colac & district chamber of commerce business newsletter · 2019. 10. 2. · questions you have...
TRANSCRIPT
Colac & District Chamber of Commerce
Business Newsletter April 3, 2019 - EDITION 1
In this issue: Message from the
President
New Staff Member
Colac Chamber Website & Social Media Update Ideas & Feedback
Ideas & Feedback
Building façade improvement program to attract business
QR Codes
Business of the
Month
Tips for businesses
to use
2018/2019
MEMBER’S OF
CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE
Upcoming Events
Business Awards Launch in June –
This is where you’ll receive your
information pack for the 2018/2019
business awards.
And how nomination will work and
how to engage your staff/volunteers
more also in these awards.
Colac Chamber of Commerce
“Radio Show”
We are now taking Businesses and
Volunteer Groups Names to take
part in our interview segment of the
Business Radio Program called the
“The Run Home”.
We discuss all the local business
issues that effect or influence the
ongoing prosperity of our community.
On Friday 12th Glen McVilly will be
joining us for an interview. Glen is
the Director of the award winning
Spence Construction Colac.
Small Business
Workshops & Events
Small Business Bus:
Apollo Bay
Summary
The Victorian Government's Small
Business Bus provides free
mentoring and face-to-face
assistance to help you start or build
your small business.
The Small Business Bus is visiting
all regions of Victoria in 2019.
To see all times for the Business
Bus and other business workshops
happening please visit this link
below
https://www.business.vic.gov.au/
events
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Hello & Welcome
The Colac Chamber of Commerce is now in their new offices at 87 Bromfield St, Colac.
Drop in between 9am – 5pm Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday & have a cuppa & a chat & find out the things the Chamber is doing. The Chambers 2 Staff Members Mark Sherry & Brad McLeod will be only too happy to answer any questions you have or any situation in which you need assistance. “The Chamber is here for you”. The Chamber relies on Membership to survive, if you are not a member, please join and be a part of the Colac Chamber of Commerce Network System that supports each other. Doing business with each other and supporting one another. “Will help drive your success”. In the next 12 months, the Chamber has some exciting programs coming up which will help drive Businesses for our Members - Stay tuned!
NEW STAFF MEMBERS
MARK SHERRY Born and raised in Colac, I began my working life as owner/manager of Leading Edge Music Colac from November 1980 until the store’s closure in June 2017. I joined the CDCCI as Executive Officer in October 2018 and was quickly able to apply my business knowledge and experience into the new job at hand. In the short time since joining the Chamber, I have witnessed a shift in direction and momentum toward an even more progressive and dynamic Chamber mindset. Since joining, the Chamber has implemented many new and exciting initiatives including the GDay Friends QR codes tourist promotion, an expanded and rejuvenated digital media communications platform, the development of closer ties with Local, State and Federal political representatives and the securing of new offices that will afford the best in administrative support.
The CDCCI is in a good place. This year and beyond, the Chamber is looking to forge ahead providing even greater support and assistance to
Colac businesses and the wider business community.
BRAD McLEOD
I have been appointed as the Digital Media and Communications Officer for the Colac
Chamber of Commerce, and in this role, I will be assisting in refreshing the website,
relaunching the Colac Chamber of Commerce Business Newsletter and developing the
Chamber on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.
The Newsletter will be emailed to you monthly & also be available on our website in
due course.
I’m open to any constructive feedback; I would appreciate anything you have to offer to
help this newsletter to grow & develop as we move forward in 2019 and beyond.
As I am relaunching a brand-new Business Newsletter, what things would you like to
see included in this Newsletter?
If you have any ideas/feedback etc., please feel to contact the Chamber of Commerce by phone 03 5219 3901
or via email which is [email protected]
We as a chamber want to explore & endeavour that we can continue this flourishing trend within the Colac
Region, and assist Accommodation, Attractions & Restaurants as much as we can by supporting and working
in with them through many business endeavours.
Colac Chamber Webpage & Social Media The Colac Chamber of Commerce is currently in the process of a full website & social media review
to change the current webpage outlay & to investigate further details around certain social media
apps also.
And in order to do this we will review everything & more importantly we hope to make it totally user
friendly & be updated regularly with lots of new features, pictures, events and so much more.
Keep an eye on the Webpage & Social Media for these changes as we move forward.
Please find the Colac Chamber of Commerce on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/colacchamber/
Search for us on Linkedin also under colac-district-chamber-of-commerce-industry
Instagram – Colac Chamber of Commerce
And our current website address is https://colacchamber.com.au/index.php
Ideas & Feedback Feedback & idea’s regarding the empty shops & shop frontages in Colac.
We as a Chamber are now looking at ways of how to utilize the empty shops & shop frontages in
Colac.
In Colac Currently we have around 40 shops/offices that are sitting their vacant and no one is
utilizing them. And there are many reasons that contribute to this but we as a chamber are going
to do everything possible to make sure we can do something with these empty shops until these
are either leased and/or rented out.
What would you see beneficial to help these shops being filled this could include a pop-up shop,
posters/advertisements in the windows, arts/craft workshops these are just some ideas I have
just come up with? But what are some of your idea though we as a chamber would love to hear
your ideas & feedback what could be beneficial to fill this current void.
Building façade improvement program to
attract business Published on 18 March 2019 from the http://www.colacotway.vic.gov.au/News-media/Building-façade-
improvement-program-to-attract-business
Applications are open for the 2019-2020 Building Façade Improvement Program to increase the appeal
of businesses across Colac Otway Shire.
Colac Otway Shire Council will offer grants of up to $2,000 on a dollar for dollar or in-kind basis, to local
businesses and shop owners wanting to improve the appearance of their shop fronts.
“The Building Façade Improvement Grants provide businesses with an opportunity to freshen up their
shopfront, thereby improving the appearance of shopping strips across the shire, which has positive
flow-on effects in attracting customers and visitors to the region.
“We also hope to make shopping strips more attractive will encourage residents to spend locally too;
supporting local trader’s benefits businesses and the economy of the whole region,” Cr Schram said.
Activities which the Building Façade Improvement Grants might be used including, but are not limited
to:
Exterior painting of retail business building façade.
Cleaning the existing façade.
Removal or replacement of redundant signage, air conditioning units and hoardings.
Minor repair, maintenance or reinstatement of missing elements.
Minor repairs to existing façade tile or stone accents.
Minor repairs to structural façade elements and awnings.
New, repairs and replacements of verandas.
External signage.
Applications for the 2019-2020 Colac Otway Shire Grants Program close on Friday 12 April 2019. Guidelines
and details of how to apply online are available at www.colacotway.vic.gov.au/Apply-for-a-grant wanting to
improve the appearance of their shop fronts.
QR CODES QR codes have become common in consumer advertising. Typically, a smartphone is used as a QR
code scanner, reading the QR code and converting it to some useful form (such as a standard URL for
a website, thereby obviating the need for a user to type it into a web browser).
QR codes have become a focus of advertising strategy since it provides a way to access a brand's
website more quickly than by manually entering a URL.
QR codes storing addresses and URLs may appear in magazines, on signs, on buses, on business
cards, or on almost any object about which users might want information.
As you some of or all of you might know that the Colac Chamber of Commerce last year launched the GDAY FRIEND'S Campaign
It's a fantastic time to welcome your Chinese visitors into your store with the trademark ‘Welcome Friends’ displays & capture this growing clientele.
Your G’day Friends sticker identifies your business as Chinese friendly & helps break down the language and cultural barriers.
If you're interested, please Contact Mark at the Colac Chamber of Commerce Today.
Office Location - 87 Bromfield Street Colac, Victoria 3250
Phone - (03) 5219 3901
Email: [email protected]
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH
BARLING’S FRUIT MARKET - COLAC
Joe’s mum & dad launched business initially from Cobden and did wholesale along the Great
Ocean Road and then Joe had the option to purchase the business in Colac formerly the Colac
Fruit Market. Joe now operates from Colac and offers wholesale & retail from the Colac Store
Locally sourced Potatoes, & their product range is close to 50% sourced locally from the Colac
Region. But goes to the Melbourne Markets 3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday & Friday) to
source fruit, vegetables etc. that Joe can’t source Locally.
Joe mentioned moving forward and developing the Business the Great Ocean Road will be
something the will be the most significant improvement & development for him & his Business
“Barlings Fruit Market” but also once the highway duplication is completed and the population
growth will also be a big factor for their business as they move forward.
Barlings Fruit Market offers wholesale from Apollo Bay to Peterborough.
Joe mentioned that the larger chain stores like Woolworths, Coles etc. plus your Shopping
Malls/Complexes like those in Geelong could be the issues for businesses as they move
forward & could also potentially close small business down in the end. “SUPPORT LOCAL”
Barling Fruit Market sees potential in Colac with developing further businesses etc. Especially
with Tourism.
Barling's supply fruit & vegetables to local pubs,
restaurants, take away restaurants, anything to do with
food. They supply to 3 of the local pubs & quite a few
cafes locally also.
They also supply fruit & vegetables to the Port Campbell Supermarket and a few smaller
stores.
Joe mentioned they have around 10-12 staff members who cover Full Time, Part Time &
Casual.
Joes also travels from Cobden each day for work.
He moved to the district as he saw more potential for his business moving forward.
Joe has been operating in Colac for about seven years
Specialties:
Seasonal Fruit, Tropical Fruit, Asian Vegies, Herbs, Nuts & Dried Fruits, Regional Seasonal Produce and School Canteen Supplier
Their Address 88 – 98 Bromfield Street, Colac, 3250.
A large shop with an extensive range of quality fruit and vegetables.
Onsite parking for 35+ cars.
2018/2019 MEMBER’S OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ACE Radio
Anam Cara House
Australian Lamb Company (ALC)
B.D.H Construction
Bakers Delight Colac
Barling Fruit Market
Barwon Water
Blanes Newsagency
Buchanan Family Chiropractor
CCMA
Central Tyre & Auto
Charles Stewart
Choices Flooring
Chris Parsons Signs
Clarke & Barwood Lawyers
CMTP
Colac Area Health
Colac Bowling Club
Colac Carpet Court
Colac CLAAS
Colac Cleaning & Property Services
Colac Mobile Cranes
Colac Motorcycles
Colac Otway Shire
Colac Regional Library
Colac RSL
Colac Toyota
Colac Windscreens
CO-OP
Corio Bay Sportspower
CPK Web Designs
Crowe Horwath
Darren Milverton
East Hotel
Fusion
Genua Bros
Give Where You Live Foundation
Hillview Cattery
Hip Pocket
J.K Windows & Doors
Just Lovely
L.J Hooker Colac
Langdon Contractors
Lemon Twist Café
Lyness Steel
McKenzie Property Services
Otway Estate
Paintright
Petstock Colac
Phillips ABS
Provincial Media
Prudential Conveyancing
Quinn Funerals
R Slater & Sons
RABO Bank
Ray Croft
Richardson’s Real Estate
S.L.M Law
Sarah Henderson
Sinnotts Accounting
South West IT
Spence Construction
Sportspower Colac
Stevcom
Steve Finn Car Sales
Stone Image
Telstra Shop Colac
Timeless Interiors
Union Club Hotel
Walker Panels
Water Supply Specialists
Western Insurance Brokers
Western Waste Management
Westvic Staff Solutions
Wettenhalls
Woods Jewellers
Yeowarra Hill
TIPS & TRICK’S FOR BUSINESSES
Protect yourself from scams
NBN -Confidential: Commercial
NBN Co has launched a media campaign urging residents and businesses to be vigilant of
callers claiming to be from NBN Co requesting personal or financial information.
This follows a significant increase in enquiries about suspected scams to NBN Co’s contact
centre in the past six months.
With nearly three in four homes and businesses now
able to connect to the nbn™ access network, it’s vital
the community understands the steps involved in
making the switch, including how and when NBN Co
and retailers will communicate with customers.
In addition to the media campaign, NBN Co has published new information on the company’s
website to help residents understand how to identify and avoid scammers –
nbnco.com.au/scamadvice
SCAMS TARGET EVERYONE
Scams target people of all backgrounds, ages and income levels across Australia. There's no one group of people who are more likely to become a victim of a scam, all of us may be vulnerable to a fraud at some time.
Scams succeed because they look like the real thing and catch you off guard when you’re not expecting it. Scammers are getting smarter and taking advantage of new technology, new products or services and significant events to create believable stories that will
convince you to give them your money or personal details.
PROTECT YOURSELF
Be alert to the fact that scams exist.
Know who you're dealing with.
Do not open suspicious texts, pop-up windows or click on links or attachments in emails – delete them:
Don't respond to phone calls about your computer asking for remote access – hang up –
Keep your personal details secure.
Keep your mobile devices and computers secure.
Choose your passwords carefully.
Review your privacy and security settings on social media
Beware of any requests for your details or money.
Be wary of unusual payment requests.
Be careful when shopping online.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE NEW BUSINESSES IN COLAC
Bredon Reid Upholstery – Servicing Colac & Surrounding Areas.
Email - [email protected]
Phone – 0407 031 966
Colac Tyres
Phone 0438 011 398
Email - [email protected]
Otway Metal Art
Phone – Kelly 0416 333 161 or Andrew 0429 001 964
Address - 86 Forest St, Colac, Victoria
Jac Zak Otway Herbals
Jac Zak Otway Herbals is a small business located on a farm in the Otway Ranges in Victoria. Phone - 0438 919 994
Jag & Co Bakehouse
Wholesale producers of traditional farmhouse style biscuits including Yoyo's & other shortbreads, supplying Colac & Surrounds.
Email - :[email protected]
Revolution Health Centre
Phone - (03) 5232 2319 Address- 54B Bromfield Street, Colac, Victoria
Rae Street Relics
Phone - 0406 763 822
23 Rae Street, Colac, Victoria
The Place To Be Inn – Colac
Phone - 0476 965 309
27 Murray St, Colac, Victoria
Sunset Caravan Hire
Phone - 0475 768 924
EMAIL - [email protected]
Junked Restoration
Phone - 0433 331 085
1b Forest St, Colac, Victoria
March Yarns
Email - [email protected]
139 Murray Street, Colac, Victoria 3250
Creatively Baked
Phone - 0418 523 719
Email - [email protected]
The Dance Factory Colac
Email - [email protected]
Address – 86 Murray Street, Colac, Victoria 3250
Piano Bar Colac
Phone - (03) 5229 4086
Address – 47 Hesse Street. Colac, Victoria 3250
Colac Distillery
A small than Micro Distillery located in Colac, Victoria, specializing in spirits & liquors made from home grown & locally sourced produce.
Phone - 0497 923 873
Just Kidding Colac
Phone - 0408 350 941
Address – 160 Murray Street, Colac, Victoria 3250
Cucina Colac Cookery School
Phone - 0414 416 161
Address – Grant Street
Sweet Bites Patisserie
Sweet Bite is a one stop shop for all baked goods, chocolates, confectionary, anything sweet or savory your heart desires from a very high level Pastry Chef in Colac
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sweetbitespatisserie/
Willow & Sea
Phone - 0409 531 876
Email Address – [email protected]
Homemade Succulent Creations
Phone - 0419 366 677
Email - [email protected]
Live Life Cardio Drumming
Phone – 0418334917
Email - [email protected]
Janelle Bond Flowers
Phone 0437 451 150
Email - [email protected]
Borne Apparel (Clothing & Embroidery)
Phone (03) 5232 2689
Address – 174 Hearn Street, Colac, Victoria 3250
Pocket full of posies
Email - [email protected]
Website – www.pocketfulofposies.com
Ultra Engineering
Phone - 0488 092 794
Address – 28 Wilson Street, Colac, Victoria 3250
Trees Adventure
Phone 52334696
Address – 70 Possum Ridge Rd, Yeodene, Victoria 3249 Platypi Chocolate
Phone - 0433 362 639
Address – 73 Grant Street, Forrest, Victoria 3236
Forrest Hire Bikes
Phone - 0448 843 236
Address – 33 Grant Street, Forrest, Victoria 3236
Otway Artisan
Phone 0410 800 077
Address – 77 Main Street, Birregurra, Victoria 3242
Contact us:
President: | Ernie Andres | 0448 833 056
Secretary:| Amanda Pugh| 0488 874 685
Vice President:| Alex McKenzie| 0488 995 562
Treasurer: | Darren Milverton | 0417 561 677
T 03 5219 3901
Email - [email protected]
Website - http://colacchamber.com.au/
Office Hours 9-5pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Colac & District Chamber of Commerce & Industry
87 Bromfield Street (PO Box 343) Colac VIC 3250