Sunshine Coast Regional Council eNews
July 2010
Welcome to the July edition of the 2010 Business e-news series.
The Caloundra Music Festival, the annual festival of Sun, Surf and Soul, has announced another stellar line-up for this year's event held 8 - 10 October. Don't miss your chance to see Jimmy Barnes, Jon Stevens, Paul Kelly and many more. Tickets are still available, visit the festival website before they all sell out!
In this month's edition:
Excellence in Business Awards gets help from its friends
Sixteen years after the first Sunshine Coast Excellence in Business Awards was staged, the event is now the biggest business award event in the country to be held outside of a metropolitan city.
Although the awards are free for businesses to enter, the months of planning and logistics associated with reviewing, judging and staging the award presentation ceremony comes at considerable cost and that’s where the generosity of local business owners, banks and local government sponsors step in.
Sunshine Coast Council’s Chair of Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, Councillor Lew Brennan said that as Platinum Sponsor for the awards, Sunshine Coast Council considered its support vital to acknowledge the economic diversity and important role that business plays in the region.
“The awards also encourage other businesses to start-up or relocate to the Sunshine Coast buoyed by evidence of a thriving, successful regional economy,” Cr Lew Brennan said.
“There are some pretty compelling advantages to doing business on the Sunshine Coast and the nominees and winners of these awards are real life examples of that,” he said.
“From the sole operator to multi-million dollar turnover businesses they all provide a valuable contribution to the economic wellbeing of our region.”
Myles McNamara, President of the Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce, whose organisation runs the awards said that he was already expecting a record number of entries this year and was pleased to see strong whole-of-region representation from businesses in the north, south, central and hinterland regions.
“These awards are really about providing a platform for recognising the diversity, strength and depth of enterprise throughout the region" Mr McNamara said.
With entries closing on Friday 30 July, Sunshine Coast businesses are encouraged to enter the awards (at no cost). Visit Maroochy Chamber of Commerce website for more information on how to nominate.
The awards will culminate in a gala awards celebration and awards ceremony in November 2010.
International Rally of Queensland (30 July to 1 August)
The International Rally of Queensland kicks off on the week commencing July 26 with the arrival on the Sunshine Coast of over 70 crews representing Japan, Malaysia, Britain, New Zealand, India, New Caledonia, Indonesia, Europe and Australia, to contest round four of the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship, round five of the Australian Rally Championship and supporting categories, including classic rally cars.
Australia’s Chris Atkinson, formerly with the Subaru World Rally Team, British Rally Champion and former Mitsubishi factory driver Alister McRae and Production World Rally Championship contenders Guarav Gill from India and Katsu Taguchi from Japan are among the international stars entered for Australia’s biggest championship rally of the year.
After several days of testing and reconnaissance in the Imbil State Forrest, the Rally formally commences on Friday evening 30 July with the Coates Hire Rally Shootout under lights at the Sunshine Coast Industrial Park at Caloundra (adjacent to Corbould Park Racing track). This is an exciting bitumen tarmac stage that will bring the sight, sound and atmosphere of rallying within an easy drive for people on the Sunshine Coast and within the South-east Queensland region.
The Rally Shootout will be followed by two days of rallying on the challenging gravel roads of the Imbil State Forrest on Saturday 31 July and Sunday 1 August.
On-line tickets and spectator information are available at Rally Queensland website.
Businesses to Represent Sunshine Coast at Regional Flavours Market
A diverse group of Sunshine Coast businesses are heading to Brisbane for the second annual South Bank Regional Flavours Market. The event scheduled for 24 July is a great opportunity for local businesses and niche manufactures to showcase the excellent range and quality of Sunshine Coast Food and Beverage. A number of top Brisbane chefs will be attending and selecting a diverse range of produce and ingredients from the various regions to showcase in regular cooking demonstrations throughout the day.
Businesses attending and representing the Sunshine Coast include Buderim Ginger, Cooroy Mountain Spring Water, Basically Wild, Obi Obi Essentials, Kin Kin Tea, Maleny Dairies and many more. These businesses are being supported by Sunshine Coast Council and are working together to raise the profile of the Sunshine Coast Food and Beverage industry sector and diversify the local economy.
If you are in Brisbane for the day on the 24 July or have friends or family in Brisbane, get along to South Bank for a great day sampling awesome food and supporting your local Sunshine Coast businesses.
For more information email economicdevelopment@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
New CEO for Tourism on the Sunshine Coast
The Board of the Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd* announced on 30 June 2010 Mr Michael Denton as the new Chief Executive Officer charged with taking tourism on the Coast to a new level following its twelve-month restructure.
Chairperson Julie-Anne Schafer said the board was extremely happy that Michael had accepted the position. Mr Denton was previously the Chief Executive of Queensland Events Corporation for 11 years before moving to the Department of the Premier and Cabinet to establish the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Bid Directorate. Prior to that Michael was Managing Director of the Gold Coast Events Company and Executive Officer with the Department of Tourism, Sport and Racing. He sits on the Griffith University, Industry Advisory Committee for its Department of Tourism, Leisure, Hotel and Sport Management. More information on the appointment is detailed on council's website.
Whilst the final positions within the new Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd are being appointed, industry can be assured that continued market activity is paramount.
Additionally, council has approved the funding to support the business plan for the Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd and Destination Desks that will ensure continued activity from the commencement of the new financial year.
Whilst there has been a lot of work achieved behind the scenes with the new structure, the Sunshine Coast Destination Board is now keen to meet with industry and will be coordinating a program in conjunction with the Destination Desks.
An industry function to meet the Board and new Sunshine Coast Destination Management team is being scheduled shortly.
* Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd is the registered name of the new Destination Management Organisation (DMO).
Top Business Professionals Visit the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast played host to some of the country’s most impressive business professionals when they judged aspiring entrepreneurs at the 2010 Queensland Business Icon Awards on Monday 12 July 2010.
The stellar line-up featured professionals from Australia’s top organisations including Fairfax Media Limited, Telstra Corporation Limited and the Sunshine Coast Council, the latter of which was represented on the judging panel by the Chair of Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, Councillor Lew Brennan.
“The Sunshine Coast Council is pleased to support this educational event,” Cr. Brennan said. ”Our region is becoming well-known for its excellent education facilities including the Sunshine Coast University, Central Queensland University, the award winning Innovation Centre, TAFE Sunshine Coast and excellent schools both public and private”
“Many of the attendees at the 2010 Queensland Business Icon Awards are highly regarded in Australia’s business community. To have them visit the Sunshine Coast for an educational event is a great opportunity to demonstrate how the region and the Sunshine Coast Council are serious about education and supporting the development of our future business leaders.”
“The Sunshine Coast Council was in a unique position this year where we were able to support the inaugural Queensland award function. It was a great experience and now knowing the calibre of the event and the contestants, I hope the regional education and business sector will strongly support in future years.”
“A dynamic educational industry is integral to the success of the Sunshine Coast’s economic sustainability. By supporting the establishments and initiatives in place and attracting more educational services, the region will continue to churn out talented individuals who hopefully decide to stay and work locally,” Cr. Brennan said.
Visit Business Icon website for more information.
Nominate now for 2011 Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards
The Sunshine Coast Council Australia Day Awards celebrate the contribution of individuals, community organisations and businesses in the region. These prestigious awards are designed to pay tribute to those who make extraordinary contributions to society or who are outstanding achievers in the community.
Council is calling for nominations of outstanding individuals, groups or businesses to be recognised at the third annual Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards.
The awards will be presented in the following categories:
Full details of the awards and nomination forms can be found on council's website.
Business Case Study - Springfree Trampoline Australia
To better communicate just what a great place the Sunshine Coast is for business, each month we aim to showcase one local enterprise or organisation.
Chosen from one of the Sunshine Coast’s eleven priority industry sectors, these organisations support the objective of developing a robust economy and are much valued members of the local business community.
“Our business is on the Sunshine Coast because of its people. The most important part of any business is its people and we have a very youthful, creative, talented group that’s been the foundation of our growth.”
Doug Hill, Regional Director, Springfree Trampoline Australia
View the full case study on Springfree Trampoline Australia.
Free Business Clinics
This program supports small businesses on the Coast to maintain and strengthen their business 'health', offering half an hour free private appointment with a legal or financial professional.
Wednesday 21 July
Sunshine Coast Enterprises, Level 2, 12 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya
To book: Phone (07) 5493 6211 or email ask@scenterprises.com.au
Go Figure Workshop - Smart Business Workshops
Trim your overheads and fatten up profits. Presented by Michelle Hamer.
Tuesday 27 July, 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
Gelee's Function Room, 5 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya (ground floor / lakeside in Kawana Private Hospital)
To book: Phone (07) 5493 6211 or email ask@scenterprises.com.au
Marketing Matters Workshop - Smart Business Workshops
Key areas covered will help enable businesses develop marketing and communication action plans.
Tuesday 3 August, 8.30 am to 12.30 pm
Sunshine Coast Enterprises, Level 2, 12 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya
To book: Phone (07) 5493 6211 or email ask@scenterprises.com.au
Free government-funded series of business improvement workshops
Learn valuable management, marketing and productivity strategies to improve the performance of your business. Also gain an insight into what the future holds and how to prepare for it.
Tuesday 3 August, 5.30 pm
Rydges Resort Hotel, Landsborough Parade, Golden Beach, Caloundra
To book: Phone 1300 644 361 or register online
People Matters Workshop - Smart Business Workshops
Half day workshop designed to help manage your team.
Tuesday 10 August, 8.30 am to 12.30 pm
Sunshine Coast Enterprises, Level 2, 12 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya
To book: Phone (07) 5493 6211 or email ask@scenterprises.com.au
Enterprise Tuesday
Planning your exit: start with the end in mind - presented by Dr Tom McKaskill.
Tuesday 10 August, 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm, FREE
Innovation Centre Business Accelerator Foyer
To book: visit Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast website
Tendering for government business
A workshop delivered by the Queensland Government for existing and potential suppliers to government departments and agencies.
Thursday 12 August, 8.00 am to 12.00pm or 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm, $44 inc GST
Level 1, 60 Wises Road, Maroochydore
To book: Phone (07) 5451 6300 or email sunshine.coast@dtrdi.qld.gov.au
Strategies Workshop - Smart Business Workshops
Covering all the key business fundamentals within your small business.
Tuesday 17 August, 8.30 am to 12.30 pm
To book: Phone (07) 5493 6211 or email ask@scenterprises.com.au
Free Business Clinics
This program supports small businesses on the Coast to maintain and strengthen their business 'health', offering half an hour free private appointment with a legal or financial professional.
Wednesday 18 August
Sunshine Coast Enterprises, Level 2, 12 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya
To book: Phone (07) 5493 6211 or email ask@scenterprises.com.au
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