October 2011 Message
We are pleased to announce the results of the annual elections on Friday 28th October, 2011
Vice President: Brian Turner
Treasurer: Dan Gabbett
Secretary: Jim Rawlings
Board Members:
Phil Gregory, Adrian Hallewell,
Julian Lancaster-Smith,
Brendan McDonald, Joy Mingay,
Nancy Sommerfield,
Phillip Stonestreet,
Andrew Wielandt
Past President: Shane Charles
Business Delegate: Professor Allan LaytonWe thank sincerely, Kolleen Koenen-Weir, Graeme Marshallsea and Carol McCabe for also seeking election and encourage them to continue working with the Chamber.
March 2011 Message
The Chamber delivers by bringing the decision makers to our region.
Membership in the Toowoomba Chamber MUST remain relevant for all businesses in our region. One part of our charter is to provide informative speakers for our community to listen, ask questions of and informally chat to. If you or someone from your business attended our first six events for the year, as a member, your business annual membership fee could have been paid for in savings.
- Disaster Appeal breakfast with Graham Turner and Alan Jones AO
- NAB Senior Economist Spiros Papadopoulas
- Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman
- State Opposition Leader John-Paul Langbroek
- Queensland Cabinet with Deputy Premier Paul Lucas
- Surat Basin Resources and Energy Summit
Surat Basin Resources and Energy Information Summit
The line up of presenters is impressive and the interest locally and abroad indicates the level of importance that this summit holds. A delegation of high level business people from China will be attending. There has been some interest in holding a Land Use / Agriculture Information Summit and the Chamber would be keen to progress this as soon as possible.
Pittsworth District Alliance
I had the pleasure of conducting the election of the inaugural Executive of the Pittsworth District Alliance on Monday 14th March. The inaugural President is Howard Shcefe and together with a finely assembled team, will lead the Alliance on its path to supporting and growing the Pittsworth area.
Recognise your Outstanding Office Professional
The Australian Institute of Office Professionals is seeking nominations for the 2011 Darling Downs’ senior and junior office professional of the year. Nominations close on 13 April 2011 and the winners will be announced at the annual breakfast to be held on 6 May.
Nomination forms and registration forms for the breakfast can be accessed through the websitewww.aiop.com.au or from President Bron Davies on bronniedale@hotmail.com or 0414 256 181.
February 2011 message
Toowoomba Disaster Appeal closes the geographical gap!
The events that occurred in Toowoomba on January 10, 2011 caught the attention of the world. Our Sister City from Japan, Takatsuki, donated $30,000 to our appeal. We celebrate a 20 year Sister City relationship with Takatsuki this year with this milestone being formally recognised with a business delegation travelling to Takatsuki in November.
Toowoomba Disaster Appeal Advisory Committee.
Mayor Peter Taylor, Dr Mary Wagner, Chancellor of the USQ Ms Bobbie Brazil, Mr Derek Tuffield General Manager of Lifeline Darling Downs and South West, and the three Toowoomba Disaster Appeal Trustees – Jim Rawlings also Chamber Treasurer, David Janetzki also on the Chamber Governance Committee and me as Chamber President. Heartfelt public donations for individuals and families who have been adversely affected by the devastation that hit the Toowoomba Region in January 2011 remains the clear aim of the appeal.
Businesses supporting the Appeal with fundraising events
A list of events supporting the appeal can be found on our Chamber Website.
Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) for February
The Chamber is pleased to partner with the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE to support local industry with Recognised Prior Learning training opportunities.
This initiative has many potential benefits to your business:-
- rewarding staff by formally recognising their skill
- increase productivity and improve business reputation
- meet strict regulations when tendering large jobs
- identify new markets or areas that need attention in your business.
A FREE Workshop will follow our breakfast function at Picnic Point on Friday February 25.
Strong Recovery is relative to Community Spirit
The diversity of business in our region has been well documented. Health, Education, Agriculture, Retail, Manufacturing and the burgeoning Resources sector, position Toowoomba better than most in terms of a fast recovery. Underpinning this recovery will be sustaining the strong community spirit that has been on display since January 10. Never underestimate the value of BUYING LOCAL.