In 2018 the inaugural Snowy Monaro Business Awards were conducted which including a gala dinner held in May to announce the winners. Those winners then went on to represent Snowy Monaro in the NSW Business Awards Far South Coast Regional Awards and a few went on further to the State Finals.

In 2019 the organising committee that includes various regional chambers including Cooma and Jindabyne along with Snowy Monaro Regional Council have decided to give the awards a tourism slant this year. Olivier Kapetanakos, Vice President of Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce explained that “it was only after we had the 2018 business awards in progress that we realised there was also a Tourism Awards program as well” In 2019 we want to recognise the importance of tourism in our region and so share the stage between tourism and other businesses.”

The Group have developed the concept that each two years the emphasis will be changed. In 2018 the categories

were from the NSW Chamber Business Awards. In 2019 there will be 7 specialist tourism categories and 7 business categories. Of course tourism businesses can also enter the business categories.

The gala dinner for the region will once again be held in Jindabyne in consideration of both the tourism element of the 2019 awards along with availability of locations in Cooma in May. Kathy Kelly, vice president of the Cooma Chamber of Commerce explains that “we are up against the mighty fundraising machine of MCCR who are having their galas nights in late May”. After that function the Cooma Multifunction Centre is then planned to be closed for some time for renovations. The MCCR function has also influenced the Committee in choosing a date for the awards dinner of 31 May. The plan would then be to bring the awards to Cooma in the 2020 year.

The Awards Organising committee are currently finalising the timetable for awards entries and judging however the categories have now been released:

Excellence in Ecotourism

Excellence in Culture and Heritage

Excellence in Adventure Experience

Best Accommodation

Caravan & Holiday Parks

***Adventure Tourism

***Excellence in Food Experience

***Excellence in Sustainability

***Excellence in Innovation

Outstanding Employer of Choice

Outstanding Young Employee

***Excellence in Accessible Employment

Excellence in Small Business

***People’s Choice of Best Business

Over the coming weeks more details will be provided to assist businesses to understand more about each

category.

The awards should celebrate the wonderful successes we have in our region and we encourage everyone to

suggest to great businesses that they should enter the awards.

Cooma Connect continues to be held monthly on the last Monday of the month 5.30pm – 6.30pm at the Altair Motel, Sharp Street Cooma.

Cooma Connect provides an opportunity for all business operators or their representative to come along and mingle with other business people in a relaxed atmosphere. Come along and listen to chosen speakers who will speak briefly of their own operation and providing the business community with invaluable information of what is going on in the local business community.

For enquiries relating to Cooma Connect events please contact co-ordinator Charlee Hommeman on 6452 1211 or Chamber of Commerce Executive Officer Kylie Douch on 0412 666 646. Cooma Connect is brought to you by Aus Industry, Snowy Hydro, Snowy Monaro Regional Council and Cooma Chamber of Commerce.

Wednesday 5th September Cooma Chamber of Commerce provided the community with an opportunity to attend a community update on the Snowy 2.0 project from senior Snowy 2.0 project staff.

Approximately 65 attendees at the Cooma Ex-Services Club, listened intently as Chamber of Commerce President Kathy Kelly, welcomed Kieran Cusack, Project Director 2.0 and Dean Lynch, Relations Manager 2.0, to the evening. On hand over to the senior project staff, attendees were taken through a thorough, professional presentation outlining the various staging of the project and were invited to ask their questions throughout the presentation. Information readily provided covered the technical, environmental, community and social aspects of the project.

The evening was deemed a success with a generally engaged and constructive audience and it was evident that the community certainly welcomed the opportunity to be informed and have any questions answered by the appropriate professional/s.

President Kathy Kelly then thanked Kieran Cusack and Dean Lynch for the opportunity to provide the information to the community and it was identified that such future presentations would be warmly welcomed, not only by the business sector but also by the community at large.

More information on Snowy 2.0 including how business can become involved, can be found at https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/our-scheme/snowy20/

For any Chamber of Commerce related enquiries please contact Executive Officer Kylie Douch on 0412 666 646.

“Your opportunity to learn how you can spend more time living life outside your business”

The Cooma Chamber of Commerce have decided to tackle the problem that see some people working in small business “trapped in their business”. So when tech tools expert, work/life integration advocate and founder of Working From Anywhere Andy Willis approached the Chamber and offered his “WFA Digital Audit Workshop” to them, they were very quick to jump on board. A very good decision as it turns out, as the opportunity to host one of these workshops is now booked out until late 2018.

Andy Willis is a self proclaimed “shortcut to systems, tools and technology for your small business”. Andy says “ My purpose in life is to give people working in small business the opportunity to spend more time living life outside of their business”.

Andy has been in small business for 20 years, in that time he built a very successful conference and event management/travel business. He transitioned this business to be able to operate working from anywhere some 6 years ago, this was achieved through the implementation of cloud technology and tools. This transition was “life changing”, both in the way he operated his business and way he lived his life. Andy then decided that he wanted to help other people in small business by sharing his knowledge and experience of the tools and technology that actually work in small business.

WFA. Life is the end result.

Andy believes he is solving the number 1 problem for people in small business.

People in small business know that there are tools and technology out there that could save them time and money in their business, and make their business life easier but they are too busy working IN their business to find, test, implement and learn how to use these tools.

Andy has invested 1000s hours and 1000s of dollars finding, testing, implementing, learning how

to use the tools and technology that actually work in small business. This is the knowledge and resources he now shares in his WFA business.

It all starts with a Digital Audit, a Digital Audit identifies where you are now with tools and technology in your business, what the digital gaps are, then recommends strategies and options to move you forward. Andy has put this process into a workshop format and is offering it to Chamber of Commerce and other small business groups. The Cooma Chamber of Commerce were very quick to take up the offer and will be hosting the WFA Digital Audit Workshop on the 15th March, 2018.

“We are excited to be able to bring this relevant training to our members and the community. It is a great opportunity” says Kathy Kelly, President Cooma Chamber of Commerce, “ and we encourage our local small businesses to attend”.

If you would like to know more about how you can operate your business “working from anywhere”, learn how you can access everything you need in your business from anywhere, at anytime and on any device, you want to save time, money and make your life easier........then this is the event for you.

This event has now closed. Please contact us for information about upcoming events.

The inaugural Cooma Connect was held on Monday 26th February at the Altair Motel, with almost 40 people from local business, government and community associations attending the meet up. Cooma Connect not only attracted Cooma locals, but also saw representatives attend from the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce and a number of businesses travel from the Snowy Mountains.

Business Connect is an initiative run by business for business across the Southern Inland region of NSW. In early 2018, some proactive businesses thought that Cooma needed its very own business networking event each month. The informal catch-ups allow businesses to engage with each other, discuss potential collaborations, speak to their local council or state and federal government representatives, or simply ask questions or share innovative ideas.

The evening was opened by Simon France from AusIndustry who spoke about the purpose of Cooma Connect and the importance of collaboration in the community. Simon has assisted in establishing Connect events all over the Southern Inland region and has seen many exciting opportunities and relationships formed from the meet ups.

Next to speak was Charlee Hommen, manager of the Altair Motel and one of the key organisers involved in Cooma Connect. Charlee spoke about her desire to work closely with other businesses and groups to provide a better service to customers and visitors to Cooma.

Olivier Kapetanakos from the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce then spoke about the Snowy Monaro Business Excellence Awards, a partnership between Snowy Monaro Council and the three Chambers of Commerce that celebrates the success of local businesses. Olivier called for applications and offered assistance and mentoring for businesses looking to apply.

Gabrielle Curtin, from Snowy Hydro, welcomed everyone on behalf of Snowy Hydro, a key supporter of Cooma Connect and spoke about her vision for Cooma Connect and her hope that it will continue to grow throughout 2018.

Andy Willis from Working from Anywhere in Tathra also spoke about his business. Andy helps people to transition their business so they can work from anywhere and spend more time outside of the office. He uses cloud-based tools, such as G Suite, to allow people to access systems wherever they are. He also runs various workshops around ‘Digital Auditing’, which helps businesses to find the tools and technology to make their business life easier.

Special thanks to the Altair Motel for hosting the event and providing the delicious food, as well as Snowy Hydro who sponsored the drinks for the evening.

Cooma Connect is held on the last Monday of every month. The next Cooma Connect will be held on the 26th March 2018 at the Altair Motel from 5.30pm. All local businesses are encouraged to come along – it’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded businesses and discover new business opportunities. Cooma Connect is proudly supported by Cooma Chamber of Commerce, Snowy Monaro Regional Council, Snowy Hydro, Regional

Development Australia Southern Inland and AusIndustry.

Cooma Chamber of Commerce president Kathy Kelly is encouraging all Cooma businesses to register for the first Cooma Connect event which is being held on Monday 26 February at The Altair Motel, 5.30pm. This new initiative of the Chamber of Commerce is being supported by Snowy Hydro, Snowy Monaro Regional Council, Regional Development Australia Southern Inland and AusIndustry.

Cooma Connect offers an opportunity for local businesses to come together regularly to form new partnerships or relationships, discuss new ideas or challenges and find out what is going on in the local business community. Initially it is planned to meet the last Monday of each month, and it will involve a number of 'pitches' from local businesses, who will talk about their business and what they offer to the community. Following this, the fun part begins – a chance to relax, network and catch up with like-minded businesses.

This event is for all Cooma businesses, to register for the event go to https://coomaconnect.eventbrite.com.auRegistration is to assist with catering, however you are welcome to just turn up on the evening. For further information contact Karen McGufficke on 0417 496708.

Cooma Chamber of Commerce new committee met for the first time last week, and President Kathy Kelly said it was a very successful planning meeting with a variety of workshops and training sessions planned for chamber members this year. As well as a strong focus on the Polo Flat Industrial area.

The Chamber is very committed to work with Snowy Monaro Regional Council and apply for funding through the Regional Growth Fund which is a State Government initiative. This significant funding would be used to improve infrastructure such as lighting, drainage, and signage and encourage new businesses to Polo Flat. Other issues of concern for the Chamber and the businesses of Polo Flat are the speed limit and future use of land in the Polo Flat area.

The Chamber plan to kick off the year on Monday 26 February with a new initiative of the Chamber for 2018, “Cooma Connect” to be held at the Altair Motel Function Room from 5.30pm – 6.30pm. This event is open to all businesses in Cooma and we encourage them to come along to this informal gathering for approximately 1 hour for a drink, and to network with other businesses and community organisations. The plan is to hold Cooma Connect once a month and give businesses the opportunity to speak for 2-3 minutes about their business or even a business tip that may be of benefit to other businesses.

Work from Anywhere Workshop will be presented in March, by Andy Willis.

March NSW Business Awards in May, these workshop are designed to show business owners technologies which can make running their business more efficient. Andy’s focus is small business and this workshop is a must. Last year the Chamber held two very successful business security and crime prevention workshop presented by Naomi Nemec – Crime Prevention Office for Monaro Local Area Command. It is planned to have these workshop again in April, specifically targeting the Industrial businesses and fraud.

In May Chamber will host an information session in relation to Traineeship and Apprenticeships.

The Retail Group led by Louise Lynch assisted by Alicia Bolton are meeting on Tuesday 13 February, 6pm at the Cooma Ex Services Club to plan their promotions and events participation for 2018. For the first event for retail group to focus on will be Easter and the Land Rover Convention which will ensure a huge influx of visitors to Cooma and will be of huge benefit to all retail and hospitality businesses. Retail businesses who are Chamber members are encouraged to attend this meeting.

Cooma Chamber is very excited to be working with Snowy Monaro Regional Council and the other local chambers to host a Regional Business Awards to recognise the contribution of local business to the region. Nominations for these awards open on Thursday 1 March 2018 and close on Thursday 12 April 2018. A Gala Awards night will take place in May 2018. Further information in relation to these awards will be sent to Chamber members or on Council and the Cooma Chamber websites.

The Chamber is also very committed to work with Snowy Monaro Regional Council and apply for funding through the Regional Growth Fund which is a State Government initiative. This significant funding would be used to improve infrastructure such as lighting, drainage, and signage and encourage new businesses to Polo Flat. Other issues of concern for the Chamber and the businesses of Polo Flat are the speed limit and future use of land in the Polo Flat area.

The Chamber Committee will continue to meeting on a monthly basis and encourage Chamber members to approach the committee or chamber executive officer Karen McGufficke with any ideas or issues they feel relevant for the Chamber to pursue.

The Chamber currently has 120 members with new businesses applying to be members all the time, businesses interested in becoming a Chamber Member can apply through our website coomachamber.com.au or contact Karen McGufficke on 0417 496708.

Cooma Chamber of Commerce was well represented at the NSW Business Chamber Annual Awards last Friday evening at the Sydney Convention Centre. Cooma Chamber was up against 13 other chambers, who had won their local regional award for the Best Local Chamber. Although Cooma Chamber was not the winner this year, Chamber President Kathy Kelly said it was pleasing to see the award presented to a regional Chamber and a town of similar size to Cooma being Gunnedah. There was over 1,000 attendees at the Awards Dinner and Cooma had a great representation with 10 Cooma Chamber members attending the black tie function.

The Cooma Chamber is about to host another information seminar for it’s members and other interested businesses. NBN will available to Cooma businesses from December. To assist businesses to obtain a better understanding of the NBN and how to get connected the Chamber will facilitate an information session with Jonathon James, Community Affairs Manager NBN Co and representatives from NBN retailers. Chamber President Kathy Kelly is pleased to advise the two session one hour sessions have been arranged, the first being 2pm at the Polo Flat Truck Stop, this session is aimed at the Polo Flat Businesses, the second session will be at 5pm at The Alpine Hotel. We encourage all businesses to come along to these sessions. To register for these sessions email coomachamber@gmail.com

Cooma Chamber President Kathy Kelly is pleased to announce the Cooma Chamber of Commerce are hosting two separate information seminars on the rolling out of the NBN in Cooma. As previously mentioned the NBN will be available to businesses in Cooma from the beginning of December. The Chamber has arranged for Jonathon James a representative from the NBN to present to members information on the following topics; an overview of the NBN, why do businesses need the NBN and the benefits, technology around the NBN, how your business connects to the NBN and the planning of the installation. Retailers will also be on hand to discuss plans and options for your business.

Both sessions are being held on Tuesday 28 November, with the first session focusing on the industrial businesses based in Polo Flat. We encourage Polo Flat business owners and managers to attend this hour long session starting at 2pm, at the Polo Flat Truck Stop.

A second session will be held prior to the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting and Christmas Drinks. Once again members are encouraged to attend the NBN information session, commencing at 5pm in the Coombah Lounge at the Cooma Ex Services Club. Members are then welcome to attend the Annual General

Meeting at 6pm, followed by Christmas Drinks.

Cooma Chamber of Commerce President Kathy Kelly is pleased to advise that over the coming months we will be hosting a number of seminars and information sessions which will be of interest to many local businesses. As previously reported in The Monaro Post a very successful meeting was convened by the Chamber for the businesses owners and managers at Polo Flat. As a result of this a followup meeting is scheduled for Monday 21 August, from 5.30pm at the Cooma Ex Services Club.

Once again we are encouraging any businesses owner or manager from Polo Flat to come along. Through the Chamber Polo Flat businesses have a greater opportunity to define their issues of concern in readiness for the new incoming Council.

With the upcoming Snowy Monaro Regional Council election, the Chamber Committee will facilitate a Meet the Candidates evening on Monday 28 August. We anticipate a large number of the general public to attend this evening and so the venue selected is the Cooma Ex Services Club Auditorium. People will have the opportunity to hear candidates speak and to ask them questions.

Snowy Monaro Regional Council has been received significant funding for major projects in the Shire. Administrator Dean Lynch will present to the Chamber members an update on the major projects within Cooma. The update will presented in our first members general meeting after the winter hibernation. This will be held in the first week of September and more details are to follow.

We are still encouraging any Chamber member who would like to be part of the Cooma Gift Card to come on board. We plan to print a new brochure shortly and would love to include every participating business on the new brochure. Kathy stated “the gift card is not just limited to retail businesses, we have restaurants,

beauticians and even the local vet are participating businesses”

Cooma Chamber of Commerce President Kathy Kelly is pleased to advise that over a dozen Polo Flat businesses were represented at a gathering hosted by the Chamber on Monday evening at the Cooma Ex Services Club. President Kathy opened the evening by welcoming those present and giving an overview of what the Chamber can do for them in particular the support the NSW Business Chamber gives members. The floor was then open for discussion in relation to the Polo Flat area and the key issues identified were infrastructure, such as drainage, lighting, curb and guttering. Also of concern was the 80km speed limit along the Monaro Highway through Polo Flat, the lack of current signage and restraints attracting new businesses.

Dean Lynch was on hand to answers questions and make available a copy of the draft Polo Flat Structure Plan which was put together by the former Cooma Monaro Shire Council back in 2009.

It was decided to hold future meetings to identify the issues raised that the group wish to pursue with the assistance of the Chamber. Polo Flat Businesses owners or manager who would like to be part of future meeting sand planning are encouraged to contact the Chamber’s Executive Officer Karen McGufficke, on 0417 496708 or email coomachamber@gmail.com The Cooma Chamber would like to put together a data base of all Polo Flat businesses and we encourage them to email their details to coomachamber@gmail.com

The next meeting will be Monday 21 August, 5.30pm at the Cooma Ex Services Club

Chamber President Kathy Kelly is suggesting to those people in our community who have a Cooma Gift Card which they have not redeemed to check the expiry date for the card. The cards are only valid for 12 months, and the Chamber is aware of a significant amount of cards which were issued in June last year which have not been fully redeemed. Kathy advised the figure is just over $6000, and that Chamber really wants to see this money spent in any of the 50 participating businesses in Cooma.c Of the cards that expire 75% of this money will come back to the Chamber and the other 25% will go to Why Leave Town Promotions who facilitate the program.

Why Leave Town Promotions are currently running a competition to ensure 1 million dollars’ worth of Gift Cards are loaded across the whole program, by the end of this year. The Cooma Chamber is excited to be participating in this, and we are planning to nominate a couple of local legends.

Recently 45 Cooma business people/staff, had the opportunity to attend free Customer Service Training, presented by local training presenter Anna Marshall. This training was made possible as a result of funding which has been made available to Snowy Monaro Regional Council from the NSW Department of Industry under the Future Towns Project, and Cooma Chamber of Commerce came on board to assist with the facilitation of the training.

Chamber President Kathy Kelly told The Monaro Post “the feedback we have received from those who attended the training has been all very positive and they are looking forward to implementing the strategies and ideas presented. This is the type feedback we want to pass o

nto the NSW Department of Industry to ensure they provide future funding for such worthwhile training. It would be great to be able to run this program again.”

Prior to the training session participants undertook an online survey which helped them identify own behavioural personality profiles using a system known as DiSC. This tool then helped the participants to understand themselves and the different styles that customers may have. Anna also went in great detail to ensure participants understood the other key principles to good customer service: understanding different types of customers and how to relate to them, active listening to understand customers and how to ask good questions to build relationships with customers.

The feedback from the attendees was fantastic:

· "I've done so many customer service courses over the years but this one resonated with me the most. I actually found the information useful and relevant."

· "There was a lot of excellent information in a small amount of time."

· "I wasn't sure what to expect but absolutely loved all of it and am walking away with new skills."

· "I found it very interesting and learnt a lot about not only customer service but myself too."

Other funding received under the NSW Department of Industry Future Towns Program, the Cooma Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Snowy Monaro Regional Council have adopted the Winter Starts Here campaign for Cooma. The Chamber are encouraging all local shops to light up their windows and decorate them in a winter theme around snowmen and snowflakes. Many shops have already come on board however to make a real impression we are hoping a lot more will contribute. Chamber president Kathy Kelly advised “if businesses would like bunting or cut out snowmen to display in their windows please contact Chamber’s Executive Officer Karen McGufficke”. Kathy reiterated this promotion is open to all businesses and you do not necessarily have to be a Chamber member to receive the bunting and cut out snowmen.

The June long weekend is expected to see some good crowds arrive in the area with a promising start to the ski season. Cooma is going to be ready to welcome our visitors to town with the launch of the “Winter Starts Here” campaign.

The campaign has been brought together by the Cooma Chamber of Commerce and the Snowy Monaro Regional Council along with significant funding provided by the NSW Department of Industry under the Future Towns Program. Chamber president Kathy Kelly explains that “We are asking our local shops to light up their windows and decorate them in a winter theme around snowmen and snowflakes. Many shops have already come on board however to make a real impression we are hoping a lot more will contribute.” Snowmen bunting is currently being printed locally and will be available for businesses to purchase and display in their shop windows, business are encouraged to contact the Chambers Executive Officer Karen McGufficke to purchase. Additionally the Chamber is funding the purchase and installation of icicle lights to be installed on shop awnings. For shops in Sharp Street from Betta Electrical through to the Lott this will be provided regardless of whether the businesses are chamber members.

The Red Energy light up campaign will also be launched on the June long weekend and the combination of the Chamber/Council initiative along with the Red Energy lighting should make a big impact.

So welcome in “winter starts here” and welcome to our tourists to enjoy our great town.

It's hard to believe the Cooma Gift Card has been available to the local community for over 12 months now. As at the end of April $154,000 has been loaded onto the Cooma Gift Card and that is fantastic as this money is staying in town.

Cooma Chamber of Commerce President, Kathy Kelly encourages those in our community who have a Cooma Gift Card which was given to them in May or June last year that now is the time to spend it. The Gift Cards are only valid for 12 months from date of issue and we know there are cards out in the local community which have not been fully spent. The majority of the money not redeemed comes back to the chamber if they do expire and this will help us fund the project in future, however our preference however is for the money to be spent in town. The continuing success of the Cooma Gift Card is largely due to the program costs and cards being funded by the sponsors of the Cooma Ex Services Club and Snowy Hydro.

Kathy also said the response to the upcoming Free Customer Service Training Workshop being presented by Anna Marshall has been exceptional, each of the two sessions still have a few spots available. Session times are from 8.30am to 12.30pm then the same session will be presented again in the evening from 4pm until 8pm. As stated previously by Kathy funding has been made available to Snowy Monaro Regional Council from the NSW Department of Industry under the Future Towns Project, and Cooma Chamber of

Commerce have come on board to assist with the ideas and facilitation for the use of this funding.

RSVP to Karen Cash Karen.Cash@snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au or by phoning 64584622.

The Cooma Chamber of Commerce in conjunctions with NSW Dept of Industry and Snowy Monaro Regional Council have arranged for local training presenter Anna Marshall to present a one off Customer Service Training Session on Wednesday 7 June, venue being The Alpine Hotel 170 Sharp Street Cooma.

Chamber President Kathy Kelly told The Monaro Post “this training opportunity is fantastic for local businesses, as Anna Marshall lives in Cooma and is fully aware of all our businesses, customers and economic environment, therefore her presentations w

ill be tailored to meet their needs. Anna is a great presenter and we have been wanting her to carrying out this training for some time and the ability to access the funding under the Future Towns Funding program has now made this possible.”

So as many business owners and their staff can take advantage of attending the training two sessions are being held at different times of the day. The first being from 8.30am to 112,30pm then the same session will be presented again in the evening from 4pm until 8pm.

Funding has been made available to Snowy Monaro Regional Council from the NSW Department of Industry under the Future Towns Project, and Cooma Chamber of Commerce have come on board to assist with the ideas and facilitation for the use of this funding.

Places are limited and open to any businesses in the Cooma area, not just Cooma Chamber of Commerce members. RSVP and take the opportunity to attend this free session. RSVP to Karen Cash Karen.Cash@snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au or by phoning 6458 4622.

Chamber members and other businesses member in the community over the past week have received a questionnaire from the Cooma Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Kathy Kelly encourages businesses to complete the questionnaire as it is an opportunity for them to contribute ideas towards the future vision for

Cooma and in particular the “Winter Starts Here” campaign.

We as a Chamber in conjunction with local businesses and the Snowy Monaro Regional Council would like to see the “Winter Starts Here” campaign really kick off this year and make Cooma a town in which the motorist destined for the mountains want to stop in.

The questionnaires will need to be returned by the end of March to enable the results to be showcased at the next workshop that is to be held on Tuesday 4 April.

Over twenty Cooma Chamber of Commerce members were fortunate to have Naomi Nemec, Crime Prevention Officer for the NSW Police speak at the members networking breakfast last Thursday morning at The Lott. Naomi gave some insights into local issues and also to what rights businesses/retailers have in regard to areas such as suspected shoplifting and security within their businesses. The presentation was very interactive with members having the opportunity to ask relevant questions relating to first hand experiences.

Chamber President Kathy Kelly also informed those present at the meeting of the upcoming questionnaire they will be receiving which will enable businesses to contribute ideas towards the future vision for Cooma and in particular the “Winter Starts Here” campaign. These questionnaires will need to be returned by the end of March to enable the results to be showcased at the next workshop that is to be held on Tuesday 4 April.

Last Thursday night the Cooma Chamber of Commerce hosted a successful dinner for Cooma business owners. The function was funded by the NSW Department of Industry as part of the “Back to Business” week program.

It was a great networking opportunity and many of the attendees were relatively new members of the Chamber. Key note speakers for the evening included Iain Elliott and Kathy Kelly of Boyce Chartered Accountants who covered tax tips for small business and the new changes around superannuation. After dinner Tony Nassar took the floor to tell the story of “Roses Lebanese Restaurant”. It is truly inspiring what can happen when small business owners have a vision and passion about what they do.

Kathy Kelly with her President of the Cooma Chamber hat on, gave details of the recent opportunities that have been presented to the Cooma Chamber and business community through the agreement for funding of $50,000 from the NSW Department of Industry under their Future Towns program.

The Cooma Chamber of Commerce has elected to go for the Place Activation Package and the first part of that process is to have a workshop with a specialist facilitator. As Peter Shepherd has already commenced the process with Cooma’s successful “So Much to Love” campaign the Cooma Chamber of Commerce believed it was appropriate to engage Peter to assist them with the extension into the “Winter Starts Here” promotion. Peter is running the first workshop this week. It is being held at 6pm Wednesday 8 March at the offices of Boyce Chartered Accountants, 36 Bombala Street. Cooma businesses are invited to attend this session as work is done towards agreeing on goals for the marketing of our town.

Other future events coming up for the Chamber include a Networking Breakfast at 7.30am at the Lott Foodstore. Naomi Nemec of the Crime Prevention Office of the NSW Police will give some insights into local issues and also to what rights businesses/retailers have in regard to areas such as suspected shoplifting.

The Chamber has also saved the date of 4 April for a general meeting which will also include a presenter from the Australian Government Department of Employment to explain the new funded internship program available from 1 April 2017 that assists young people who are currently on income support payments to gain experience and to trial working with employers.

The Cooma Chamber of Commerce Love to Christmas Shop campaign is in full swing with over 35 businesses opening for extended hours. This is a great initiative to promote local businesses and to encourage residents to shop local. The first extended trading will this Friday night 16 December and then the following Friday night 23 December with participating shops open until 7.00pm.

“Be sure not to miss the fun on Friday 16 December as it will be a great family evening in Cooma, all participating shops will be open until 7.00pm, there will be Santa photos, a vintage fire engine and the night will be capped off with Carols in the Park from 7.00pm, so join in the fun and support this great initiative” advised Richard Mack, Vice President of the Cooma Chamber of Commerce.

To coincide with the Love to Shop Christmas campaign the Chamber is running the So Much to Love bumper sticker competition. This has been a lot of fun and last week’s winner was Di Good . Di Good was presented her $100 Why Leave Town Cooma Gift Card to spend at any Cooma business which is a member of the Cooma Gift Card program by Karen McGufficke Chamber Executive Officer.

So Much to Love bumper stickers are available when you make a purchase at shops showing the Love to Christmas Shop poster on their shop windows. Simply put one on your car and if you are spotted you will go into the draw for two more chances to win a Why Leave Town Cooma Gift Card valued at $100.

The Cooma Chamber of Commerce would like to invite all general members and prospective members to an information evening followed by dinner at 6.00pm Tuesday 11 October at the Cooma Hotel.

Kathy Kelly, President of the Cooma Chamber of Commerce advised “There will be a lot happening in Cooma during the run up to Christmas and this meeting will provide members with the opportunity to hear from a number of speakers. It’s a great way to see how your business can be involved and benefit from these exciting activities while also networking with other businesses and I really encourage both members and potential members participation.”

The information session will include updates on; 

- Cooma Retail “Love to Shop” Christmas Campaign

- Australian National Busking Championship

- L’ETape Cycling Event

- Regional Events

- Being Singapore ready

Dinner will follow the information session and is $25 per person for a two course meal which is payable on the night. RSVP’s for dinner are due Wednesday 5 October to coomachamber@gmail.com.

The Cooma Chamber of Commerce is about to reach 100 members, which is a major milestone for the not for profit organisation.

Kathy Kelly, President of the Cooma Chamber of Commerce advised “There has been significant growth over the last 18 months and this has been due to a number of key activities implemented. This includes our Love to Shop campaign and the recent Why Leave Town Cooma Gift Card. I would personally like to thank the Snowy Monaro Regional Council for their marketing initiatives and support which has helped us grow.”

The Love to Shop campaign was to encourage locals and visitors to shop local and increase economic drive in Cooma. Initiatives for this campaign included a number of targeted campaign days where over 30 retail members throughout Cooma’s CBD were easily visible through So Much To Love balloons outside their businesses, shop decals and So Much to Love clothing and caps.

The Why Leave Town Gift Card is an Eftpos based gift card. When a customer purchases a Cooma Gift Card they decide how much money to load onto the card and this money can then be used by the cardholder to purchase goods in any of the businesses participating in the Cooma Gift Card program.

Benefits to town include -

- It encourages shopping locally

- It provides a convenient gifting solution

- Increases businesses opportunity to make sales

- It helps promote businesses via a wider network

We now have over 50 participants in this initiative.

As an incentive, The Cooma Chamber of Commerce is offering the 100th member a free $50 Cooma Gift Card.

Now is the time for businesses to join the Cooma Chamber of Commerce.

The upcoming Father’s Day is a great opportunity to look after your Dad with a Cooma Gift Card he can spend locally and support local businesses.

Then Dad can choose his own gift from over 50 stores in Cooma that accept the Cooma Gift Card. It’s the perfect thing to give the man that has everything…or thinks he does.

There are plenty of options available with businesses such as Cooma H Hardware, High Country Automotive, Hip Pocket Workwear and Safety, Leading Edge Electronics, Sports Power, Schoos Studio and Monaro Motorcycles and Power Equipment just some of places most Dad’s would love to visit and spend his Cooma Gift Card.

This year there is a special Father’s Day themed Cooma Gift Card. All gift cards can be purchased from the below businesses.

- Blue Sky Outdoors Cooma

- Cooma Betta Home Living

- Cooma Ex Services Club

- Cooma Visitors Centre

- Earth Song Wellness Centre

- Kids Hive

- Mainstreet Clothing

- Mitre 10 Cooma

- Roses Family Restaurant

- South East Embroidery & Your Workwear

These stores also distribute brochures listing all participating businesses where the cards can be spent or you can go to www.whyleavetown.com/Cooma

To be part of the Why Leave Town Cooma Gift Card program businesses must be a Chamber member. Chamber membership is $15 per month plus GST.

The Cooma Chamber of Commerce are excited to advise that over 50 businesses our now participating in the Cooma Gift Card program.

Kathy Kelly, President of the Cooma Chamber of Commerce advised “It really reinforces the significance and popularity of this program now we have over 50 businesses participating. We encourage the community to support and embrace this initiative which should bring significant economic benefits to our town by keeping it local.”

The Cooma Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome the new participants which include:

- The Lott Foodstore and Café

- Tag the Trend

- Cooma Pet Shop

- Cooma Jewellers

- Bellissima

- Leading Edge Electronics

The upcoming Father’s Day is a great opportunity to look after your Dad with a gift card he can spend locally and support these and other businesses.

There are a number of places you can purchase your Cooma Gift Card including The Cooma Visitor Centre, The Ex Services Club and Kidshive.

“Since its inception in April, we have had over 400 gift cards purchased with almost $30,000 loaded on to the cards, which is a really strong result and something we are really proud of” said Kathy.

The Cooma Gift Card is an Eftpos based gift card. When a customer purchases a card they decide how much money to load onto the card and this money can then be used by the card holder to purchase goods in any participating businesses.

For local businesses to be part of the gift card program you must be a Chamber member. Chamber membership is $15 per month plus GST.

The Cooma Chamber of Commerce are excited to be launching the “Love to Shop” campaign this Saturday 6 June from 9am to 4pm. This is part of the innovative new marketing campaign “So Much to Love”.

Kathy Kelly, President of the Cooma Chamber of Commerce said, “We have had an amazing response to this campaign. There will be at least 25 retailers in Cooma launching the Love to Shop campaign with most of these businesses providing specials on the day.

The retailers will be easily visible with “So Much to Love” balloons, shop decals and staff wearing “So Much To Love” t-shirts. All involved retailers will have flyers explaining what shops are participating on the day and their specials.

We expect Cooma will be alive this Saturday with this campaign deliberately launched at the start of the long weekend. Our aim is to attract locals, and get visitors to stop in town and spend their money here.

This launch compliments the “So Much to Love” banners and excitingly, the newly produced “So Much to Love” radio commercials and print ads will also be launched this weekend to encourage visitors to Live, Work, Play, Invest in Cooma. Chamber members will be identifiable with “So Much to Love” decals on their shop windows.

Still to come in this campaign is the free public Wi-Fi which will be launched in June and available to all retailers in the CBD, however only Chamber members will be able to advertise on the launch page. It will be a faster speed based on the 5G network speeds and will include details of all Chamber members.

“This campaign is really gaining momentum. To be involved you need to be a Chamber member so if you are not a member, now is the time to get on board. Together we can make a difference” said Kathy.

The Cooma “So Much to Love” campaign looks to drive economic development through four key elements: Live, Work, Play, Invest.

To become a member of the Cooma Chamber of Commerce email coomachamber@gmail.com or contact Kathy Kelly on 0428 883 044.

The Cooma Chamber of Commerce are proud to work with the Cooma Monaro Shire Council to implement the innovative marketing strategy for Cooma titled “So Much to Love” that was unanimously approved by Council this week.

Kathy Kelly, President of the Cooma Chamber of Commerce said, “The Cooma Monaro Shire Council have invested strongly in Cooma’s economic development through the completion of their Economic Development Taskforce Report. It’s fantastic to see the development of this ground breaking marketing campaign that is a direct action from that report. The Cooma Chamber of Commerce has great pleasure in announcing our involvement in delivering this campaign.”

The “So Much to Love” campaign will be officially launched on Saturday 6 June at Centennial Park, Cooma to celebrate the opening of the winter ski season.

“There will be a phased approach to this campaign. This week you will see the first phase of implementation, with new “So Much to Love” banners at entry points and the bus shelter. Then, Phase 2 will see the organisation of decals for shop windows and staff apparel for Chamber members and additional street décor in time for our major launch, as well as the launch of a new website lovecooma.com. Phase 3 will include radio advertising and the launch of an exciting free public Wi-Fi initiative for the CBD” advised Kathy.

The free public Wi-Fi will be launched in June and available to all retailers in the CBD, however only Chamber members will be able to advertise on the launch page. It will be a faster speed based on the 5G network speeds and will include details of all Chamber members.

“This is an exciting time for Cooma, if you are not a Chamber member, now is the time to get on board. Together we can make a difference” said Kathy.

The Cooma “So Much to Love” campaign looks to drive economic development through four key elements: Live, Work, Play, Invest.