Tag: business events

Opening the Ringwood Telstra Business Centre

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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.

Business Expansion and Retention Program returns for 2010

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The Maroondah Business Expansion and Retention Program consists of interviews with business owners and employers to provide quantitative and qualitative research into the challenges facing business within Maroondah.

This afternoon I accompanied the Maroondah Economic Development Unit with the interviews.  The respondents provided  similar feedback in regard to a generally optimistic economic outlook, as well as expressing interest in the business events organised by Council.

The feedback compiled during the Business Expansion and Retention Program will assist Council in updating its Economic Development Strategy to ensure that it is relevant to the needs of the business community.

February BizConnect Business Breakfast

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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”

Eastern Volunteers – Business Breakfast

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Eastern Volunteers is a not-for-profit community based organisation that provides volunteer recruitment and transport services for the frail aged and people with disabilities.

Over the course of this year the organisation aims to strengthen the involvement of businesses within our local community. Eastern Volunteers in planning a business breakfast to bring together the business community to begin working towards this vision.

As a board member of Eastern Volunteers I have been chairing the working group for this event, which will be held at Club Ringwood on the 15th of September.

For further information please visit www.easternvolunteers.org.au.

Delegates’ Report: End of Year Functions for 2009

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This time of year is synonymous with end of year functions and I’ve attended several over the past month, including:

Despite us rapidly approaching the end of the year, it is still business as usual. On the 10th of December I had the pleasure of attending the graduation of the Maroondah FReeZA Group, Stuff Your Stereo Productions, along with Cr. Natalie Thomas, Rob Steane and Peter Gurr.

FReeZA is a program for young people who organise music gigs, through EVs Youth Centre in Croydon. This year’s group was particularly innovative in forming partnerships with other organisations and introducing gigs covering a range of musical genres and tastes. The Youth Services Team who oversee the group, are already busy at work planning for next year’s group and I commend the Team at EVs for organising yet another successful event.

Lastly, on the 13th I had the pleasure of opening the Maroondah Carols by Candlelight.

While there were patches of light rain during the morning, we were fortunate to have pleasant weather for the evening. The large crowd enjoyed the carols immensely and I would like to congratulate the many people and community organisations that worked together to host such a fantastic event.

Ringwood East Traders Fair

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The Ringwood East Traders Fair, located at Railway Avenue, Ringwood East involves local traders and stallholders who provide a market for the local community.

The fair includes a barbecue and a raffle which is drawn at midday. Proceeds are donated to a nominated community organisation, which is chosen by the business that organises the fair for that month. Past recipients have included the Maroondah Citizens Advice Bureau, where money was raised to purchase much needed food for emergency relief.

The traders fair is held on a monthly basis on the first Saturday of the month and will return in 2010.

Maroondah Women in Business Lunch with Maggie Beer

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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

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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

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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

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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.