The Business Wodonga Connection May 27th, 2022
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THE BUSINESS CONNECTION
Message from CEO
Hello Members,
This week your full-time Business Wodonga Team members of Allison and myself both succumbed to illness and we have done our best working from home and staying away from everyone else in the community. Most of you have been there before us and this will continue to occur. My best advice is be fully vaxxed against both COVID-19 and Influenza and encourage your work mates to be the same.
Last week I met with a local employer who has found an interesting way of filling full-time workplace vacancies. His family-run business, like most of your’s, has struggled to fill positions. Through their local community, several formerly retired people have put themselves forward to do some hours each, making up to full-time roles. We need to be creative in how we address the shortfall in available workers and this is only one example of being creative. Do you have any others that you would like to share? If so, we are happy to do so here, to help our business community overall.
Although I could not be there, I am told that Business After Hours this week, celebrating Squad’s forty years in business, helping employers and job-seekers alike was a fantastic sold out event. Forty years in business is a huge milestone and we are pleased that Business Wodonga was able to celebrate with them.
The month of June for us, our focus will be on getting new members onboard to build not only our membership numbers and income, but most importantly to also help more and more business people achieve their goals. We have the resources available to us to pro-actively assist businesses and can connect you with other resources beyond our own. The stronger we can make our business community, the stronger we all will be. If you are not a current member, or know somebody else that should be, email Allison development@businesswodonga.com.au and she will do the rest.
A reminder that there are still seats at the table available for our Lunch with the Mayor Member’s meeting on June 7. A good opportunity for you to ask your questions regarding everything about our our City.
Have a great week in business.
-Graham
Member Spotlight
Wodonga Car World
New & Used Vehicles
Wodonga Car World is a leading car dealer for Mahindra, MG and Fiat vehicles. They are a local family owned business that has been supplying new and used vehicles to Albury/Wodonga since 1983.
The trusted team has over 30 years experience in the automotive industry and are more than capable of assisting you to find your dream car.
If you in the market for a new car, drop in and say hi to Anthony and staff.
Small Business Victoria Workshops
MAXIMISING YOUR MARKETING
Marketing is a vital tool to establish your brand and build a loyal customer base. Without it your customers will struggle to find you or even know what your business does.
Find out what it takes to make your business stand out from the crowd at this interactive two-hour workshop that will show you how to build your own marketing strategy from the ground up.
Let your next steps be guided by an experienced marketing professional with practical know-how to share that will show you how to get it right and make the most out of your marketing spend.
Learn how to set marketing goals that work, get to know your customers better, clarify your Unique Selling Proposition and choose the right marketing activities to match your business.
Covering market research, online, social media and customer service, this workshop will arm you with practical tools and templates, expert tips and advice, where to access the right support and adapt to current circumstances.
Fast track your marketing success at this Business Victoria workshop, one of many that have helped small businesses in Victoria for more than 10 years.
Learn how to:
• Set marketing goals that work
• Choose the right activities for your business
• Use market research and maximise customer service
• Make the most of marketing processes and systems
• Develop an effective marketing action plan
• Attract and keep customers coming back
• Get your business noticed
• Maximise social media.
STRATEGIES TO ADVANCE YOUR ONLINE BUSINESS
Most small-business owners know very well that they need a professional online presence if they want to be taken seriously. But amongst all the other urgent tasks, this important job is often left undone.
The online world is rapidly evolving and today’s customers expect much more than a static promotional website. Adoption of digital technology is fast becoming a fundamental to business success. Developing content, understanding social media and search engine optimisation are all considered complex tasks by many busy small business owners.
Led by a digital expert with real-life small business experience, this workshop will simplify the digital world and help you develop a framework to strategically grow your business online.
Gain relevant, useful advice that you can apply straight away – from setting online marketing goals to content development, social media, search engine optimisation and analytics.
Cross Border Survey
Complete the Cross-Border Stakeholder Survey 2022 now
The survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete and closes at midday AEST Tuesday 14 June 2022.
The information that you share will be collated to provide a picture of your experiences with the Office of the Cross-Border Commissioner and your views on the key issues faced by people living and working in cross-border communities.
Who can participate?
You are welcome to complete this survey if you:
- Live or work in a NSW border community
- Had an interaction with our office in the past three years
- Have not had any interaction with our office, but have views on NSW cross-border issues
The diversity of the regions we work with means that each community has its own unique circumstances and long-standing issues. Your opinion is important in shaping the work of the Office of the Cross-Border Commissioner into the future.
Visit Albury Wodonga
The 2022-2023 Visit Albury Wodonga Tourism Partner Program is out now!
We have reviewed the Program to include specialised benefits and kept fees unchanged.
By partnering with Visit Albury Wodonga, you will be exposed to our monthly audience of around 50,000 motivated travellers through newsletters, social media and website presence. Your business will have the opportunity to be involved in high profile marketing campaigns in key source markets. As part of our monthly updates, you will be the first to know about major events, training and funding opportunities and the latest news to help build your tourism business.
To learn more about how your business will benefit, check out the prospectus.
Join before 29 May 2022 to be included in 30,000 printed Albury Wodonga city maps and the online Business Event and Conference Guide (if applicable).
Information & Events
Come along to have an incredible gourmet lunch and hear from Wodonga Mayor, Kevin Poulton.
JUNE 7, 2022 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
LA MAISON RESTAURANT
Young Business Edge: Setting Yourself up for Financial Success
Have you ever wondered how you can set yourself up for financial success? Maybe you’ve dreamt of retiring early? Or taking a career break to travel?
Join us in hearing from a panel of experts to inspire and learn how to set yourself up for financial success.
Your ticket includes a mini meal, drink on arrival, speakers and the chance to win a lucky door prize.
We’ve lined up these some of the best in the business for you (speakers to be announced).
We’ll share some inspiring stories and cover topics like tips for saving money, investment options, building an investment portfolio, creating passive income and tax considerations.
Tickets are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
Maverick with Mates
Join Business Women Albury Wodonga for a relaxed Friday evening
movie & networking! We encourage you to bring your partners &
friends!
Friday 17th June 2022
6:15pm @ Regent Cinema’s, Dean Street Albury
Movie Being Screened – Top Gun Maverick
Members $45| Non Members $49
Ticket includes Drink on arrival, Canapes, Movie & Popcorn!
Powerhouse - Business
The Powerhouse session will review a range of leading local thinkers working on business energy innovation. Hear great stories which will consider renewables, hydrogen, efficiency and possible business virtual power plants.
Funded by Mondo and the Hume Community Power Hub with Renewable Albury Wodonga Energy seeks to alert business to options for energy transformation.
DATE
Thursday 16 June 2022 1:00 PM - 4:45 PM (UTC+10)
LOCATION
The Cube
118 Hovell Street, Wodonga Victoria 3690
Wodonga Innovation Project
Startup Shakeup and Wodonga Innovation Project (WIP) are hosting a Maker Showcase at Hyphen - Wodonga Library Gallery to showcase the products of participants of the inaugural Tech Workshop series and to celebrate innovation in the Region.
We will celebrate local businesses who undertook the WIP Business Innovation Project and are successfully operating businesses in Wodonga.
Regional Storytelling and Communications Specialist, Former ABC broadcaster Bronwen O'Shea from Storyup and A Lasting Tale will host a Storytelling MasterClass giving participants the added value of leaving with some thought-provoking concepts to excel in their business stories.
Startup Shakeup Managing Director, Ilena Young will spotlight graduates of the WIP Business Innovation Project, who are now successfully operating businesses in Wodonga.
This event is open to all startups, businesses, and innovators within North East Victoria and the Startup Shakeup network.
You'll leave inspired, educated and full of ideas on growing or starting your own business. You'll connect with like-minded people and learn about the wonderful resources and facilities that Startup Shakeup has to offer.
As well as good conversation, soft drinks and nibbles will be provided, with alcohol at bar prices.
Over 55 Program
The Department of Education, Skills and Employment is seeking to work with small businesses (less than 20 employees) to develop and test supports to help small businesses employ mature age Australians. The Department has engaged Outpost Consulting as an expert consultant to deliver this project.
Participants will receive a voucher of $1,000 on completing their participation in the project, to acknowledge the value of their insights and time. Supports and tools will be developed and tested between June and November 2022 and may involve small business owners:
- Participating in online or phone interviews
- Attending a virtual workshop
- Testing supports within their hiring practices
- Providing feedback on the effectiveness and appropriateness of the supports they were able to use.
For further information, or to register your interest by 31 May 2022, please refer to the attached information factsheet, or contact the researchers.
EDGE Solar Program
Benefits for business owners in Wodonga
What will your experience be during the EDGE trial?
- Trial runs for 15 months
- No lock in – opt out at any time
- No impact to your power supply
- No impact on your Energy Retailer
- Very small impact on your power bill and battery from EDGE testing (< $150 during the course of a year)
- No testing on Total Fire Ban / Severe weather events
- Visibility of the tests we are doing on your Solar PV and Battery – tests are designed to minimise impact on your systems
Pricing, payments and participation
- Pioneer to a program which will unlock a clean energy future for all Australians
- Receive a subsidised Battery <30kW ($1100 inc GST contribution from Mondo on top of available Government subsidies) or
- >30kW $1250 inc GST subsidised Battery for every 5kW between 30-50kW (up to $5000)
- Additional trial payments of minimum $1000 for full trial participation (paid per Quarter).
- Free Ubi Install (save $2000)
- Future Virtual Power Plant services (sell your stored energy)
- Paid research participation
- Increased solar exports
Socially Speaking
Hi all,
What a week it has been. Unfortunately, Graham and I have been sick and working from home. No COVID, thank goodness!
So ..... I have not been able to get out and about unfortunately. I've been busy with work, but I felt my well-being slipping. I'm sure we all feel like this, so I wanted to share somethings that I do.
These activities may help you in your time of need. Have a look, you may want to swap some things.
I am hoping next week I will be better, so if you have anything on, please let me know and I will pop in.
I will be looking for new sponsors .... so keep that in mind.
Have a great week & keep smiling
Until next time....Go Saints!!
If you are aware of anything that should be a member and think they would benefit, please feel free to give them my number, or pass on their details to me and I will make contact.
Please, we would love reviews, so if you could take some time out to write one, we would be very thankful.
Please contact Business Wodonga with your business needs, concerns or questions on 02 6056 8302 or mail@businesswodonga.com.au.
#StrongerWodonga
Want to be featured in our Business Connection?
We would love to share all the fabulous things your business has to offer. We just need a few things from you.
- Description of your business, maximum of 80 words
- Corporate logo, Hi-Res JPG or PNG format
- Links to social media business page (if applicable) e.g./ Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube
- An image/s of your workplace or you or your team to use on social media (optional)
- Link to appropriate website, phone number and/or email (if desired)
If you have any questions or want to know more, please fill out the form below or email mail@businesswodonga.com.au.
Submission to be in by 12pm on Wednesdays to be included in the same weeks Newsletter.
Special Thanks to All Our Sponsors
If you would like to see your logo on our banners, please email us and we can discuss the options with you.
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