AUGUST CHAMBER NEWS MONTHLY

CHAMBER NEWS MONTHLY

ISSUE #19 - AUGUST 2020

IMPORTANT CHAMBER DATES

August Dates:
19th– Inverell Chamber of Commerce & Industry Monthly Meeting 7:30am @ RSM 
24th– Registration closes for Father's Day Social Media Promotion @ 5:00pm
31st– Chamber Festival of Christmas Meeting 5:00pm @ Simply Print Anything
 
September Dates:
6th– Father's Day 
16th– Inverell Chamber of Commerce & Industry Monthly Meeting 7:30am @ RSM 
 
Dates Upcoming:
October - Small Business Month
Late November - Chamber Festival of Christmas Launch

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Welcome the Inverell Chamber of Commerce and Industry 2020 - 2021 
 
We thought that the 2019-2020 year was tough with the drought, but with Covid 19 – most of us can’t wait to farewell 2020 and are hoping that 2021 will be the year of regional Australia . 
The positive side of the drought and Covid 19 is that the focus has come back to supporting Australian made & looking after each other.  'Buy from the Bush' and other instagram sites and initiatives have been fantastic. Some businesses have embraced social media platforms to grow their business and have had amazing results.  We encourage all businesses to try and learn more about using social media.  Working with the Inverell Shire we hope to offer more learning opportunities for our members over the coming year and beyond.
 
Moving into the last quarter for this year and into the hectic Christmas period the Chamber committee is going to work very hard to make sure that everyone “Chooses Inverell “ as their number 1 destination for Work, Health & Retail. 
October is Small business month – we will be celebrating the fabulous range of small businesses in Inverell and encouraging everyone to support them.  “When you Choose Inverell you grow Inverell” will be our campaign slogan for October.
 
We hope that as a group we can promote Inverell so that everyone benefits.  As a group the Chamber is very strong and we can all play our part by promoting Inverell in a positive light.  Supporting each other is the best way to grow Inverell . 
 
I would like to thank everyone who has nominated to be on the Chamber committee this year-  we are a Volunteer organisation but we all have a passion to see Inverell grow. 
 
Georgie King

CHAMBER NEWS

FATHER'S DAY SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTION
Registration has now open for our Father's Day Social Media Promotion.  We are offering chamber member businesses the opportunity to participate in this opportunity for FREE.
 
All the info and online registration form are located on our website at the following link: https://www.inverellchamber.com.au/choose-inverell
 
You have the choice to participate in either or both of the following options:
 
Website Catalogue - On our website, we will display an image from your business and unto 20 words about what you can offer customers for their Father's Day shopping.  We will also be heavily publicising this catalogue on social media.
Social Media Sharing - We will like and share your social media posts around Father's Day when you tag us in the post.

OCTOBER - SMALL BUSINESS MONTH
It's been tough for business, especially small rural business over the last couple of years between drought, fire and now covid-19.  But, we have a lot to celebrate!  The hard work, determination and positivity of our local small businesses is awe inspiring and the absolute best reason to celebrate that we can think of.
 
We have organised a little celebration in honour of this event and have some great local presenters.  So make sure you save the date:
WHEN: Tuesday 13th October @ 5:30pm
WHERE: Inverell RSM Club
 
 
We will let you know when registration opens in September via our website.

FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS CHAMBER GROUP - WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP??
 
Have you thought about contributing towards the Chamber, but don't want to make a regular commitment throughout the year?  How about helping out with the Festival of Christmas?
 
It might seem early to start thinking about Christmas, but we have listened to your feedback and are getting started on our Festival of Christmas early, so that all businesses have ample time to get organised and participate in our annual event.
 
Our Festival of Christmas Chamber Group are the driving force behind this popular event and is made up of volunteers from our local businesses.  As they say, many hands make light work and we would love all the help we can get.
 
Our first meeting will be held Monday 31st August 5:00pm @ Simply Print Anything.  If you would like to help out and contribute ideas, just come along!  If you would like to know more information, don't hesitate to email, call or drop us a private message on Facebook.

WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT THE CHAMBER

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
Did you know you can support the chamber through the Regional Australia Bank's Community Partnership Program?
 
If you already do your banking through Regional Australia Bank, ask them if your accounts qualify you to elect a community organisation to support.  This doesn't cost you or us anything!
 
What a great way to keep funds local and going towards local business.  We are registered for this program and appreciate those Regional Australia Bank customers who have chosen the Chamber as their elected organisation to support.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

INVERELL: YOUR FACEBOOK FAQ ANSWERED
The Inverell Shire Council are excited to be working with Buyfromthebush and Facebook Australia to host a Q&A session with BFTB Founder Grace Brennan and Facebook Community Trainer Melissa Westcott!
 
Learn more about how to use Facebook and Instagram for your small business or community group. 
When: LIVE at 1pm on Wednesday 25 August, via the Inverell Shire Council Page. 
Have a question on FB or Instagram you'd like answered? Direct message your questions or email to council@inverell.nsw.gov.au. 
 
The session will cover many of the basics and provide tips, tools and resources that you can access from home, with an opportunity to ask additional questions on the day.

FREE ONLINE WEBINAR: YOUR BUSINESS BRANDING AND MARKETING
 
2020 what a way to start the year.  It has been very challenging, so where should be directing your marketing.  Now more than ever,  It's ever changing so you need to keep up. Kylie from Hello Meida will be giving you an overview of where you should be in 2020.
 
WHEN: Tuesday 18th August at 12:30pm
 
For more information click HERE

FREE ONLINE WEBINAR: BUILD A BETTER BUSINESS
 
An Introduction to Build a Better Business.  This workshop will give business owners the knowledge and tools they need to survive and thrive in a changing, and competitive market. In this ‘workshop’ you will pick up tips and skills on how to improve your growth and profitability.
 
WHEN: Wednesday 19th August at 9:30am
& Wednesday 9th September at 9:30am
 
For more information click HERE

FREE ONLINE WEBINAR: EDITING YOUR PRODUCT PHOTOS - SERIES 3
 
Photography is an essential step in marketing your products and getting them into the hands of more customers. Scroll-stopping images are more important than ever! Beautiful photos will not only encourage followers and purchases but also tell the story of your brand. 
This online workshop series is designed for the maker who is just starting their business and is not yet ready to invest in professional product photography.
 
WHEN: Thursday 20th August at 10:00am
& Tuesday 15th September at 1:00pm
 
For more information click HERE

BUSINESS NEWS

BUSINESS.GOV.AU
The Australian Government Business Website is teeming with helpful information.  This month's focus topics include:
Resources directory for women entrepreneurs.  The Expert FindHer Resources Directory is now available. The directory has information about funding sources, programs, networks and tools that can help women entrepreneurs develop their start-up.
Improve your cyber safety and protect your business.  Make sure you complete the Cyber Safety Checklist to help improve your cyber security and protect your identity.
Extension of the JobKeeper Payment program.  Proposed changes to the JobKeeper Payment program including  an extension of the program to 28 March 2021,  turnover tests to determine eligibility and  tiered payments for eligible staff. The changes will not impact until after 28 September 2020.
Can you refuse service to a customer? You can stop someone from entering your business, or refuse to serve someone, as long as you don't breach any anti-discrimination laws.
How do you begin to strengthen a business impacted by bushfires and Covid-19?  Wellness entrepreneurs Kay Saarinen from Saarinen Organics and Jo Lane from Sea Health Products on the NSW South Coast have experienced similar parallels in recovery. Both women have found positives and driven change for their businesses with support from the Entrepreneurs’ Programme. 

BUSINESS NSW
Business NSW has developed an economic blueprint for recovery called 'Back on Track'. The report contains research, insights and solutions to ensure NSW businesses are supported and can continue to fuel the engine room of the national economy. The report and other valuable information can be found by clicking this 'Back on Track' link.
 
October is NSW Small Business Month, and with it comes many free of charge opportunities for your business to partner up and grow.  Check it out by clicking HERE.

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