On the 1st November we played golf for our annual Golf Day supporting Westpac Helicopter. This is a service that you hope you will never need but are very thankful for if you or a family member do require the services. This recently hit home when one of our board members suffered a medical emergency and had to be airlifted to John Hunter hospital. His family as well as our board were very grateful for the service that was provided and I can report that Peter is doing well. Without generous donations and fundraising done by the community this service would not survive so please think of the Westpac Helicopter when you are considering who to support with your donations.
6th November is our next Coffee with Mal at The Corner Clarence Street proudly sponsored by Macquarie Waters. This offers a more casual networking opportunity, a free, informal social event held on the first Wednesday of every month. This gathering allows local business owners and professionals to connect, discuss upcoming events, and explore membership benefits. It's an excellent way for new members to get involved and engage with the community in a relaxed setting. Especially for those that aren’t comfortable with big crowds but like to keep updated with what is happening in business in the area.
6th of November we are also working with Nautilus School to conduct a careers day. This helps the students discover information and exposure to different occupation paths and what they need to concentrate on with their studies to achieve this. It shows students that anything is possible if you are prepared to do the hard yards and work your way up. It also assists Business in ensuring that staff of the future are prepared and meeting the needs of the company.
These events and initiatives reflect Business Port Macquarie's commitment to supporting the local business community through education, networking, and celebrating excellence. Their efforts in organising diverse events ensure that both large and small businesses have opportunities to grow, connect, and contribute to the region's vibrant economy.
Our October event was sponsored by Gold Sponsor, Integer IT. Speakers raised awareness of online security threats and educating businesses on how to protect themselves. Since the event, Garry of Integer IT has sent a message “I very much appreciate your efforts and especially how it all came together. It’s great to have other organisations helping us get the messaging across and the phone has been hot since 10am, so lots to continue to do”. If you would like more information, give Gary a call at Integer IT on 6581 7500.
Following the Cyber Security event, Business Port Macquarie hosted its annual AGM, inviting local business leaders to get involved and shape the organisation’s future. I would like to offer a very warm welcome to our three new board members Michelle Love from Love Projects, Justin Levido from Levido Law and Kate Wood-Foye Community Engagement Officer from Charles Sturt University to the board. They bring with them years of business experience to strengthen our board and member offers of Business Port Macquarie. At the AGM we also said farewell to Tony Thorne who has served 14 years on the board. Kieran Dell from Majestic Cinemas has served 4 years and Peter Buckland who is a life member and previously served many years on the board before relocating interstate. On his return he rejoined the board a year ago. Thank you, gentleman, for your wisdom, support and ideas over the years.
As the year is very quickly coming to a close, we have been busy ensuring that the year finishes and the new year starts with a BANG! Yes, we will again be having fireworks over the Hastings River thanks to our major sponsor Eire Constructions, A community grant from Hastings Council, plus sponsorship support from Sails by Rydges, Beachhouse, Rydges, Mid Pacific Motel & The Westport Club. Please remember these businesses when you are doing business. Thank you to All Occasion Pyrotechnic who always do a fantastic job with a 9pm & midnight show.
We have also started preparing for next years local Business Awards with our launch in February. If you would like to be a sponsor, on what promises to be a HUGE night not to be missed, please contact Malcolm at executive@businesspmq.com.au.
To register for any of our upcoming events please go to www.businessportmacquarie.com.au
Until next month remember, keep smiling, people wonder what you have been up to!
Alex