Maroondah 2010 Business Lunch with Tara Moss

The 2010 Maroondah Business Week was held from the 4th of October through to the 8th and offered a range of events to develop skills and business promotion, concluded with a networking lunch, featuring model and author Tara Moss, as the guest speaker.

The lunch is aimed specifically at women in business and Tara spoke about her life growing up in Canada, as well as her transition into modelling and her development as an author. Tara discussed the need to persevere with dreams and highlighted her passion for writing, which she developed as a student in primary school.

Alex with Tara Moss and Phil Turner, Director City Development, at the 2010 Maroondah Business Lunch
Alex with Tara Moss and Phil Turner, Director City Development, at the 2010 Maroondah Business Lunch

The lunch marks the conclusion of the 2010 Maroondah Business Week and the speech I provided to welcome guests to this event is available within this post:

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Maroondah Business Week Breakfast with David Schwarz

Maroondah Business Week is an annual Council initiated program that aims to promote and enhance businesses within the municipality. The Week consists of workshops, tours and networking events offering a range of activities to cater to the business sectors within Maroondah.

One of these events is the Maroondah Business Week Breakfast, which featured David Schwarz as the speaker. David was a former footballer and Vice-Captain for Melbourne Football Club and discussed the challenges he faced during this career, including a gambling addiction, which he spoke about candidly during the breakfast session.

Alex with David Schwarz and Cr Rob Steane at the 2010 Maroondah Business Week Breakfast
Alex with David Schwarz and Cr Rob Steane at the 2010 Maroondah Business Week Breakfast

David’s openness set him apart from some of the speakers of other years and he spoke candidly about the difficulties in establishing a post football career. David’s comments reflect the need for ongoing perseverance and the advantages of networking within businesses and provided a number of parallels between his experiences and the challenges facing business.

As part of the proceedings I had the opportunity to introduce Maroondah Business Week and the speech I provided is available in this post:

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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:

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Delegates’ Report: Annual General Meetings and Seniors Week

This month has marked the beginning of the Spring season for Annual General Meetings, and I had the pleasure of attending the Ringwood Historical Society AGM on the 22nd of September.

The Society documents the history of Ringwood and it is great to see renewed interest in our local history. The Ringwood Historical Society previously met on a quarterly basis, but now meets monthly covering a diverse range of topics within our community.

The Eastern Volunteers Annual General Meeting followed on the 24th of September and I was joined by Cr. Lamont and Cr. Macdonald in attending this event. Eastern Volunteers is continuing to grow strongly and is planning three major events over the course of the next year, its annual Fun Run for March, the return of its community conference in July and a Multicultural Festival planned for October.

The Ringwood Diving Club Annual General Meeting was held on the 11th of October and is a sporting club that encourages participation in diving based at the Ringwood Aquatic Centre.

Several special weeks all seemed to converge in October, including Mental Health Week, Maroondah Business Week and the Maroondah Seniors Festival.

On the 8th of October I attended a presentation on the National Seniors Association. The National Seniors Association is unique in that while it provides a social connection, it also provides significant policy advice and advocacy.

On the 9th of October I attended the Ringwood Bowls Club 80th anniversary and season launch. The Ringwood Bowls Club is a successful sporting club and has a strong community focus. The club has had an emphasis on environmental sustainability through the installation of a water retention system and is also focused on social sustainability, through developing partnerships with community organisations.

One of the partnerships the Bowls Club has developed is with the Ringwood Spiders and is great to see that the Club mentioned the Ringwood Spiders Trophy Presentation Night as one of its highlights. The Club is planning further community events including a jazz evening in November and partnerships with Eastern Volunteers.

Lastly, I attended a combined Ringwood U3A, North Ringwood Seniors and Enjoying Planned Retirement Luncheon on Saturday the 17th of October.

It is great to see the members of each group supporting each other and I would like to commend the committee members and members for the holistic view of the facility. In addition, I would also like to commend the council officers that have supported these groups and responded to the concerns that they have raised.

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.

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.

Maroondah Business Week – QIC celebrating businesses in Maroondah

Rather than the traditional business awards, this year’s conclusion to Maroondah Business Week focused on welcoming the newly established businesses within Maroondah, as well as congratulating the long-standing Maroondah based businesses that have existed for more than 30 years.

The event sponsored by Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC), who own Eastland, provided an opportunity for both new and long established businesses to network and learn from each other. The evening included a presentation from Richard Carter, from Carter Real Estate, a business that has existed within Maroondah for 85 years.

Richard’s grandfather founded the real estate business in 1923 to capitalise on Ringwood’s expansion following the electrification of the rail line. Electrification, which coincided with the proclamation of the Borough of Ringwood and severance from the Shire of Lilydale, provided the impetus for Ringwood’s growth and expansion.

A common theme that has emerged throughout business week is having a passion for what you do and Richard reinforced this as an essential factor for the longevity of Carter Real Estate. Richard also spoke about the need for businesses to diversify to provide multiple income streams and to respect both staff and clients, as well as continually evolve to meet new challenges and opportunities.

The QIC celebrating businesses in Maroondah provided a fitting conclusion to the 2008 Maroondah Business Week and to commemorate the businesses that exist within the municipality.

Opening of the Westpac Business Centre

Amid the other events of Maroondah Business Week, the Westpac Business Centre in Ringwood held its official opening launch this evening. The opening of the Business Centre demonstrates a confidence in Ringwood, which is much welcomed particularly amid the ongoing economic uncertainty.

The launch included a presentation from Simon Hammond from the Belong Group, a marketing firm that aims to align meaning with marketing through articulating what a business stands for, ensuring that people want to be part of it and having brands that can be discovered and experienced.

The business world like other aspects of society is attempting to reconnect with people to re-establish purpose and meaning. Politics and council is no different and I certainly believe I have assisted in reconnecting communities and making people’s voices heard leading to better decisions and outcomes.