WiB eNewsletter Edition 9 2009
eNewsletter edition 9
Merry Christmas!
To kick-start the festive season, a group of our members, including past and present members of our Board, recently gathered for a Christmas Dinner at the beautiful Henry's Drive Vignerons in Padthaway. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the years' many successful programs and events whilst enjoying a delectable lunch by Chef Michelle Foster. Since this is our final newsletter for 2009, we'd like to wish all of our members a safe and happy Christmas and we look forward to an exciting and prosperous 2010.
Nadine DiGiorgio
Executive Officer
Challenge yourself in 2010
Make 2010 a year of positive change for you and your business by becoming a member of WIB&RD and reaping the countless benefits.
Members are exposed to a wide range of networking opportunities which can lead to many fruitful partnerships and alliances. They also learn new skills and knowledge for personal and professional development, and have access to quality business mentoring, vital business information and advice and excellent marketing opportunities.
Our programs and events are relevant, tailored and professional - but above all, fun! Our friendly and informal approach encourages women in business to share their aspirations and challenges with their peers and to discover new ideas and solutions.
For more information about membership costs and an application form please visit Women in Business website.
Events
December 19 - Inaugural Penola Lions Village Market, McCorquindale Park, 10am to 4pm.
February 10 - Mount Gambier and District Women's Business Network business tour of Yoeys Traditional Fine Foods and She's Apples.
RSVP to SERDE Business Centre on (08) 8723 1050 or via email.
General event inquiries:
Elaine Pollock 0458 009 616.
Dare 2b Different event inquiries:
Kate Facy Mob: 0418 835 744.
Handy Web Links
agrilinks.com.au - for young people in the Limestone Coast.
business.gov.au - information on planning, starting and running your business.
rda.gov.au - Regional Development Australia.
therubyconnection.com.au - online networking and resources.
womenonboards.org.au - leadership resources.
wis.sa.gov.au - Women's Information Service
Sponsorship a cost-effective investment
You've heard about the benefits of becoming a WIB&RD member, but did you know that your business can also greatly benefit from becoming a sponsor?
Our not-for-profit organisation greatly relies on government funding and private sponsorship support to conduct our annual program at a level that effectively meets the changing needs of our membership.
With our quality programs and events promoted to over 1000 businesses in the Limestone Coast and South Western Victorian each year, our sponsors enjoy significant market exposure, which can lead to increased sales and new business partnerships and alliances.
Sponsors are also invited to our events, giving them the chance to network, promote their business first-hand and, like our members, be exposed to cutting-edge information to help them grow and develop their business.
There are a number of cost-effective sponsorship packages currently available for 2010, but get in fast as applications close December 2009. For more information contact Nadine DiGiorgio on (08) 87 696045 or via email.
A chat with the pollies
A group of WIB&RD members recently met with Steve Griffiths, Deputy Leader of the State Opposition and Shadow Treasurer. Steve, together with local liberal candidate Steve Perryman, was keen to hear about the organisation, its achievements, current initiatives and future goals.
The discussion also focused on increasing women's participation in local government, particularly at senior management level and as elected councillors.
Leadership a load of fun
Ten women in business from across the Limestone Coast participated in an exhilarating and empowering Dare to Be Different leadership retreat at Noorla Yo Long last month. The special event, which was facilitated by Cath Duncan from Kool Results, also included leadership activities led by Des Noll from Noorla Yo Long. Local performing act The Three T'Arts also got in on the fun. The weekend featured a dinner headlined by guest speaker Annetay Henderson from the Office of Women who spoke about the office's role and, in particular, the Premier's Women's Directory.
"The Leadership Development Program gave me the opportunity to develop my skills and understandings as a leader and provided me with useful tools that can be easily applied in the workplace to bring about positive changes. The opportunity to work with people outside of my workplace was also a definite bonus!" Sabrina Pattenden, Grant High School.
Leaders speak out
Three inspirational women from the Limestone Coast shared their learnings and encouraged leadership at an event held by Tatiara Building Business Network recently at Teatrick Lavender Estate in Wolseley.
Guest speakers from the network day former French winemaker Sandrine Gimon shared her stories about integrating into the Australian workforce, while woman of the land Nancy Withers talked about change management, alongside mixed farmer and Executive Officer of McKillip Farm Management Group Krysteen McElroy.
WIB&RD Deputy Chair and owner of Teatrick Lavender estate Liz Ballinger also shared her journey to business success, whilst Chair Elizabeth Hodges reported in on the organisation's change of focus since the Limestone Coast Area Consultative Committee transitioned to an advisory body under Regional Development Australia (RDA). She also announced that Tammy Creaser from Bordertown as the region's representative on the South Australian board of RDA.
Networking pays off
Mount Gambier and District Women's Business Network enjoyed a successful program of events this year, which inspired and supported regional women in business.
Monthly activities included tours of local businesses, information sessions by relevant experts such as local accountants and financial advisors, as well as social networking functions.
Members report that they are already seeing positive benefits from their membership, and men are also encouraged to be part of the Network. The first event for 2010 will be a visit to Yoeys Traditional Fine Foods and She's Apples fruiterer and greengrocer on February 10. Come along and hear from the business owners, catch up with fellow members and indulge in some food shopping! To RSVP please contact SERDE Business Centre on (08) 8723 1050 or via email. For more information about upcoming events contact Karen Leslie on (08) 8723 9949 or via email.
First port of call for women
The Office for Women works towards achieving gender equity and positive change for women in South Australia - particularly in regional and remote areas - by collaborating across government and community.
The Office for Women manages various projects including the Premier's Women's Directory - a database of South Australian women available to serve on boards and committees - and the Women's Information Service, a free and confidential service providing a wide range of information and referrals. To find out more call 1800 188 158 (toll free) or visit www.officeforwomen.sa.gov.au
Still a spot for stallholders
Potential stallholders and live entertainers for the inaugural Penola Lions Village Market on Saturday, December 19 are encouraged to register their interest as soon as possible.
The market will be held at McCorquindale Park and will feature trash and treasure, crafts, arts, produce, cakes, plants and books.
Stallholders can set up from 8.30am and the market will kick off at 10am. For more information about booking a site, contact Jan England on (08) 8737 2006 or via email.
Join new Village Market
The Penola Lions Club is seeking stall holders for its first-ever Village Market to be held at McCorquindale Park on Saturday, December 19.
Organisers are hoping to attract stall holders with items for trash and treasure, crafts, arts, produce, cakes, plants and books. They are also keen to hear from live entertainers.
Stall holders can set up from 8.30am and the market will kick off at 10am. For more information about booking a site, contact Jan England on (08) 8737 2006 or via email.
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