17 June 2009. Sydney Women's Network is holding a Business Expo at Parramatta Workers' Club on June 24. Visit between 4pm and 8pm. FREE parking, entry, business advice, cocktail party, live entertainment, workshops and the chance to win free advertising with Fairfax. RSVP via email to attend - natalie@sydneywomensnetwork.com.au. Visit www.sydneywomensnetwork.com.au for more information.

12 June 2009. Our new Member Directory Map from StreetViewHQ. We are delighted to introduce our new clickable map directory courtesy of StreetViewHQ. Go to our Members' Directory to see how it works. Members are invited to 'claim' their pin and customise it. Why is this map different to normal Google maps? The amount of customisation you can do is a start; also that you can use Street View in this embedded map - something not available on normal Google maps. This makes it easy for first-time visitors to your business to see what your building looks like so they may find it easily. We encourage all our members to claim their pin at a reduced cost of $49 per year; your pin will also help your business's own website get higher up in Google ranking - so what are you waiting for?

3 June 2009. Sydney Women’s Network lunch on 5 June. It’s your time to shine with SWN’s next lunch event coming up next week on Friday 5th June, between 12 noon and 2pm. There’s a new venue - North Ryde Golf Club - and a FREE mini expo to showcase your products and services. SWN has space for 10 trade tables, please let them know if you would like to book yours. Be quick to snap-up this great marketing opportunity. Cost for the lunch itself is $33 for SWN members and $40 for non-members. There are only 50 seats available so be quick and book. For more information and booking online check out sydneywomensnetwork.com.au and go to the events page. You can also book by phoning Natalie Moutia on 0419 687846.

3 June 2009. Networking 4 Charities’ golf day for men’s mental health. Sarah O’Reilly of PA on the Way has, as members will be aware, started Networking 4 Charities to raise money for several charities as well as providing business people the opportunity to network.
She says that the Dads In Distress (DIDS) helpline is threatened with closure due to lack of funding. DIDS is a community-based organisation dedicated to reducing the incidence of male suicide due to relationship and family breakdown.
Sarah has organised a golf day and networking function on Thursday 19 June, with net funds raised from the event going to DIDS.
Sarah’s target for this event is to raise $12,000 to fund the DIDS phone HELPLINE for 3 months.
You’ll find the invitation and booking form itself here. Cost to play is $120 per player which includes networking afterward. If you simply want to attend the networking function the cost is $55.

3 June 2009. How to Break the Rules to Dramatically Increase Revenue and Profit Margins! Why traditional selling methods are costing you and your company time, money and market share. Join us for a breakfast workshop on Thursday 16 July that will completely change the way you think about and for your business.

Your business survives on its revenue and sales success. Whatever market you are in, sales levels help determine your company’s market value and your lifestyle, and whether you are able to invest in growing the business – or scaling back and struggling to stay afloat. This presentation is about making and exceeding your individual or your company’s sales targets and forecasts, even as economic conditions are tightening. It’s an eye opening look at the deficiencies of traditional selling methods, developed by the company that literally rewrote the book on selling, Sandler Training.

This interactive presentation addresses the shortcomings of traditional selling practices and explains why many people in sales and many selling organisations fail to consistently reach their potential. Specific sales and business concerns and frustrations that are addressed include:

• Why many salespeople literally “rob” themselves of income by discounting to win business, and how to ensure it doesn’t happen.
• How to avoid costly “unpaid consulting” and “premature presentation syndrome”.
• How to dramatically shorten selling cycles and help prospective buyers make decisions.
• Why salespeople get “think it overs” and what to do about it.
• How salespeople can gain respect and be viewed as a trusted advisor and not just “another pushy salesperson”.
• How to differentiate yourself from your competition in the first minutes of your sales call.
• How and why prospective buyers control the sales process.

These ideas have literally been used to positively affect the sales effectiveness of tens of thousands of sales and business people throughout the world. After this presentation your view of traditional selling methodologies will never be the same.

Sandler Training is international sales and management training and coaching organisation with over 220 offices located around the world. Sandler has been named #1 Training Organisation by Entrepreneur Magazine for 2006 and 2007, and 2008.

Phil Lee runs the Sandler office in Sydney. He has over 30 years of front line sales, sales management, business management, training, coaching and speaking experience and has tertiary qualifications in Marketing from the University of NSW. Phil has helped numerous companies and individuals to achieve more significant and consistent sales results. He is a regular, monthly contributor of articles about business development, sales and sales management for the national publication MyBusiness. He also provides articles for Training Magazine Australia, Franchising magazine, CEO Online and provides content on business development, sales and sales management issues for David Koch's syndicated radio spot "A Minute on Your Business".

Click here to download your invitation/booking form.

3 June 2009. Good news stories! In amidst the global financial doom and gloom there are still companies having some great wins. We have stories from a couple of our members for you:

• Andrew Hill’s STARS program has now been adopted in country NSW, with licences being sold to run the program in Coffs Harbour and Newcastle. Andrew is also working with potential licencees at Bowral and Condoblin. “STARS stands for School Talent Area Region State,” Andrew said. “I’m excited about seeing the STARS program become adopted in regional NSW as it will help kids get fit, gain confidence, and discover and develop talent across a wide range of fields including sport, the arts and academically.” This is a great good news story to come out of Ryde. The STARS program is now part of the local school community; congratuations to Andrew and the AJH Sports team on the program’s expansion. To find out more, visit the website: www.starstv.com.au
• RBF members don’t just service the City of Ryde – Kate Gunn of Balance! Healthcare is celebrating a contract award that will see it deliver an important health initiative in far north Queensland. The Cairns community is the winner as Balance! Healthcare is very pleased to be awarded a pivotal role in the region as part of the Commonwealth Government’s national rollout of its GP Super Clinics Program. Balance! Healthcare is a private company with a strong consortium of partners, including interested local doctors and other primary care health professionals with complementary skills. In fulfilling the focus of this ground-breaking $5 million health initiative, the Cairns GP Super Clinic will bring together general practitioners, nurses, medical specialists, allied health professionals and other health care providers to deliver a new concept in integrated health care, tailored to the needs, priorities, and geographical realities of Cairns residents. More info at www.wellbalanced.com.au

2 June 2009. What's in store for Ryde over the next few years? City of Ryde managers and Mayor Cr Vic Tagg gave an overview of the new Draft Management Plan to around 100 RBF and Ryde Chamber members at guests at our June Business After Hours. Click here to read more/see pics.

29 May 2009. Sustainability Advantage Program. Ryde Business Forum would like to introduce you to the Australian Industry Group (AI Group) and the Sustainability Advantage program. Ai Group has entered into an agreement with the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) to recruit companies into their Sustainability Advantage Program. We have a dedicated page for this program on our website - click here to read more about the program and see the specific flyers for medium and large businesses, and small businesses.

19 May 2009. Chamber Presidents meet with Victor Dominello MP. Traffic, transport and infrastructure are the major issues for our local Chambers of Commerce - as they are for Member for Ryde, Victor Dominello MP. Representatives of RBF and local Chambers met with Victor on 19 May over a working lunch.

Victor was disappointed if not angered about the amount of money allocated to NSW infrastructure in last week’s Federal budget.
Agreed by all at the meeting was a need to provide better transport throughout Sydney’s north west, whether it is a metro, light rail or heavy rail alternative. Projects such as linking the Epping-Chatswood Rail Link with Carlingford station (if not completing the Parramatta link) would provide more commuter access to the Macquarie Park area.

“The Opposition is having high end discussions with engineers and other experts on long term planning for transport solutions in north west and south west Sydney,” Victor said. “You have to think long term - not just the four years of your term of office. We are looking at plans for infrastructure which may take twelve years to build, however these transport systems would be capable of coping with an increased usage for many years into the future as the population grows.”

Of course the other key issue in Ryde is lack of parking for commuters, to encourage them to use public transport for longer journeys. Victor agreed this was a necessity, but approval for such parking would be a Council issue.

Other issues discussed at the meeting included lowering payroll tax, illegal boarding houses near Macquarie University, and the need to keep parking available on Victoria Road in Gladesville and West Ryde.

Local Chamber representatives meet regularly with Federal, State and Local Government. If you have an issue you’d like us to raise on your behalf, do contact us.

7 May 2009. Confidence is the crisis cure. Representatives of Ryde Business Forum, local Chambers of Commerce, the City of Ryde, local Rotary and Lions Clubs and major shopping centres in Ryde met with Member for Bennelong Maxine McKew MP and special guest Dr Craig Emerson MP, Minister for Small Business on 7 May.

The group discussed how business is faring across the City following the initial rollout of the Government’s financial stimulus package.

Dr Emerson said business confidence is a major factor in seeing the economy improve. Bad news sells newspapers but “everyone is sick of hearing and reading about doom and gloom. We have to keep our confidence up,” he said.

A full report will be available to RBF members in the next issue of PDF magazine Member News later this month.

5 May 2009. Western Sydney Manufacturing Week's FREE Ryde event on 21 May. Advanced Manufacturing Technologies - Breakthrough product and process opportunities through collaboration with CSIRO. Australia’s leading science agency, CSIRO, has a major focus on technology platforms that will contribute to the transformation of manufacturing in Australia.

At this FREE EVENT, you will hear from leading CSIRO Researchers about advanced manufacturing technology opportunities that can make a difference to your business.

You will also learn about sources of funding support for R&D and other business advice from Department of State and Regional Development, Enterprise Connect, City of Ryde and other programs.

Participants may also register for a FREE TECHNOLOGY CONSULTATION with one of CSIRO’s experienced technology & innovation advisers.

Click here for more information including registration details.

5 May 2009. Expo exhibitor registration now open! Be part of the 2009 Ryde Business & Sustainability Expo, to be held at the Stamford Grand North Ryde on Wednesday 5 Augusut 2009. Click here to download our flyer with details and costs, and contact Expo Edge to reserve your place. The best stands go quickly, so act now. Call Kate on 8850 5533.

5 May 2009. Home Based Business Week. The City of Ryde in conjunction with the NSW Department of State and Regional Development and Ryde Business Forum Presents a FREE Seminar: REALISE YOUR HOME- BASED BUSINESS POTENTIAL!
Keynote Speaker, Author, Trainer, Strategist and Business Advisor: Mr Tony Gattari
The best advice to keep ahead of today’s business challenges and designed to give local home-based business operators skills and confidence, as well as a great networking opportunity to grow. If you have a home-based business, are considering starting one, or know someone who has, we recommend this seminar. Home-based businesses face challenges many larger businesses don't - learn how to turn these challenges to your advantage.
Date: Tuesday 26 May 2009
Time: 8.30am – 10.00am
Venue: North Ryde RSL Community Club Ltd (Free on-site parking)
Address: Cnr Magdala & Pittwater Roads, North Ryde
Click here to download your registration form.

5 May 2009. Business After Hours, 4 May 2009. Is fitness linked to success? Yes, it is... and what better place to get fit than Next Generation Club Ryde? Around 60 members and guests joined us to find out more and catch up with other members and guests. Read more and see photos -click here.

24 April 2009. Thinking of investing in property? Free educational seminar. New member Stavi Antoniou says more and more astute people are investing in property in an effort to make their money grow at a time when many other forms of investment are losing money.

“The Australian property market is strong at the moment. We’re seeing people shift to investing in bricks and mortar and I am able to advise potential investors on which areas of Austalia are experiencing steady growth and likely to continue with long term capital growth,” Stavi said.

If you’re wondering about the pros and cons of property investment, Stavi and her business partners are running a free seminar on 29 April at Sydney Olympic Park. This is not a sales seminar; it’s simply educational. Find out more at www.urproperty.com.au and contact Stavi on 9802 2884 to book your place. Bookings are essential for this one.

24 April 2009. Rising above the survival trap. The RBF members and guests who joined marketing expert Paul McCarthy for breakfast on 22 April learned tips and ideas for truly growing their business and getting the jump on the competition. If you didn’t go, you missed a great workshop. Attendees learned how to rise above simply surviving in their business to making it profitable and ‘getting their life back’ at the same time.

We don’t want to give away all Paul’s ideas, but do want to offer you Paul’s e-book The Survival Trap free of charge. The Survival Trap is easy to read and packed with practical ideas to help you thrive in any economy. Go to www.survivaltrap.com to get your free download.

There is no obligation attached to this download; it’s a tool available to all RBF members to get you thinking about how you can lift your business from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Paul is from Melbourne and visits Sydney on regular tours. We do recommend going to one of his seminars if you see it advertised. He’s a dynamic, personable speaker and we guarantee you’ll enjoy the seminar and come away full of ideas and enthusiasm.

24 April 2009. Eisteddfod looking for sponsors. Ryde Eisteddfod, one of NSW's largest, is looking for sponsors for its classes this year. Sponsorship starts at $50 - which instantly turns you or your company into a patron of the arts! There are some fine young performers registering for the Eisteddfod. Your donation could set the next Kylie Minogue or Dame Kiri Te Kanawa on their future path. For more information contact the Eisteddfod's Honorary Secretary Dawn Nettheim on 9869 0451 or visit her website to see the scope of events offered.

24 April 2009. Call for payroll tax to be cut. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) is pushing for a reduction in payroll tax and wants the Federal government to put payroll tax on the agenda of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) when the heads of government next meet on 30 April.

The CEO of ACCI, Peter Anderson, said that “There is no more important issue for government leaders to tackle than joblessness, and preventing it. The causes of unemployment, such as cost pressures and taxes on businesses that lead to retrenchments, have to be addressed; not just the consequences of unemployment.”

He said “State and Territory Governments are taxing employers every time wages are paid to employees. This payroll tax penalises employment. Reducing the tax on jobs would save jobs during this recession. COAG must do the right thing, and reduce payroll tax. It is unconscionable for governments to tax jobs when joblessness is rising by 50,000 a month.”

The latest figure show that unemployment in March jumped 0.5% to 5.7%. Full time jobs continue to be lost from the economy and in March net employment also fell, with 52,900 more people unemployed than in February. For further information see www.acci.asn.au.

24 April 2009. Welcome to new members:

• Ur Property, which only started trading earlier this month. Director Stavi Antoniou has had twelve years in the corporate and residential real estate industry, and is excited about having her own business. Stavi specialises in finding investment properties for people seeking a secure investment with a positive return. Stavi and her team are located at 598 Victoria Road, Ryde, and you can contact Stavi on 9802 2884 or 0424 254301, or visit www.urproperty.com.au
• ENS International. Tony Monaghan specialises in teaching people how to negotiate, with programs available for people in all levels of business. Negotiation is a vital skill - if you believe you and your employees could be doing it better, contact Tony on 0412994718 or visit www.negotiate.org. Tony has been working with the Dept of State and Regional Development, running negotiation seminars for them. We hope to present a seminar for RBF members in the next few months.

17 April 2009. What a fantastic breakfast we had with the Prime Minister! The Hon Kevin Rudd MP and Member for Bennelong Maxine McKew MP spoke to 180 members and guests at North Ryde RSL Community Club. More information and pictures here.

8 April 2009. Welcome to new member Minimbah Challenge Inc. Margaret Lee, General Manager, is a well-known visitor to our events and long-time member of Eastwood Chamber of Commerce. Minimbah Challenge provides a day care service for adults with an intellectual disability in the severe and profound category. Minimbah caters for up to 43 people per day in its day care program, providing an essential respite service for local families. We have several excellent charities and associations in the City of Ryde (some of which are already members) and hope you will consider supporting truly local organisations such as Minimbah, which has a direct impact on the local community. Call Margaret and her team on 9887 2299.

7 April 2009. Lots of new faces at last night's Business After Hours, where around 75 people joined the team from North West Business Education Network and Anna and Simon Ainsworth from Eden Gardens. We've already had lots of fantastic feedback from people who attended - so if you weren't there you missed a great night and many new contacts. Click here to read more and see photos.

7 April 2009. Welcome to new member Andrew Chen of WHK Horwath. Andrew services many clients in the Ryde area, providing them with a range of specialist accounting and financial advisory services for both business and personal interests. Contact him on 9619 1626 or visit www.whkhorwath.com.au to find out more about Andrew's extensive range of services.

31 March 2009. GWP Magazine Business Resource & Lifestyle joined us in March 2009 as a support partner. A key benefit of this arrangement for our members is that every member company will receive a free subscription to the magazine, which is printed bi-monthly. GWP Magazine is aimed at SME business owners as well as carrying features of interest for specific departmental managers in larger organisations.

Dmitry and Svetlana Greku of GWP Magazine will be regular attendees at our events, so you'll get to know them and what the magazine can offer you as a contributor as well as a reader. Would you like your business profiled in the magazine, reaching 10,000 or more readers? Contact Dmitry on 9837 2010 or email info@gwpmagazine.com.au.

A very exciting part of the support partner arrangement is the new Macquarie Business Directory, which will be distributed free of charge to companies in the North Ryde area. Dmitry and his team will produce the first quarterly issue in June 2009 - click here to find out more about the Directory and how you can get your company in there for as little as $10 a week. The model for this directory is the Norwest Business Directory which has grown substantially since inception and has proven a valuable tool for companies in that area. For more information about getting a listing in the Directory, contact David Bart on 0410 554270 or email him.

24 March 2009. Welcome to new member Edwardson Hanlon. You may have met Jo Hanlon and Angela Edwardson at some of our events last year, and we are delighted to welcome them on board. Edwardson Hanlon coaches businesses to build Great Workplaces though their most important asset, their people. They facilitate the alignment of staff actions to company strategy and goals to improve productivity and profitability, using a suite of proven HR Coaching tools & programmes. Would you like your company to be a Great Workplace? Talk to Jo Hanlon now on 1399 853330 or visit the website.

20 March 2009. Expo Sponsorship up for grabs! RBF in conjunction with the City of Ryde and Expo Edge is holding the 2009 Ryde Business & Sustainability Expo on Wednesday 5 August at our partner venue Stamford Grand North Ryde.
We are seeking major sponsors for this event - you’ll get publicity from now until the event and after, too, with exposure on our website, in our newsletters, in local newspapers and in our expo partners’ marketing materials as well. We are still finalising the fine print but in effect have the following options up for grabs:

• Gold Sponsorship $3000.00
• Silver Sponsorship $1500.00
• Bronze Sponsorship $1000.00
• Sponsorship for carry bags etc

Contact Sabrina on info@rydebusiness.com.au for more information and what the sponsorship packages contain in terms of benefits and exposure.

We are planning an Expo launch for late April and would LOVE to have a major sponsor or two on board by then to support our Expo. Last year’s Expo was considered very successful by exhibitors and we expect this one to surpass it as we showcase Ryde’s innovative companies of all sizes.

20 March 2009. Our newest member the TPR Group is based in Sydney’s North West but has some fantastic services for people in Ryde:

• Tropical Plant Rentals for business and events;
• Aarons Coffee at Work for coffee, machines and supplies;
• Office Health (Microbe Shield Treatment);
• Improve the Business Energy of your office with ArtVases, Sculptures, Water Features, Aquariums and Eco-friendly Heaters;
• Plant Buzz to reach consumers nationally through plant pot advertising

What’s a Microbe Shield Treatment? It’s a revolutionary new nano technology that uses a totally different approach in dealing with microbes, or bugs as we commonly call them. While other antimicrobials rely on poisons, toxic chemicals or heavy metal ions, Microbe Shield Treatment utilises a patented molecular technology made primarily from silicon (that’s sand in lay terms) that destroys microbes mechanically. It is completely safe and can be used in a wide variety of locations and can keep bacteria at bay for as long as six months per application.

Think of the applications for this: your washrooms, your foyers, your tea room or kitchen, anywhere that gets a lot of people traffic. Whether you’ve a small business or you’re a facilities manager in a corporate, you probably need this product.
To find out more call Kathie Melocco on 9769 4000 or visit their website www.tpr.com.au.

20 March 2009. Great new seminars for job hunters. Are you looking for a job? Are you struggling with interviews? Have you come second on too many short lists? RBF member Cameron Recruitment is coming to your rescue...

Attend a career focused half day course designed to make you more confident and successful at each stage of the recruitment process.
Your facilitator is an expert with 20 years’ experience in the industry and will answer all your job search questions. At a time when more candidates than ever are applying for jobs, you need to have an edge over the competition.
See the flyer for detailed information about this seminar.

These seminars are ongoing at the moment, with several being run every week, so you're bound to find a date and time to suit you. The usual cost is $149 for the half day seminar, but Forum members can enjoy the special price of $125 per head.

Book now online at www.cameronrecruitment.com.au. For enquiries contact Diane Humphries on 8853 7838 Or email resumes@cameronrecruitment.com.au

20 March 2009. CCTV register to help stamp out local crime. We have received a letter for local business owners from Assistant NSW Police Commissioner Waites announcing a Police CCTV register. This is an important step in protecting our businesses and keeping the crime rate down.

To register, contact your local Crime Prevention Office Constable Tracy Stone at Gladesville/Ryde Police on 9879 9699.

6 March 2009. We confirm the new date for our breakfast with the Hon Kevin Rudd MP, Prime Minister of Australia, and Maxine McKew MP, Member for Bennelong, is Friday 17 April 2009. Venue and time hasn't changed. This event is fully booked and we have a waiting list of more than 50 and have now closed the waiting list.

4 March 2009 - Around 70 members and guests joined us for Business After Hours at Quest Apartments/Atlantis Seafood Restaurant on Monday. Click here to read more/see photos.

February 2009 - Pacific Technology Gateway launches in Ryde. On 17 February Sydney’s North formed the first Chapter of what is to be the largest initiative Australia’s vast innovation and technology sector has seen: the formation and launch of the Pacific Technology Gateway.

The Federal member for Bennelong, Maxine McKew MP announced that Sydney’s North would form the first major Chapter of the huge Pacific Technology Gateway project.

The Pacific Technology Gateway which is due to be launched in early April has formed the first of what is to be up to 35 Chapters throughout Australia and it is in the technology heartland of Sydney’s North.

The Pacific Technology Gateway, a not-for-profit initiative, is driven by the corporate, research and tertiary sectors and is designed to give the Nation’s vast innovation and technology sector a single dominant voice and unified identity.

Using this unified voice and identity the Gateway’s key goals are to open global markets and supply chains to the vast array of businesses involved in innovation and technology in Australia and to attract foreign direct investment to Australia to assist in funding the growth and development of these businesses.

The Chairman of the Pacific Technology Gateway, Mr Geoff Mullins said, “The Gateway is the hub for this activity and it is to be supported by a series of spokes or Chapters in Australian capital cities and key regional centres.”

“Sydney’s North produces well over $40 billion in gross regional product per annum and the majority of this flows in some way from the technology and innovation sector. It is right that it should take a leadership role in the formation of this huge national initiative.” Mr Mullins stated.

Membership of the Pacific Technology Gateway Limited, a not-for-profit company, is now open and it was plain to see the enormous level of interest and uptake from the many businesses and key bodies that attended the launch function with many signing up for membership on the spot.

The second Chapter for the Pacific Technology Gateway is planned for Melbourne South East and this will soon be followed by Chapters in Brisbane and the ACT.

Mr Mullins noted with concern, “The Government wants to assist and develop many aspects of Australia’s innovation and technology whether it be in IT, mining, environment, bio-medicine or engineering but constructive change is held back by the total fragmentation of this vast sector.”

“It is time for Australia to create its own competitive advantage in the global market and stop simply relying on the resource and rural industries to support this county’s growth into the 21st Century” he added.

The Pacific Technology Gateway offers a wide range of services to its member businesses that are directed at assisting those business to grow into international markets, establish adequate capital bases and move forward as a unified group to plant themselves and our Nation in the global markets for innovation and technology.

It is interesting to note that the Pacific Technology Gateway gives a very wide definition to the term “technology” to ensure that all industry sectors are catered for. It defines technology as “the application of science especially to industrial or commercial operations.”

To see how your business can benefit from the Pacific Technology Gateway visit www.ptgateway.com.au or call the Gateway hotline on 1300 85 4283. Pacific Technology Gateway is RBF's newest member.

26 February 2009 - Welcome to new member FM Recruitment Services. FM Recruitment Services Pty Ltd was established in early 2006 by Frank and Mary Marano who live and work in Eastwood. The Marano family of six has lived in this community since 1991. The company is a boutique organisation providing Personalized Recruitment Services to the local area helping to strengthen companies long term by recruiting in Sales & Marketing, IT, Management, HR and office staff. Their focus has been evolving towards assisting green-minded socially responsible businesses. They go above and beyond and are available to employers and candidates between 6:00AM and 8:00PM Monday through Saturday. Frank, who is an MRCSA Accredited Recruitment Professional, can usually be reached on the mobile on most Sundays.Collaborating strategically with like-minded companies and working with exemplary managers in good cultured companies underpins their success. Their mission statement is Making a Real Difference to Your Life, Your Business and Your World. FM Recruitment Services can be reached on 02 9858 5473; office mobile 0403 640 120; email- exceptional@fmrecruitment.com.au Web- www.fmrecruitment.com.au

24 February 2009 - Sydney Women’s Network International Women’s Day celebration in Parramatta on Friday 6th March at the Parramatta Workers Club from 12noon till 2pm. Members: $33 Non Members $40

Plans are underway for Sydney Women’s Network official International Women’s Day event on Friday March 6. The exciting lunch event will be the headquarters for seminars, workshops, exhibitions and activities.International Women’s Day draws women together in unity and friendship to commemorate past achievements and highlight current social, economic and political issues. It also provides the opportunity to develop networks and facilitate partnerships between women, organisations and the broader community. This is a fabulous opportunity for community groups, businesses, government agencies, businesses and individuals around the Sydney to be part of the action. If you would like to be involved please let us know. Feel free to invite your colleagues, customers and clients. More info at sydneywomensnetwork.com.au

18 February 2009 - Welcome to new member Cameron Recruitment Pty Limited. Cameron Recruitment Pty Limited is a specialist account and human resources recruitment agency based in Baulkham Hills and serving the north west including Macquarie Park. It provides clients and candidates alike with expert recruitment advice and service. "Our team is made up of seasoned professionals that have extensive working backgrounds in Accounting, General Management and Human Resources. They bring vast experience from a variety of industries and organisations, from large multi-nationals to successful private companies," says Diane Humphries, Director. Contact Diane and her team on 8853 7383 to find out more about their contracting, consulting, permanent and outplacement services.

16 February 2009- Sydney Women's Network has a lunch not to be missed - the first Ryde Women's Network for 2009 will have Maxine McKew MP Member for Bennelong and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister as Keynote speaker.

Join us at North Ryde RSL on the 13th March between 12 noon and 2pm. Register online sydneywomensnetwork.com.au - on the events page.

Non members $40 and Members $33 includes buffet lunch and non alcoholic drinks.

11 February 2009 - Welcome to Member for Ryde Victor Dominello MP, who is our newest member. Victor was elected to the role last year and has taken a strong interest in the local business community, having attended several of our meetings and events as well as those of local Chambers.He can be contacted on 9808 3288.

10 February 2009 - Pacific Technology Gateway Briefing. We are offering this invitation on behalf of the Pacific Technology Gateway (PTG), as we believe it is beneficial for companies throughout Ryde. The PTG, formerly Pacific Technology Corridor, is holding a pre-launch briefing on Thursday 19th February 2009 to which you are invited.

Click here for your invitation and membership information. Guest speakers include Maxine McKew MP Member for Bennelong, Geoff Mullins (Chairman of Pacific Technology Gateway Limited) and Prof Roy Green, Deputy Chairman of Pacific Technology Gateway Limited and Dean of the School of Business, UTS.

When: Thursday 19 Feb 2009, 7.00am for 7.30am start
Where: Ground Floor, Enterprise Connect Centre, Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, 14 Julius Avenue, North Ryde
Cost: $20 per person early bird price, $25 per person at the door
RSVP: to Susan or Kate on 1300 85 GATE (1300 854283). Please contact them directly.

10 February 2009 - Valentine's Day at the Epping Club. Enjoy a three course meal, complimentary glass of bubbly and a rose from $45 per person this Saturday, 14 February from 7pm. Bookings are essential. Phone 9876 4357, and select 9 from the voicemail options to make your booking.

4 February 2009 - Courtyard comes up roses this Valentines Day. On Saturday 14th February enjoy a Valentines Day Romance Package for $249*/night including:

• Overnight accommodation in a deluxe room
• 4 course candlelit degustation dinner
• Breakfast for two in Orchards restaurant
• Late check-out of 2pm
• Complimentary parking

For Valentines Day Romance Packages bookings call 1800 780 833.

Enjoy a romantic evening this Valentines Day, bring your loved one to our Valentines Day Dinner for only $59*/per person including a 4 course candlelit degustation dinner accompanied with a matching glass of wine with each course for two in Orchards restaurant. When couples dine in the restaurant we'll entertain and feed the kids FOR FREE in the kid's room. The kid's room will include party food, movies and games. To book a Valentines Day Dinner at Orchards call 9491 9532. *Terms and Conditions apply. Kids must be under 12 years to be accommodated in the kid’s room and no seat will be provided at the table.

4 February 2009 - Welcome to our newest member Elite Virtual Executives. Elite Virtual Executives offers high quality off-site services in copywriting, desktop publishing and administration to business owners who need more time to plan strategies to ensure a viable future. Living and working in Epping, owner Jacqui O’Loughlin has 20 years' varied working experience in areas of marketing and administration and has a keen interest in building local businesses and giving back to her community. Contact Jacqui on 0438 830 018.

3 February 2009 - Around 70 members of RBF and North Ryde Macquarie Park Chamber of Commerce enjoyed a rural retreat in the heart of North Ryde - Business After Hours at Lane Cove River Tourist Park. Click here for more information and photos.

3 February 2009. Welcome to the following new members:

• Sarah O’Reilly of PA on the Way. PA on the Way offers temporary and offsite secretarial and virtual office management services for companies of all sizes. Contact Sarah on 1300 660 895.
• Adam Hyland of Watermark. Watermark is Australia’s oldest patent and trade mark firm and has recently moved into Richardson Place in Riverside Corporate Park. Contact Adam on 9888 6600.
• Rita Lepedjian of the Armenian Chamber of Commerce. Ryde is the heart of business for the Armenian Community, and we look forward to working with the Armenian Chamber as one of our local business and networking associations.Contact Rita on 8005 2240.

3 February 2009 - AW Workwise will run a new training workshop in 2009 in Ergonomic train-the trainer. This training will give Supervisors and Managers the skills to ensure that they can assist their employees with the setup of their individual workstations and assist employers meet their legislative obligation in providing a safe workplace. Most jobs these days involve the use of computers. The correct set-up of workstations, aims to reduce the incidence of injury, and is an important part of managing the risks at any workplace.

Training is run over a three hour session by a qualified Occupational Therapist at Parramatta. Next training date is 13 March 2009 Cost $220.00

To Book online http://www.awworkwise.com.au/training/safety/workstation_training.html or CALL AW Workwise on 9687 7122.

3 February 2009 - The Shack Youth Outreach is holding a fantastic fundraising event on 28 February - Latin Extravanga. This event will be in the Grand Ballroom at the Epping Club. Get into the mood with live latin music, dancing, entertainment and a three course meal, all for $70 per person. For more information or to book, call The Epping Club on 9876 4357 and select 9 for Customer Service.

2 February 2009 - Epping to Chatswood Rail Link moves to next phase. Click here to download media release from David Campbell MP, Minister for Transport.

30 January 2009 - welcome to our newest member Lawler Partners. Based in the Sydney CBD, Lawler Parters is a multi-disciplined chartered accounting firm. They offer a wide range of services from business recover and insolvency through forensic accounting, auditing, business accounting, franchise services and more and offer specialty services for the hospitality & gaming and pharmacy sectors. Your contact is Jake Elliott, Manager, on 8346 6002.

27 January 2009 - two free seminars from DSRD

• “How to Sell More when others Stop Selling” Wednesday 11 Feb, 8.30-10.30am at North Parramatta. For owners and managers of medium/large enterprises who have already achieved sustainable revenues and a sound customer base but want to take their business to the next level.
• “Getting Started In Exports” 18 Feb and 18 March, 8.00-11.00am at North Parramatta. For owners and managers of SMEs who have a sustainable revenue and business base and wish to get started in the export market.

Contact Mangala Srinivasin on 8843 1116 or email mangala.srinivasan@business.nsw.gov.au
You can download a flier on these workshops here.

27 January 2009 - welcome to new members.

• Peter Sullivan of LCD&Co Financial Solutions. Peter has taken over the accountancy side of this business and is your contact for company accountancy, tax returns, etc. Contact Peter and the LCD&Co team on 9874 1464. Lyn Clark-Duff has sold the accountancy side of her business to Peter Sullivan. Lyn is now concentrating on financial planning services, specialising in retirement and superannuation planning in addition to investment strategies for people of all ages. Her business is called LCD&Co Financial Planning, and you can also contact Lyn on 9874 1464
• David Boundy of Boundy Legal, business and property lawyers, who can help your with your conveyancing needs. Boundy Legal is based at West Ryde, and you can contact the team on 9043 1346.

27January 2009 - today's Member News is downloadable as a PDF here.

Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry Media Statement 22 Jan 09 - TIGHTER CREDIT AVAILABILITY AFFECTING SMALL BUSINESS
Statement by Acting Chief Executive, Greg Evans
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) is concerned that ongoing turmoil in the global financial system and strains in credit markets have lead to a sharp reduction in the availability of lending to small business.
The latest Reserve Bank data on private sector credit growth shows lending to business slowing markedly over the course of 2008 as banks and other lenders reduced their exposures.
Over the year to January 2008, the pace of business lending had been running at 23.7 per cent but eased substantially during the remainder of the year to 10.7 per cent in November, less than half the pace at the start of the year.
Responses across our membership have confirmed that it is becoming more difficult to access credit for working capital requirements and capital expansion plans such as purchasing new plant and equipment. Both long established businesses and proposals for greenfields investment are being affected.
Typically this has involved longer time frames for lenders to consider loan requests and far more stringent lending criteria being applied.
ACCI is cognisant of the requirement for prudent lending practices by lenders and the impact of instability in financial markets, however we are concerned that restrictions on lending are starting to have an impact on business which may accentuate any broader economic slowdown having negative implications for jobs.
The current economic outlook is very challenging for business and it would be an extremely negative outcome if difficulties in accessing credit undermined otherwise viable capital expenditure plans.
We are aware the government is sensitive to this issue and ACCI will further discuss measures to support credit provision to underpin business investment, particularly in relation to small and medium sized enterprises.
For further information:
Greg Evans Acting Chief Executive 02 6273 2311 / 0407 204 559

5 January 2009 - new contact for Peter Hinton. Longtime RBF member Peter Hinton is no longer with LJ Hooker North Ryde. He is the principal of the newlyformed Peter Hinton Real Estate, and can be contacted on 0413 138 866 or email info@peterhintonrealestate.com.au.