Cyber Security
October was small business month and there have been many events around the area thanks to grants from the State Government. The Bega Chamber provided a free service to our members to have their devices checked and if needed implement improved security. This proved very popular with many of us improving our systems to help prevent fraudulent activity. Thanks to Bega Valley Computers for facilitating the checks.
Spring into Spring
A couple of weeks ago we staged our Spring into Spring retail promotion which was designed to add a bit of colour to everyone’s shopping experience and appreciate the new season.
Glen Mia Saddlery were the winners of the best decorated shop winning them an add package on 2EC. We also encouraged shoppers to take a selfie in a business and post it to the Chamber Facebook page. The winner was Chani Cunning who now has $500 in Bega bucks to spend along with a family photo package valued at $550 thanks to Tara of Daisy Hill Photography.
We trust that our retailers had an uptick in sales from this sale as we promoted Bega as the best place to do business.
Women in Business
Last Wednesday we held our second Women in Business breakfast. Around 50 women and a few men came together at the Peanut to share breakfast and be inspired by two great speakers. Debbie Bennington shared her experience of battling and surviving Breast Cancer. While Jenny Garner shared her knowledge as a breast care support Nurse. Funds raised from the event went to help Breast Cancer Research and we are pleased to have raised $1,024.
Kirsty Towill from our exec team and events committee did a great job of organising this event and it will mark the start of an ongoing Business Women’s organisation. If you would like to be more involved then please drop her a line at Kirsty.Towill@cba.com.au
Networking event
Our next event will be a Network event at the soon to be opened Southeast Centre for Contemporary Art. We are thrilled to be getting a sneak peek at the new facility and enjoy a tour by Director of the Gallery Iain Dawson.
We will also have a short presentation from Natasha Berta from the University of Wollongong about the RISE program for 2024.
This event will take place on Wednesday the 8th of November at 5:30 pm. For catering purposes could you please register your attendance, at info@begachamber.com.au
Circularity
Next week the 9th and 10th of November will see the official launch of the Bega Valley Circularity program.
There are a number of events including an expo on Thursday afternoon (12-3:30pm) and Friday (9:00am-12:30pm) at the Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre. It is free to attend and there will be displays from a number of businesses embracing Circularity including the Chamber, where we will have our concept plans for the former Bega Hospital site. I would encourage you all to come along to gain a better understanding of Circularity and how you might be able to adopt some principals into your own businesses.
Plans for the National Circularity Centre that will be built at North Bega will also be on display.
Christmas Carnival
As mentioned last month our next retail promotion will be the Christmas Carnival to be held in Littleton Gardens on December 7th. Again, we will have lots of entertainment for the kids with four different inflatable rides, face painting, craft painting, popcorn and fairy floss. There will be plenty of great entertainment on the stage and in a first for a number of years the combined Churches of Bega will continue the event into the evening with Carols.
We would encourage our retailers to stay open that evening to take advantage of all the extra people in town. Last year we estimated that around 1500 spent time at the carnival.
This event will be supported with radio/ newspaper and digital advertising to encourage shoppers to Bega.
New Members
Finally, I would like to welcome a number of new members this month including Joanne from Karmanimals; Councillor David Porter; Kellow Parbery & Associates Pty Limited and Sapphire Coast Anglican College. We thank you for joining the Chamber and Trust you get real value from your membership.
