http://www.geelongchamber.com.auTop news headlines from the Geelong Chamber of Commerce. For more news and information visit http://www.geelongchamber.com.au/en-AUhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/key-economic-indicators-april-2013/details,id,44587,1-1.aspxKey Points: - The unemployment rate for the Barwon Western District in March 2013 was 6.0% (the same as the previous month). - During March 2013 an average of 101 regional job advertisements were in the Geelong Advertiser each week (a decrease of 26.3% compared to the previous month). - Monthly online job advertisements are sourced quarterly from Seek - an update will be released in the June report.Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/key-economic-indicators-april-2013/details,id,44587,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/whats-happening-in-safety/details,id,44594,1-1.aspx‘What’s happening in Safety’ is a monthly publication aimed at keeping Geelong businesses up to date with legislative changes, incidents and safety news within the Greater Geelong region.Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/whats-happening-in-safety/details,id,44594,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/citipower-and-powercor-australia-smart-meter-rollout-stakeholder-update-april-2/details,id,43700,1-1.aspxAnother milestone in the rollout will soon be reached:The installation of the One Millionth Smart Meter in CitiPower Powercor’s network areas 2013, last year of the rollout Through its contact centre and customer management, we continue to help customers by providing useful & practical rollout information Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/citipower-and-powercor-australia-smart-meter-rollout-stakeholder-update-april-2/details,id,43700,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/planning-for-the-future-can-you-afford-not-to-succession-planning-and-the-us/details,id,43659,1-1.aspxPlease see the attached document for details of this event.Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/planning-for-the-future-can-you-afford-not-to-succession-planning-and-the-us/details,id,43659,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/monthly-key-economic-indicators-march-2013/details,id,43297,1-1.aspxThe Key Economic Indicators Report monitors the region's economy by reviewing the monthly unemployment rate, job advertisements, monthly domestic and non-domestic building activity, quarterly median house prices and new ABN registrations. The report complements the City of Greater Geelong’s annual Economic Indicators Bulletin.Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/monthly-key-economic-indicators-march-2013/details,id,43297,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/super-trade-mission-to-south-east-asia-june-2013/details,id,43053,1-1.aspxThe Premier of Victoria, Hon Dr Denis Napthine MP will lead Victorian organisations on a Super Trade Mission to South East Asia from 16 - 21 June 2013. ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) combined was Victoria’s largest export market for both goods and services in 2011/12.Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/super-trade-mission-to-south-east-asia-june-2013/details,id,43053,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/want-to-turn-down-the-heat-on-your-energy-bills/details,id,42913,1-1.aspxReducing your energy costs can keep operational expenses down and help manage cash flow. But how do you get started? There’s a lot of information out there, but what does it all mean? And how does it apply to your business?Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/want-to-turn-down-the-heat-on-your-energy-bills/details,id,42913,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/stronger-super-employer-seminar/details,id,42313,1-1.aspxThe Federal Government’s upcoming Stronger Super reforms, designed to further strengthen the superannuation system, will impact the way many Australian businesses manage their super obligations. What do these changes mean for your business? What will you need to do to keep track of your employees’ super? Find out at CareSuper and VECCI’s Stronger Super employer seminar.Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/stronger-super-employer-seminar/details,id,42313,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/whats-happening-in-safety/details,id,42306,1-1.aspx‘What’s happening in Safety’ is a monthly publication aimed at keeping Geelong businesses up to date with legislative changes, incidents and safety news within the Greater Geelong region. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/whats-happening-in-safety/details,id,42306,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/geelong-goes-live-with-the-nbn-at-warralily-today/details,id,42179,1-1.aspxResidents at the Warralily estate are among the first in Australia to connect to the superfast National Broadband Network (NBN). This is great news for Warralily residents & the broader Geelong region. Geelong is fortunate to be included in the initial stages of the National rollout enabling the development and adoption of new technologies to promote regional growth. Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/geelong-goes-live-with-the-nbn-at-warralily-today/details,id,42179,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/leadership-for-manufacturing-excellence-program/details,id,41824,1-1.aspxGeelong Manufacturing Council is delighted to invite you to participate in the second year of their highly successful “Leadership for Manufacturing Excellence Program”. Geelong companies achieved tangible results in reduced operating costs, improved delivery performance, new product development, and many more areas as participants developed their Leadership skills, undertaking personal development plans and business improvement projects in both Lean and Innovation. This year facilitators from Roaring Success (specialists in Leadership, Business Growth and Innovation) and TXM (Lean Solutions experts) will be joined by Craig Biddiscombe, formerly of Leading Teams, now Director, Culture and Leadership at WHK. Craig will share methodologies to improve workplace culture and achieve buy in through focusing on behaviours. Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/leadership-for-manufacturing-excellence-program/details,id,41824,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/geelong-kokoda-youth-program/details,id,41257,1-1.aspxThe Geelong Kokoda Youth Program is based on the Moonee Valley model which has been successfully operating for the past seven years. The program runs successfully with the joint involvement of Victoria Police, Local Businesses and Local Government. The program is strongly supported by Chief Commissioner Ken Lay who took part in the program in 2012.Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/geelong-kokoda-youth-program/details,id,41257,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/worlds-longest-lunch/details,id,39952,1-1.aspxThere has been a last minute cancellation for the 'sold out' World’s Longest Lunch and 6 tickets are now available at a cost of $135 each. To take advantage of this offer please contact the Barwon Health Foundation on 03 4215 8904Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/worlds-longest-lunch/details,id,39952,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/amendments-to-the-fair-work-act-2009/details,id,35817,1-1.aspxAmendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act) were passed by Federal Parliament on 28 November 2012, details of the changes are provided.Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/amendments-to-the-fair-work-act-2009/details,id,35817,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/key-economic-indicators-november-2012/details,id,35448,1-1.aspxThe Key Economic Indicators Report monitors the region's economy by reviewing the monthly unemployment rate, job advertisements, monthly domestic and non-domestic building activity, quarterly median house prices and new ABN registrations. The report complements the City of Greater Geelong’s annual Economic Indicators Bulletin. Previous editions of the report can be found on the Business section of the Geelong Australia website. For more news from the City’s Economic Development Unit you can subscribe to the Geelong: Open for Business e-news. Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/key-economic-indicators-november-2012/details,id,35448,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/considering-changing-the-hours-or-duties-of-your-workforce/details,id,29542,1-1.aspxDid you know you may need to consult first? Do you know all the law requires of you? VECCI’s briefings on Change, Restructure and Redundancy will help you manage change and minimise risk. Click on the heading for more details and sessions times Fri, 24 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/considering-changing-the-hours-or-duties-of-your-workforce/details,id,29542,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/chamber-to-take-over-business-excellence-awards/details,id,27156,1-1.aspxThe Geelong Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that it will take over the running of the Geelong Business Excellence Awards from 2013 onwards from founder and coordinator of the awards for the past 27 years, John Loughnan, Managing Director of the Communicators. Fri, 20 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/chamber-to-take-over-business-excellence-awards/details,id,27156,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/climate-reality-presentation-invitation/details,id,25311,1-1.aspxIt’s time for a Climate Reality check! In line with their commitment to sustainability, The Gordon proudly presents The Climate Reality Project to the people of Geelong - a compelling one-hour presentation is not to be missed! Follow the link below for more information Fri, 22 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/climate-reality-presentation-invitation/details,id,25311,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/geelong-ring-road-june-update/details,id,25297,1-1.aspxConnection between Anglesea Road and the Princes Highway near Draytons Road (Section 4B) Fri, 22 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/geelong-ring-road-june-update/details,id,25297,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/geelong-chamber-of-commerce-avalon-airport-survey-competition/details,id,24963,1-1.aspxAnd the winner of the Avalon Airport Survey is...Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/geelong-chamber-of-commerce-avalon-airport-survey-competition/details,id,24963,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/investing-in-manufacturing-technology-grants-program-applications-for-imt-round/details,id,24855,1-1.aspxThe Victorian Government has just launched the Investing in Manufacturing Technology grants program. Grants of up to $250,000 are available on a competitive basis to assist growing and competitive manufacturers to purchase and integrate new technologies into their business. Tue, 19 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/investing-in-manufacturing-technology-grants-program-applications-for-imt-round/details,id,24855,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/media-release-from-david-koch-coalition-government-provides-information-boost-fo/details,id,24838,1-1.aspxSmall businesses in the Geelong area will be able to access relevant, reliable and affordable information on networking thanks to a forthcoming seminar announced today by Member for Western Victoria David Koch.Thu, 14 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/media-release-from-david-koch-coalition-government-provides-information-boost-fo/details,id,24838,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/harwood-andrews-lawyers-alert-current-issues-with-taxation-of-trusts/details,id,24749,1-1.aspxAn alert from Harwood Andrews Lawyers highlight three current developments in relation to the taxation of trusts.Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/harwood-andrews-lawyers-alert-current-issues-with-taxation-of-trusts/details,id,24749,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/westpac-market-outlook-june-2012/details,id,24719,1-1.aspxFri, 08 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/westpac-market-outlook-june-2012/details,id,24719,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/monthly-key-economic-indicators-may-2012/details,id,24560,1-1.aspxPlease find attached Monthly Key Economic Indicator ReportsThu, 07 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/monthly-key-economic-indicators-may-2012/details,id,24560,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/cash-flow-management-short-course/details,id,24265,1-1.aspxThe Davidson Institute, Australia's First School of Money supported by Westpac is offering a 3hr short course in Cash Flow Management at Geelong Business Banking Centre, 11th July 2012.Mon, 04 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/cash-flow-management-short-course/details,id,24265,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/media-release-fashion-designer-alex-perry-to-speak-to-geelong-businesses/details,id,24238,1-1.aspxThe Geelong Chamber of Commerce has announced plans for a business super conference, as the Chamber's new executive management team begins its tenure.Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/media-release-fashion-designer-alex-perry-to-speak-to-geelong-businesses/details,id,24238,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/monthly-key-economic-indicators-april-2012/details,id,24215,1-1.aspxThe Key Economic Indicators Report monitors the region's economy by reviewing the monthly unemployment rate, job advertisements, monthly domestic and non-domestic building activity and quarterly median house prices. The report complements the annual Economic Indicators Bulletin.Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/monthly-key-economic-indicators-april-2012/details,id,24215,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/business-gov-au-update-new-national-business-names-registration-system/details,id,24160,1-1.aspxThe new National Business Names Registration System has now commenced, replacing the current state and territory registers. All business name registrations are now managed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).Tue, 29 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/business-gov-au-update-new-national-business-names-registration-system/details,id,24160,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/are-you-an-employer-who-could-host-a-student-on-a-work-placement/details,id,24007,1-1.aspxThe Geelong Regional Vocational Education Council Inc (GRVEC)* is looking for businesses that are interested in supporting a young person’s search for a career by hosting a student for a work placement.Mon, 28 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/are-you-an-employer-who-could-host-a-student-on-a-work-placement/details,id,24007,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/geelong-ring-road-may-update/details,id,23938,1-1.aspxFri, 25 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/geelong-ring-road-may-update/details,id,23938,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/business-gov-au-update-new-business-topic-helps-you-innovate/details,id,23460,1-1.aspxLooking to grow your business? We’ve launched a new Innovation topic to inform and inspire you.Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/business-gov-au-update-new-business-topic-helps-you-innovate/details,id,23460,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/westpac-cash-flow-management-3hr-short-course/details,id,23386,1-1.aspxWestpac Geelong are offering a 3hr course in Cash Flow Management to help individuals understand their business finance needs. Learning Outcomes include - * Differentiate between profits and cash * Identify and overcome problems in your cash flow cycle, including those caused by seasonality * Develop a projected profit plan and cash flow budget * Build cash reserves and ensure adequate funds are always available when you need them Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/westpac-cash-flow-management-3hr-short-course/details,id,23386,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/business-victoria-budget-2012-2013/details,id,23371,1-1.aspxThe Australian Government announced its 2012-13 Budget on Tuesday, 8 May 2012. The 2012-13 Federal Budget includes funding for new and existing programs and services to assist businesses. Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/business-victoria-budget-2012-2013/details,id,23371,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/small-business-victoria-update-the-business-tools-express/details,id,23369,1-1.aspxThu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/small-business-victoria-update-the-business-tools-express/details,id,23369,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/westpac-market-outlook-may-2012/details,id,23246,1-1.aspxMon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/westpac-market-outlook-may-2012/details,id,23246,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/energy-industry-welcomes-victorian-government-support-for-smart-meters/details,id,23062,1-1.aspxThe Baillieu Government has invested in a smart energy future for Victoria in this year’s Budget, the energy industry said today. Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/energy-industry-welcomes-victorian-government-support-for-smart-meters/details,id,23062,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/geelong-ring-road-april-update/details,id,22934,1-1.aspxConnection between Anglesea Road and the Princes Highway near Draytons Road (Section 4B) Construction has commenced on two environmentally sustainable rest areas on the Geelong Ring Road, following the award of a contract to MMAP Constructions. Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/geelong-ring-road-april-update/details,id,22934,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/free-support-to-small-business/details,id,22618,1-1.aspxLooking to start a small business? Want to develop your existing small business? Help is on the way with the Victorian Government’s Mobile Business Centre coming to (Ocean Grove / Geelong) on (Thursday 3 May / Thursday 10 May). Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/free-support-to-small-business/details,id,22618,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/small-business-victoria-update/details,id,22644,1-1.aspxGoing up! Increase your access to finance: Free webinar Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/small-business-victoria-update/details,id,22644,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/reminder-the-opportunity-workshop-rsvp-is-closing-soon/details,id,22500,1-1.aspxDon’t forget to RSVP for The first Opportunity Workshop - an informative evening highlighting various current and upcoming commercial investment opportunities in Central Geelong.Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/reminder-the-opportunity-workshop-rsvp-is-closing-soon/details,id,22500,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/put-yourself-in-the-picture-victorias-small-business-festival/details,id,22471,1-1.aspxVictoria's Small Business Festival is an annual, month-long program of events held during August across metropolitan and regional Victoria. The festival includes an extensive program of hundreds of events that provide inspiration, ideas and information to small business owners to help them start and grow their businesses. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/put-yourself-in-the-picture-victorias-small-business-festival/details,id,22471,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/clean-technology-investment-program-information-sessions/details,id,22002,1-1.aspxAs part of the commencement of the Clean Technology Investment Program, AusIndustry and Climate Change are holding a series of public information sessions. Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/clean-technology-investment-program-information-sessions/details,id,22002,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/smes-wanted-to-trial-free-sustainability-service/details,id,21978,1-1.aspxThe Victorian Employer’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is looking for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Victoria to take part in a trial of its new 5StarSustainability SME tool.Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/smes-wanted-to-trial-free-sustainability-service/details,id,21978,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/carbon-grants-access-assistance-and-cut-your-costs/details,id,21800,1-1.aspxFrom 1 July 2012 the introduction of the Carbon Price will impact costs for most businesses, particularly through energy bills. Substantial funding assistance for energy efficiency and emissions reduction projects is being made available to eligible manufacturers, and businesses in the manufacturing supply chain, under the Australian Government's $1 billion Clean Technology Program. These competitive grants can pay at least 25% of eligible project costs, and up to 50% for smaller projects at smaller businesses. They are now open for applications. To help your business access the funds available, Ai Group is running practical seminars across Australia in April and May. These three-hour seminars will have two parts, Funding your efficiency project and planning your efficiency project. Register for a session in your state today. Geelong 20 April 2012, 10am-1pm *In conjunction with Geelong Manufacturing Council Info and booking: http://www.aigroup.com.au/training/events/ Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/carbon-grants-access-assistance-and-cut-your-costs/details,id,21800,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/better-business-practices-workshop-coalition-government-provides-information-bo/details,id,21733,1-1.aspxHow resilient is your business? Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/better-business-practices-workshop-coalition-government-provides-information-bo/details,id,21733,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/monthly-key-economic-indicators-march-2012/details,id,21717,1-1.aspxThe Key Economic Indicators Report monitors the region's economy by reviewing the monthly unemployment rate, job advertisements, monthly domestic and non-domestic building activity and quarterly median house prices. The report complements the annual Economic Indicators Bulletin. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/monthly-key-economic-indicators-march-2012/details,id,21717,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/westpac-market-outlook-april-2012/details,id,21724,1-1.aspxThe month of February concluded with a general tone of optimism in the air and the crisp scent of one trillion euros worth of ECB liquidity support filling the nostrils of the investor community.Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/westpac-market-outlook-april-2012/details,id,21724,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/victorian-clean-technology-sector-survey-department-of-business-innovation/details,id,21691,1-1.aspxThe Department of Business and Innovation is seeking information regarding the level and types of clean technology (cleantech) companies and cleantech activities in Victoria. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/victorian-clean-technology-sector-survey-department-of-business-innovation/details,id,21691,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/creative-industries-innovation-centre-biztro/details,id,21545,1-1.aspxAll-you-can-digest business advice in 60 minutes!Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/creative-industries-innovation-centre-biztro/details,id,21545,1-1.aspx