

In April the public should be given the name of the company securing the building of the Private Hospital. We will watch for any delays as this could affect the building of the public hospital. The widening of Kawana Way to 4 lanes is scheduled to begin mid year.

YOUTH MANAGEMENT SCHEME

Many of you may be aware that we have Hazel Martin volunteering with the Chamber. Hazel is from the University of the Sunshine Coast and she helps us co-ordinate events, as well as assisting with marketing & PR activities.

Planning on holding a meeting, seminar, trade exhibition, conference or other business related event in March/April/May this year?
Our 'Business Events' course students would like to assist you by means of a short work experience placement.
Simply provide a few brief details below and return to dgration@usc.edu.au ASAP.

Name of Event:
Nature of Event:
Date & Timing of Event:
Location of Event:
Event Organiser:
Event Organiser Contact Details:
Number of students required:
Brief description of types of activities the student may be involved in:

For further information please contact:
David Gration
Course Coordinator TSM315, Faculty of Business
Mobile: 0408 708 293