Author: Macleay Valley Chamber

The October Chamber Dinner Meeting saw a fun and fabulous update on the role of branding and imagery in business. Natalie Walsh of Creative Jane Graphic Design and Danielle Cooney of Loud Duck Marketing walked us through an insightful look at developing your visual representation of your business from your logo to the images you use and where you put them. Getting your "look" in order is the first step. Then get it out there. Some effective marketing examples showed the logo and imaging utlised across your premises signage, email signatures, business cards, menus, social media, website and the list goes on. Both presenters highlighted "Being consistent is the most important key". The presentations brought about some giggles of the "oh so wrong" examples in marketing and some practical tips on getting started either yourself…

The Macleay Valley Business Chamber Annual General Meeting held on Thursday 28th September welcomed some new faces to the Executive Committee. Seven of the returning positions welcomed Michael Milicevic and Jenny Thorman to the Board. The Chamber President, Gary Scott, thanked the retiring members; Liz Campbell who has been a key driver of Chamber for more than 10 years and was instrumental in reviving the Chamber, highlighting her efforts and guidance is appreciated, Greg Hawken who has been a long term member and contrinutor to the Chamber Board, Danielle Cooney who will remain involved with our Awards Committee but is stepping down to take on Chairperson of Women’s Network. Acknowledgement of the good work of Belinda Fowler in building up the markets was highlighted as an important element of the Chambers success.…

[caption id="attachment_779" align="alignright" width="325"] (pictured: Gary Scott, Chamber President)[/caption] Guess who was announced the 2017 Local Chamber of Commerce Award winner at the NSW Business Chamber Awards Gala Dinner on Friday night?!... Macleay Valley Business Chamber! The Local Chamber of Commerce Award recognises the achievements of a Local Chamber in supporting their members to maximise their business potential. The Macleay Valley Business Chamber was recognised for the growth across its two key business units –the Macleay Valley Business Awards and the Kempsey Riverside Market. The Kempsey Riverside Market has grown from 40 stall holders in 2016 to more than 100 throughout 2017. This turnover has ensured a level of financial independence and an ability to be a true profit centre for the Chamber, which in turn aids the Chamber to better serve…

The Macleay Valley Business Chamber welcomes the concept of the Kempsey Cinema Project. As outlined in the Public Interest Evaluation, the Kempsey Cinema Project seeks to activate the CBD, increase local spend, target youth engagement and create local employment opportunities. The Kempsey CBD has seen several improvements since the Highway by-pass. There is more to be done to activate the town centre and encourage both local and visitor spend while also enhancing the social environment of the CBD. Read the Chamber's Letter of Support

Congratulations to the 2017 Awards Winners! EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS Young Business Executive: Amanda Hudson, Holiday Coast Credit Union Ltd Young Entrepreneur: Tia Duck, TDK Creative Business Leader: Michael Milicevic, Macleay Options Inc Excellence in Social Enterprise: Macleay Options Inc Excellence in Innovation: Buddy & Me Start Up Superstar: Bucket Brewery Pty Ltd Excellence in Sustainability: Macleay Options Inc Excellence in Small Business: RedPoint Excellence in Business: Holiday Coast Credit Union Ltd Employer of Choice (joint winner): Macleay Options Inc Employer of Choice (joint winner): Seabreeze Beach Hotel Macleay Valley Food Bowl Award: Westview Limes Pty Ltd LOCAL INDUSTRY AWARDS Tourism, Attractions, Hotels & Clubs: Kempsey Macleay RSL Club Food Production, Restaurants & Cafes: Sixty Degrees South West Rocks Creative Services & Communications: TDK Creative Hair & Beauty Services: Elume Day…