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11 November 2011 Weekly Newsletter

Dear TCCI Members and friends,

* Free small business seminars update

Firstly, thank you to all the wonderful business owners who attended Wednesday’s “You and your first website” workshop in Millmerran! Expect to see many more websites popping up in the area!

Just a reminder that our next event, “Unscrambling marketing and advertising” with the legendary John Fegan, is on next Monday (14 November) at SQIT. Best to rsvp quickly for this one as it will be a sell-out, greg@toowoombachamber.com.au. View the flyer at: http://bit.ly/u5qamp

Coming events are “Legal and accounting overview” at Pittsworth on Tuesday, 29 November with lawyer David Power of Bernays Lawyers and accountant Jim Rawlings of Hoopers Accountants, and “Tax help for small business” at Oakey on Monday, 5 December with Toni Quarman and James Laird from the ATO and “Simple marketing plans” with well known business consultant Phillip Currey. View the flyer at: http://bit.ly/sYQQ0c

* Business at Breakfast “Education Panel” soon

Friday, 25 November is the date for the Chamber’s next “Business at Breakfast” session at Picnic Point and features USQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Scholarship) Professor Graham Baker, Glennie School Principal Wendy Ashley Cooper, SQIT Institute Director Trevor Schwenke and Downlands College Principal Stephen McIllhatton. The education sector in Toowoomba is a significant employer, a magnet for thousands of students from throughout Australia and around the world and destined for busier times ahead with the emergence of new industries. Members and non-members are cordially invited to attend. Tickets at the Empire Theatre Box Office 1300 655 299. View the flyer at: http://bit.ly/uUIKZv

* Future Leaders AGM soon

You’re invited to attend the Future Leaders Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday 24th November at the Heritage Building Society, 5:15pm arrival for 5:45pm start.

We’re pleased to announce the guest speaker will be Andrew Fox. Andrew is the Corporate Communications Manager at Heritage Building Society, based in Toowoomba. Andrew has worked with and around journalists for the last 25 years – but don’t hold that against him! After initially completing a Bachelor of Arts degree, Andrew worked as a journalist on a variety of daily newspapers for more than 10 years. Despite loving the adrenalin of daily deadlines and the whiff of newsprint in his nostrils, Andrew then decided to venture down the path of public relations. He completed a Masters degree in Communication and has since taken on an extensive range of corporate communications roles in both the private and public sectors. Andrew has worked at both Queensland Transport and the Department of Main Roads, in the Brisbane office of PR consultancy firm Rowland, and at Ergon Energy. He has been with Heritage since early last year.

Members and non-members are most welcome to attend. More information available on the events calendar of website www.toowoombachamber.com.au. Enquiries to info@toowoombachamber.com.au or phone 07 4637 9276.

* Want to learn more about the NBN?

Toowoomba Regional Council has generously convened the following information sessions. Bookings essential ph 131 872 or ask at your local library.

Clifton Library, Wednesday 16 November from 5pm to 6pm

Crows Nest Library, Thursday 24 November from 10am – 11am

Goombungee Library, Friday 11 November from 11am – 12pm

Highfields Library, Wednesday 16 November from 10am to 11am

Oakey Library, Thursday 3 November from 6pm to 7pm

Millmerran Library, Tuesday 8 November from 11am to 12noon

Quinalow Library, Thursday 10 November from 10am to 11am

Toowoomba Library, Thursday 10 November from 6pm to 7pm

* ichoose Digital Economy workshop

Date: Wednesday, 7 December
Venue: DEEDI Conference Room 203 Tor St, Toowoomba
Contact: Paul Stewart
Tel: 4688 1551
Email: Paul.Stewart@deedi.qld.gov.au

This workshop will assist you in learning about the digital economy and how your business can grow locally, nationally and globally.

It will present a useful tool that delivers individual business plans for digital growth in your business.

You will learn about your region and digital economy developments and experience new ways to realise change in the way you do business through:

- Teleworking
- e-commerce
- cloud computing
- privacy and security and much more

* CBD Crew

The CBD Crew is an initiative of Spring Street Community Care supported by Toowoomba LIAG and Toowoomba Says No To Violence. The CBD Crew provides a support network to patrons, licensees, staff, youth and general public in the Toowoomba CBD after 9:00pm of Fridays (and some Saturdays).

Over the next few weeks it will be running a trial program in the CBD which is supported by funding through Toowoomba LIAG. The trial will be testing reaction to the CBD Crew and identifying some of the key issues that need addressing in the Toowoomba CBD on Friday and Saturday nights.

As a part of the trial program CBD Crew is asking people to respond to a survey in order to gather information regarding people’s experiences in and perceptions of the CBD after 9pm on Friday and Saturday nights. The survey will take about 2 minutes to complete, your assistance in this regard would be much appreciated, please click on the link below to take the survey…

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/cbdcrewsurvey

* Toowoomba West Special School Annual Race Day

Future Leaders member Paul Wilson advises that the School’s annual race day will be held on Saturday, 26 November at Clifford Park, funds raised will go towards the purchase of special sensory playground equipment. Bookings at 0402 108 968 or email lorena@hotmail.com, tickets only $50. View the flyer at: http://bit.ly/sxEaQg

* Prestigious award for Preston Peak Wines!

Preston Peak Wines has again received accolades for its wines at last week’s Australian Small Winemakers Show.

With an impressive haul of three Silver medals. one Bronze medal and a trophy, the Granite Belt once again proves that it is becoming one of Australia’s prime grape growing regions.

Winemaker Mike Hayes is understandably proud of these stunning wines, receiving Silver medals for both the 2010 Viognier and 2010 Pinot Gris (barrel ferment), Perfect for the warmer weather and stunning with seafood and lighter Asian style dishes, both of these wines are already selling quickly at Preston Peak’s Toowoomba Cellar Door.

A Bronze medal for the 2008 Sagrantino, an Italian savoury red variety rarely seen in Australia, follows an excellent review of this wine by Jancis Robinson MW (UK).

And in a coup for Preston Peak, the 2005 Vintage Touriga was awarded a Silver medal and the trophy for Best Queensland Fortified.

The Australian Small Winemakers Show is the most prestigious wine show for small winemakers in Australia and New Zealand. The Show is open to those wineries which crush less than 500 tonnes per annum.

The aim of the show is to foster winemaking skills in small wineries and to give wineries with limited resources an avenue to show their commercial wines and compete on level ground.

The Show is well supported by wineries from all regions in Australia and New Zealand and has always been strongly supported by experienced and respected judges from all facets and levels of the Australian and New Zealand wine industry.

Ashley Smith, owner and vintner of Preston Peak Wines is justifiably proud of these latest awards, and is looking forward to the exciting new wines being bottled in the next few months from Preston Peak’s Wyberba vineyard.

All of Preston Peak’s award winning wines are available from the Toowoomba Cellar Door or online – www.prestonpeak.com

* Interested in indigenous cultural & mentor training?

Four workshops will be held in Toowoomba during November. Interested? Telephone 0429 976 860 email wcwtrain1@bigpond.com

* Plantation Plans Monster Plant Sale

Ex plant hire stock + cane baskets and pots, toparies, palms, yuccas, figs & more from $5. Dallang Rd. Starts Sat 12 November until Sunday 20 November, 8.00am to 5.00pm. View the flyer at: http://bit.ly/viBGTJ

* Interested in a “ClimateSmart Business Cluster”?

Ingrid Rencken from Enviroasset is interested in forming a local Toowoomba ClimateSmart Business Cluster. This program, supported by the Queensland Government, helps business work together to improve energy, water and waste efficiency. The aim of the ClimateSmart Business Cluster is to get businesses to support and encourage each other as they find ways to become ClimateSmart. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are associated with energy, water and production of waste. The use of GHG calculators is an elegant method to measure efficiency. By comparing greenhouse gas emissions before and after implementing strategies, businesses are able to measure their success in improving efficiency. Importantly, they can also save money. Interested? Please contact Ingrid Rencken at Ingrid@enviroasset.com or visit our web site www.enviroasset.com.au for further information.

Regards, Greg Johnson
Chief Executive Officer
Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce & Industry

P: 4637 9276
E: greg@toowoombachamber.com.au
M: 0414 783 343

21 October 2011 Weekly Newsletter

Dear TCCI members and friends,

Just a reminder that rsvp’s close Monday 2pm for the big AGM and lunch on Friday, 28 October. This is one of the key events of the year and perhaps your last opportunity to farewell retiring Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Southern Queensland, Professor Bill Lovegrove who will be delivering his valedictory speech during lunch. The AGM is free to attend, if you wish to join us for lunch afterwards, it will be $65 for members, $75 non-members and bookings can be made online at: http://www.toowoombachamber.com.au/Events/events-calendar.aspx or by calling Copie/Tracey on 07 4637 9276. Also letting you know that our website and email communication format are under review – anticipate a bright new presentation soon!

Regards, Greg
Greg Johnson CEO

* Book your seats to Sydney and the world!

Members and friends, what can we say?! A fantastic response to our survey about prospective new airline routes ex Toowoomba. 300 of you told us that you would utilise an annual 10,000 seats to several destinations including Sydney and Roma, and the numbers keep increasing. President Geoff and I attended the 18 October presentation and passed on the survey results to Skytrans management. Media reports suggest a 95-99% chance that Toowoomba/Sydney/Toowoomba flights will commence January/February 2012. Congratulations to Mayor Taylor and Councillors for persistence and Toowoomba Regional Enterprise CEO Shane Charles for coordination.

* TCCI Corporate Golf Challenge – Friday 9 December, 2011 at City Golf Club

The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and Industry is proud to be holding its inaugural Corporate Golf Challenge on Friday 9 December at City Golf Club, home of the Qld PGA Championship.

What better way to spend a day, with clients, industry friends and colleagues, enjoying a relaxing day of golf on one of regional Queensland’s premier golf courses? As the name suggests, it is a challenge, so competition will be stiff. For others who find the game itself challenging, it will offer exercise, fresh air and good company. Fantastic prizes will be on offer, but the benefits of networking with over 100 other businesspeople from our region will be available to all.

Whilst the lead up to Christmas can be very enjoyable, the Chamber recognises that it can be especially challenging for the less fortunate members of our community. We will be encouraging all teams in the Corporate Golf Challenge to contribute to the Toowoomba Chronicle’s Adopt-a-Family Appeal by collecting a hamper of non-perishable food from their workplace that will be collected on the day. These hampers are distributed to families in Toowoomba and the surrounding region by St Vincent de Paul, Lifeline, The Salvation Army and Bush Connection and provide some hope and joy to families in need.

We have developed what we hope is a good range of affordable options to be a part of what promises to be a great day, and an annual event on Toowoomba’s corporate calendar. We hope that you will choose to participate by becoming a sponsor or entering a team. If golf is not your thing, donate a prize and receive recognition for your contribution.

You can view the sponsorship prospectus at: http://bit.ly/qKTFw5 or download a player registration form at: http://bit.ly/o5iVo3. Please contact Shamus Garmany for more information, shamus.garmany@toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au or phone 07 4688 6880.

* Tastes of the CBD

“City Heart Toowoomba”, whose members are also Chamber members, proudly presents the inaugural “Tastes of the CBD” which will see the public select the dishes that best represent the essence of The Darling Downs in Queensland, a region celebrated for its truly diverse array of culinary offerings. To be in the running for the esteemed title of creating the “Tastes of the CBD”, Chefs and restaurateurs of the region will create masterpieces drawing from the abundance of local produce.

“Tastes of the CBD” is open to all CBD restaurants that are passionate about using local produce in their menus. “We want chefs and restaurateurs to create a presentation of canapés that personify the region — dishes that capture the very essence of The Darling Downs,” says event manager Robin Grundon. The public will be invited to taste your presentation during the judging afternoon October 26th at Mary Ryan’s Book, Music Cafe, Heritage Building, Ruthven Street between 3.30 and 6.30pm. Master Chef Julie Goodwin will also be on site to launch her new book “The Heart of the Home”. More information: Robin Grundon 0434 562 952 or robingrundon@bigpond.com.

* Board elections soon

At 11.30am on Tuesday, nominations closed for the 2011/2012 Board resulting in the list below. Geoff, Brian, Jim and Dan were unopposed for the executive positions and eleven nominations were received for the remaining eight Board positions meaning an election will be held at the AGM next week. Having said that, under our constitution the Board is subsequently able to add further members if it so chooses. Shane retains his position as Immediate Past President and Professor Layton likewise as Special Business Delegate.

President: Geoff McDonald

Vice-President: Brian Turner

Secretary: Jim Rawlings

Treasurer: Dan Gabbett

Board members
1. Phillip Gregory
2. Adrian Hallewell
3. Kolleen Koenen-Weir
4. Julian Lancaster-Smith
5. Graeme Marshallsea
6. Carol McCabe
7. Brendan McDonald
8. Joy Mingay
9. Nancy Sommerfield
10. Phillip Stonestreet
11. Andrew Wielandt

Immediate Past President: Shane Charles

Special Business Delegate: Professor Allan Layton

* Preparing for crisis, disaster or downturn

The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation is very kindly offering two, free one-hour lunchtime webinars for business owners which will show how you can take the necessary steps to prepare for crises, disaster or economic downturn.

Webinar 1: Business Continuity Planning
Is your business prepared for an unexpected crisis or natural disaster?
The webinar will show you how to develop a Business Continuity Plan for your business to identify risks associated with different crises or disasters, assess the impact on your business and develop an action plan to mitigate them.

Date: 30 November
Time: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Venue: Online Webinar
Cost: No cost
RSVP: 30 November,register online at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/111638848
Contact: Visit the website: http://www2.business.qld.gov.au/tools-resources/825.htm or call 13 25 23

Webinar 2: Strengthen your business today

The ‘Strengthen your business today’ webinar has been designed to assist business owners to trade successfully even through an economic downturn. It contains information and activities which will
Think more creatively about the long term objectives of the business
Understand how to translate those objectives into strategy
Understand the key role of cash in any short to medium term survival strategy
Develop plans for finding new customers and revenue enhancing existing customers.

Date: 15 November
Time: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Venue: Online Webinar
Cost: No cost
RSVP: 15 November, register online at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/437344688
Contact: Visit the website: http://www2.business.qld.gov.au/tools-resources/825.htm or call 13 25 23

* Record visitor numbers add to 2011 Carnival of Flowers lustre

Perfect spring weather ensured this year’s Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers fulfilled its slogan of “cultivating experiences” for record crowds across 10 days of celebrations. Toowoomba Regional Council Tourism, Parks and Events portfolio leader Cr Joe Ramia said a record 125,000 visitors attended this year’s Carnival.

Cr Ramia said 70,000 people from the Toowoomba region enjoyed Carnival festivities with almost 55,000 external visitors coming to the city and region. “Of these external visitors, 38,000 people had not been to the area before,” Cr Ramia said. “It is especially pleasing to learn more than 112,600 people indicated they would return for 2012 events. While the glorious, sunny weather encouraged people to get out and about, organisers and volunteers deserve praise for staging 17 flagship events and more than 80 community events.” Well done Cr Ramia and the Carnival team from the TCCI!

* Queensland Bulls Masters opportunities

Two big cricket charity events coming up, 1) Thursday, 10 November Charity Golf Day at Middle Ridge course (bookings Nigel Megaw 0407 874 077 nmegaw@bullsmasters.com.au ) and Saturday, 12 November Sportsman’s Dinner at the Cathedral Centre (bookings Tony Morrish 0423 150 323 morrovilla4@bigpond.com.

View the flyer for 10 November event at: http://bit.ly/p7rwQg
View the flyer for 12 November event at: http://bit.ly/rtko01

* Preston Peak Winery’s special offer to TCCI members

Join us on Sunday, 20 November at Preston Peak Wines, Toowoomba’s own award winning winery, for an afternoon of fantastic music with the “Cool Nights Big Band”, great food and superb wine, proudly sponsored by Toowoomba Central Plaza Apartments. Special offer for TCCI members if you book a table, is just $45 per head including entry, sit-down lunch and a glass of sparkling wine on arrival. Gates open at 11.00am, continuous live music from noon until 5.00pm, contact the Cellar Door at info@prestonpeak.comm or call 4630 9499. View the flyer at: http://bit.ly/qNohhL

* Maximising the 20-26 Queensland PGA in Toowoomba for your business

On 20-26 February 2012, the Queensland PGA Golf Championship will be staged at the City Golf Club in Toowoomba. This event, which is one of the most prestigious golf events staged in Queensland each year, has been staged in Toowoomba for the past 2 years and attracts a substantial crowd and provides numerous promotional and leveraging opportunities for the corporate sector. To give you an idea of what the event is like, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5doHiPiue84&NR=1 to view a short promotional video. The PGA has also developed a range of sponsorship packages for you to consider. These packages commence from as little as $1,500 and can be tailored to meet the marketing objectives of your organisation. They can be viewed by visiting: http://bit.ly/ngFTiY. Consultant to this PGA event, Jason Greenhalgh of Major League Corporate Marketing, is on the public record as saying that he is keen to deal with local companies and that companies with an interest in PGA involvement, in whatever form, should contact him without delay jason@majorleague.com.au or 0400 716 166.

* USQ – an invitation from the Faculty of Business and Law

TCCI members and friends are invited to attend a Thursday, 27 October lecture by Professor Joe Peppard on the topic of “Business innovation with information technology. Professor Peppard is the Dean’s Distinguished Visitor for the Faculty of Business and Law. 5.30pm for a 6.00pm start, Q501/Q502, 5th Floor, Q Block, Toowoomba Campus. RSVP Monday, 24 October jonesr@usq.edu.au. View the flyer at: http://bit.ly/pNVhPO

* Toowoomba says no to violence

Sunday, 30 October celebrates two important events to recognize “Toowoomba Says No To Violence” – 3.00pm at Milne Bay for wonderful family activities and 7.00pm at Village Green for outdoor movies. View the flyer at: http://bit.ly/oAs8Ry

* The Granite Belt is Coming to Toowoomba

Granite Belt Wine Country combines much-sought after granite terroir, cool climate and high altitude to create national and international award winning wines. Meet the Granite Belt winemakers who are carving out an impressive reputation for the region. Elevate your taste buds and have a great night out with friends with 18 exceptional wineries in one venue. You will not be disappointed!

Tickets $25 wine tasting and canapés. 6pm-8pm Wednesday 26 October 2011, Empire Theatre. BUY TICKETS ONLINE NOW www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au

Attending this event!

Bald Mountain Vineyards Ballandean Estate
Felsberg Winery Golden Grove Estate
Granite Ridge Wines Hidden Creek Winery
Jester Hill Wines Lucas Estate
Mountview Wines Pyramids Road Wines
Ravens Croft Wines Ridgemill Estate
Robert Channon Wines Summit Estate
Symphony Hill Wines Tobin Wines
Twisted Gum Wines