Media Release: Maroondah Business Week bookings now open

The Maroondah Business Week 2010 brochure is now available, detailing the range of workshops, seminars and networking sessions open to business owners and operators who wish to participate in this year’s Maroondah Business Week activities.

Maroondah Councillor Alex Makin said anyone considering attending the range of networking and information sessions during Maroondah Business Week should decide what they would like to attend, and book early.

“We have introduced closing dates for our key events, so it is more important than ever that people get their tickets early,” Cr Makin said.

“There are a lot of opportunities for business owners and operators wanting to network with other local businesses, or learn new strategies to improve your business. Maroondah Business Week 2010 should not be missed,” said Cr Makin.

“Running from Monday 4 October to Friday 8 October, Maroondah Business Week covers everything you could want to know about doing business successfully in this city,” Cr Makin said.

Maroondah Business Week 2010 highlights include three guest speakers who will entertain and move you with their wealth of experience in life and in business:

Former Melbourne Football Club player David Schwarz will speak at the NAB Business Breakfast on 6 October at the Karralyka Centre from 7am until 9am.

Since retiring from the Melbourne Football Club after 11 years, David has pursued an active media career, co-hosting the sports radio program The Home Run and was a part of Channel 7’s AFL commentary team, but his reputation was tainted after revealing his had lost more than $4 million through gambling.

In 2007, the reformed gambler was appointed the Responsible Gambling Ambassador of the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group.

“By speaking about his experiences on and off the field, David will provide an insight into how he overcame his inner demons and transformed them into new opportunities,” Cr Makin said.

Peter Alexander, best known for his range of sleepwear, will share his secrets of success at the RACV Business Insurance Networking Event from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on 7 October at the Karralyka Centre.

Peter is a true entrepreneur, launching his range of sleepwear as a single man working from his living room table. His name is now recognised around the globe and at the height of success his business profits were growing at up to 40 per cent a year.

“At the age of 24 Peter made the tough decision to go out on his own. While the start up phase was difficult he overcame everything that was thrown at him. There is no doubt that Peter has a wealth of information to share about establishing brand loyalty,” Cr Makin said.

Then you can join author and model Tara Moss at the Eastland Business Lunch from noon to 2pm on Friday 8 October at the Karralyka Centre.

Tara had her first novel published at the age of 24, and has since become the number one crime writer in Australia. As a model she has graced the covers of more than 30 magazines.

“Tara lives her life by the motto ‘life is too short to live the same day twice’ and I think that is something we could all take on board. So why not come along and gain an insight into how to transform your passions into a successful career,” Cr Makin said.

The vast majority of business opportunities are found through networking, so bring along plenty of business cards and a willingness to connect with like-minded business people and meet some of Maroondah’s most influential and ‘up and coming’ business professionals.

Bookings can now be made for all events and workshops.

Further information on the complete range of activities during Maroondah Business Week 2010 can be found in the brochure available at all Council Service Centres, or by visiting www.bizmaroondah.com.au

– ENDS –

Maroondah Bizconnect Business Breakfast -Denso Automotive Systems Australia

Maroondah City Council holds regular business breakfasts designed to encourage networking and knowledge leadership amongst businesses within the community.

This morning’s breakfast included a presentation from Denso Automotive Systems Australia (formerly Australian Automotive Air), one of the nation’s largest automotive manufacturers, who discussed their unique just-in-time systems to ensure maximum efficiency with their operations.

Maroondah’s next business breakfast is held during Maroondah Business Week. Details on all of the Maroondah Business Week events are available at www.bizmaroondah.com.au.

The speech I delivered at the opening of the Business Breakfast is available within this post:

Continue reading “Maroondah Bizconnect Business Breakfast -Denso Automotive Systems Australia”

June BizConnect Business Breakfast

The BizConnect Business Breakfast is a Maroondah City Council initiative designed to connect local businesses and to share knowledge and skills. This morning’s speaker was from Destination Melbourne who discussed the growing $2.6 billion market generated through tourism opportunities from visiting friends and relatives.

The friends and relatives tourism market is the largest segment of visitors into Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and provides economic benefits for local businesses. While Maroondah may not be seen as a traditional tourist destination, it does have a strong component of tourism generated through friends and relatives and the speaker outlined the need for businesses to target this growing segment.

As the Mayor of Maroondah I had the pleasure of introducing the June BizConnect Business Breakfast and the speech I delivered is included within this post:

Continue reading “June BizConnect Business Breakfast”

Opening the Ringwood Telstra Business Centre

This morning I was invited to officially open the Ringwood Telstra Business Centre, located on Heatherdale Road.  The introduction of the Telstra Business Centre reinforces the growing business confidence within Ringwood and provides further local employment opportunities within the municipality.

The launch included a presentation on the future of technology, which highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancement and an increasing emphasis on ‘cloud computing’, whereby data is stored externally in a secure environment.   Technology will continue to be an important part of any business and the Business Centre has a strong emphasis on technological solutions for small and medium enterprises.

Alex opening the Telstra Business Centre in Ringwood
Alex opening the Telstra Business Centre in Ringwood

Over the past five years, Ringwood has experienced a substantial expansion of commercial office space and this is expected to increase further into the future.  The increase in office space ensures that we are better able to provide local employment opportunities, and thus minimise travel costs and commuting time for employees.

The City of Maroondah hosts regular events for the business community, including workshops, seminars and breakfast meetings.  For further details please visit www.bizmaroondah.com.au.

April BizConnect Business Breakfast – Assessing Australia’s Economic Conditions

The BizConnect Maroondah Breakfast Series provides an opportunity to hear from prominent business speakers, with the aim of assisting businesses within the municipality.

The guest speaker this morning was a specialist on foreign exchange and international Economics who discussed Australia’s current economic situation relative to the global economy.

Topics included Australia’s relatively stable economic activity, relative to major global economies and the increasing importance of China as a major trading partner to Australia.

The BizConnect Breakfast Series is one of several events, including networking and training sessions which are designed to assist businesses within Maroondah.

For further details please visit the BizMaroondah website: www.bizmaroondah.com.au.

Please continue reading to view the speech delivered as the opening address for the morning:

Continue reading “April BizConnect Business Breakfast – Assessing Australia’s Economic Conditions”

February BizConnect Business Breakfast

The BizConnect Maroondah Business Breakfast Series provides networking opportunities for businesses within the municipality and features prominent speakers, who discuss the experiences they have had within their business.

This morning’s speaker was Kristina Karlsson, who formed stationery label kikki.K after identifying a gap in the market for stylish but practical stationery products. Kristina now has 25 retail boutiques within Australia and New Zealand, as well as a prominent online store and web presence.

As the Mayor, I had the pleasure of launching the BizConnect Maroondah Business Breakfast Series, as well as introducing new businesses into Maroondah. Please continue reading to view a copy of the speech delivered during the breakfast:

Continue reading “February BizConnect Business Breakfast”

Maroondah Women in Business Lunch with Maggie Beer

The Maroondah Business Week is held between the 5th and 9th of October and consists of several events which aim to support businesses within Maroondah.

One of the major events within Maroondah Business Week is the Women in Business Lunch, which was held at the Karralyka Centre. Chef and television presenter, Maggie Beer was the guest speaker at the event and she discussed the challenges in establishing her business through the need to adapt and evolve to ensure a profitable and successful venture.

Maggie was an extremely informative speaker who provided significant insights into operating and managing a business. Maggie also signed copies of her books and the lunch featured her recipes.

Maroondah Business Week continues throughout the week with several events, including an expo, workshops and tours of Ringwood. For further information please visit www.bizmaroondah.com.au.

Media Release: Business Week registration now open

Online registration and bookings are now open for all Maroondah Business Week activities and functions. There’s a great range of events to get involved in including breakfast, lunch and evening events with guest speakers, training sessions and workshops.

Councillor Alex Makin said the annual Business Week offered local businesses an opportunity to network and update their skills.

“The week runs from 5 to 9 October and is a great opportunity to learn from the experts and share your experiences with other local business people,” Cr Makin said.

“This is a chance to raise your business profile and spend the week reflecting on where your business is currently and where you see it heading in the future,” Cr Makin said.

“The range of guest speakers is fantastic so come along and hear their own personal stories and share in their triumphs,” Cr Makin said.

“So you don’t miss out at any of the events, get online and book your place. Spaces are limited so it’s best to get in early for all the events and workshops,” Cr Makin said.

The week begins with the Eastland Women in Business Lunch with Maggie Beer, who will talk about her passion for food and her success in the business world. Maggie will be appearing on Monday 5 October at the Karralyka Centre, so book your tickets now to enjoy a two course meal while listening to her inspirational story.

Another one of the week’s highlights will come when Steve Moneghetti speaks on Wednesday 7 October at the NAB Business Breakfast. Steve’s success as a marathon runner is legendary. A Commonwealth Games participant, he is one of Australia’s greatest ever long distance runners.

There are also two guided bus tours available through the Ringwood Central Activities District. As places are limited it is best to book in early. Booking forms are available online.

For a full listing of all the events being offered during Business Week, or to book your place, go to www.bizmaroondah.com.au.

Copies of the 2009 program are also available at Council’s service centres or by phoning 9298 4320.

Media Release: Recession proof your business

Learn how to take steps to recession proof your business during a free two-hour information night at the Karralyka Centre in Ringwood East.

Councillor Alex Makin said a panel of business experts would be on hand to answer questions such as ‘Are you concerned about how your business might perform in the current economic climate?’ and ‘Are there measures you can take to limit the impact of the global marketplace?’.

“The session will also include a presentation by a local business about the changes they’ve implemented recently in response to market pressures,” Cr Makin said.

“The function will be jointly hosted by Council, the Victorian Business Centre Vermont and Yarra Ranges Shire Council,” Cr Makin said.

“A wealth of information will be provided so you’re guaranteed to learn something new to help your business,” Cr Makin said.

Other topics to be covered on the night include:

  • What can be provided locally.
  • How to make your business more profitable and sustainable.
  • How to access mentoring support and details about the many government programs available to assist businesses.

Recession Proof Your Business will be held at the Karralyka Centre, Mines Road, Ringwood East from 6 to 8pm on Wednesday 19 August. Bookings are essential.

For details on this information session, to make a booking or find out more about Council’s business support activities, phone 9298 4320 or visit the BizMaroondah website at www.bizmaroondah.com.au

Maroondah Business Lunch with Billy Brownless

The Maroondah Business Lunches are a semi-regular functions designed to encourage networking amongst Maroondah’s business community.

Today’s guest speaker was Billy Brownless, former footballer for Geelong and regular on the Footy Show. Billy spoke about his experiences in football and the importance of team dynamics, as well as remaining focused under pressure.

The business lunch also provided an opportunity to officially launch the Maroondah Business Week which will be held between the 5th and 9th of October. For further information please visit www.bizmaroondah.com.au.