February 3, 2016
The next South Burnett Business Awards will be held in 2017, and most likely hosted by Murgon.
South Burnett Mayor Wayne Kratzmann told Wednesday’s Council meeting that there had been two very successful South Burnett Business Excellence Awards programs run, but at the debrief meeting after the 2015 dinner it was decided to change the project to a biannual event because of the effort required by nominees, and to allow time for changes to business practices to be implemented.
“It’s not just about awards, it’s about businesses working smarter,” Mayor Kratzmann said.
“It was also agreed that there is benefit in changing venues around the region and Murgon has expressed interest in hosting the awards gala dinner in 2017.
“Additionally, to ensure we build on the momentum from the 2015 awards, it was decided that a comprehensive shop local campaign be undertaken in 2016 incorporating community education, a digital reward system for shopping local, mystery shopper visits and a series of co-ordinated marketing campaigns with a consistent message.”
He said the Business Excellence Awards committee had already prepared a draft Shop Local campaign, which included a digital rewards system via www.rewardle.com
He said the data collected during this campaign would also be invaluable in monitoring and comparing the local market and identifying trends.
A forum would be held during Small Business Week (May 16-21, 2016) to introduce the Shop Local project to businesses. Representatives from Rewardle would also be present.
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Four local businesses nominated during the 2015 Business Excellence Awards have been selected to take part in the State Government’s next “Mentoring For Growth” program.
These are: Ben’s Beef Jerky, Fox Beauty & Nails, Hansen Kitchens and Mangan Joinery.
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Customer service training will be held in five South Burnett towns later this year:
- Blackbutt – March 1
- Nanango – March 22
- Kingaroy – April 19
- Wondai – May 24
- Murgon – June 21
More details will be published when they are available.
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The NAB bank will assist the Council to carry out a Business Confidence Survey to help provide an insight into the current state of the local economy.
Mayor Wayne Kratzmann told Wednesday’s Council meeting a sample of 300 businesses was required.
“NAB have offered to assist with distribution to their business clients, including those in the rural sector, and to provide a qualified commentary in the final report,” he said.
“The results will provide an opportunity to publicise positive outcomes and identify areas for improvement.”
Mayor Kratzmann said that at the end of November he hosted a breakfast between representatives from five local businesses – Kingaroy Joinery, PCA, Proteco, South Burnett CTC and Fiedler Brothers Plumbing – and members of the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Development Australia committee.
The Wide Bay Burnett RDA is part of a national network of 55 committees established by the Federal Government that focuses on regional economic development.
Mayor Kratzmann said the breakfast had provided an opportunity for local businesspeople to share their aspirations, ideas and barriers to expansion to a group that could support and assist with access to funding opportunities and government programs.
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A new agricultural reference group, the brainchild of Deputy Mayor Keith Campbell, held its inaugural meeting on November 16 last year.
