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/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,21790,1-1.aspxThese 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,21790,1-1.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/is-red-tape-hindering-your-business-productivity/details,id,21798,1-1.aspxThe Geelong Chamber of Commerce is seeking your input to Chamber submissions to government on unnecessary and burdensome red tape. Tell us about your experiences and the red tape that is bogging you down from getting on with business. We're after some practical examples to feed back to both State and Federal governments about red tape nightmares. Tell us about the worst red tape you have to deal with. Email your comments to Bernadette Uzelac, Executive Officer via bernadette.uzelac@geelongchamber.com.au Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/is-red-tape-hindering-your-business-productivity/details,id,21798,1-1.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.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/commercial-building-retrofits-low-interest-long-term-loans-opportunity/details,id,21405,1-1.aspxLow Carbon Australia is providing loans for retrofit / upgrade of commercial buildings in order to reduce energy use and reduce carbon emissions.Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/commercial-building-retrofits-low-interest-long-term-loans-opportunity/details,id,21405,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/australian-chambers-business-congerence-2012/details,id,21387,1-1.aspxAustralian Chambers Business Congress 2012 "Today, Tomorrow & Beyond" Will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 15-17 August, 2012Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/australian-chambers-business-congerence-2012/details,id,21387,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/fair-work-act-if-youre-a-small-business-we-want-to-hear-about-your-experience/details,id,21239,1-1.aspxTue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/fair-work-act-if-youre-a-small-business-we-want-to-hear-about-your-experience/details,id,21239,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/latest-update-on-wi-fi-service-in-central-geelong/details,id,21172,1-1.aspxRead the latest news released by the City of Greater Geelong on the Wi-Fi Service operating in Central Geelong.Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/latest-update-on-wi-fi-service-in-central-geelong/details,id,21172,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/geelong-ring-road-february-update/details,id,21125,1-1.aspxConnection between Anglesea Road and the Princes Highway near Draytons Road (Section 4B) Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/geelong-ring-road-february-update/details,id,21125,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/small-business-victoria-update/details,id,21105,1-1.aspxMake life easier with flexible work optionsThu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/small-business-victoria-update/details,id,21105,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/professionalism-excellence-training-opportunities-february-june-2012/details,id,21082,1-1.aspxQuick Reference GuideWed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/professionalism-excellence-training-opportunities-february-june-2012/details,id,21082,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/carbon-tax-rd-seminar/details,id,21045,1-1.aspxHow will Carbon Tax impact and what are the costs to your business? What Research & Development Tax Incentives are available to your business?Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/carbon-tax-rd-seminar/details,id,21045,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/westpac-market-outlook-march-2012/details,id,21054,1-1.aspxRefinancing? Rehabilitating? Resuscitating? Reinvigorating? Rejuvenating? Rescue? Revival? Respite? Reprehensible? Whatever you think the ‘R’ in ‘LTRO’ stands for, ECB President Draghi is right to be happy with its soothing effect on financial markets. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/westpac-market-outlook-march-2012/details,id,21054,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/g21-snapshots-february-2012/details,id,20484,1-1.aspxG21 is the formal alliance of government, business and community organisations, working together to improve people's lives in the G21 region.Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/g21-snapshots-february-2012/details,id,20484,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/vecci-works-hard-to-make-laws-fairer-for-employers/details,id,20481,1-1.aspxThe Fair Work Act’s new General Protections provisions have made it far more difficult for employers to successfully defend dismissal claims made against them.Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/vecci-works-hard-to-make-laws-fairer-for-employers/details,id,20481,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/avalon-opens-victorias-first-free-airport-childrens-lounge/details,id,20376,1-1.aspxAvalon Airport has taken another step forward as Melbourne’s newest airport today with the opening of a free Children’s Lounge that will service both travelling families and families waiting for travellers.Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/avalon-opens-victorias-first-free-airport-childrens-lounge/details,id,20376,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/key-economic-indicators-february-2012/details,id,19994,1-1.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.Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/key-economic-indicators-february-2012/details,id,19994,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/ausindustry-clean-technology-investment-program-applications-open/details,id,19565,1-1.aspxThe Clean Technology Investment Program is an $800 million competitive, merit-based grants program to support Australian manufacturers to maintain competitiveness in a carbon constrained economy. This program will provide grants for investments in energy efficient capital equipment and low pollution technologies, processes and products. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/ausindustry-clean-technology-investment-program-applications-open/details,id,19565,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/business-victoria-starting-and-managing-a-business-latest-small-business-case/details,id,19568,1-1.aspxRead the Latest Small Business Case Study on "ArtRocks"Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/business-victoria-starting-and-managing-a-business-latest-small-business-case/details,id,19568,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/china-victorian-government-trade-missions-september-2012/details,id,19553,1-1.aspxThe Department of Business and Innovation are coordinating trade missions to China now anticipated for September 2012. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/china-victorian-government-trade-missions-september-2012/details,id,19553,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/export-seminar-the-united-states-of-america/details,id,19549,1-1.aspxThe Department of Business and Innovation (DBI) Geelong team are coordinating a free seminar on Export to the United States of America. The Seminar will be led by in-market expert, Brian Carnahan, Senior Export Manager from the Victorian Government Business Office in San Francisco. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/export-seminar-the-united-states-of-america/details,id,19549,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/honorary-justice-volunteer-recruitment-information-session/details,id,19540,1-1.aspxThe Honorary Justice Office is currently seeking to recruit Bail Justices and Justices of the Peace in the Geelong region...Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/honorary-justice-volunteer-recruitment-information-session/details,id,19540,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/2012-geelong-advertiser-business-excellence-awards/details,id,18881,1-1.aspxRegister now to attend one of 14 FREE briefing workshops at a time and location to suit you. The Geelong Advertiser Business Excellence Awards provide an excellent opportunity to conduct a ‘health check’ for your business enabling you to showcase your business and be in the running for recognition as one of Geelong’s best.Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/2012-geelong-advertiser-business-excellence-awards/details,id,18881,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/free-export-seminar-south-korea-and-china/details,id,18821,1-1.aspxThe Department of Business and Innovation Geelong team is coordinating a free seminar on Export to South Korea and China. This seminar would be ideal for those involved in the following sectors: • Agribusiness • Education • Food & Wine • ICT Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/free-export-seminar-south-korea-and-china/details,id,18821,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/westpac-market-outlook-february-2012/details,id,18810,1-1.aspxOnce upon a time, there was a monetary union without a joint fiscal policy. The union was in turmoil due to concerns about sovereign solvency, financial system balance sheets, depression style unemployment in its periphery and no plan to reinstate desperately needed economic growth...Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/westpac-market-outlook-february-2012/details,id,18810,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/key-economic-indicators-january-2012/details,id,18385,1-1.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 BulletinTue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/key-economic-indicators-january-2012/details,id,18385,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/westpac-australian-weekly/details,id,18357,1-1.aspxWestpac Australian Weekly - Week beginning 30 January 2012Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/westpac-australian-weekly/details,id,18357,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/personal-property-securities-act/details,id,18202,1-1.aspxIS YOUR BUSINESS AT RISK? ARE YOU READY FOR 30 JANUARY 2012? Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/personal-property-securities-act/details,id,18202,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/smarter-homes-smarter-business-events/details,id,18236,1-1.aspxDesigning and Building more Sustainable HomesWed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/smarter-homes-smarter-business-events/details,id,18236,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/dont-get-your-back-up-just-back-up/details,id,18077,1-1.aspxRead this article from the Australian Financial Review on the importance of backing up your data.Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/dont-get-your-back-up-just-back-up/details,id,18077,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/please-support-industry-and-jobs-growth-in-geelong/details,id,18057,1-1.aspxThe Geelong Chamber seeks your help to support a $3.7mil funding application by the City of Greater Geelong to the Regional Development Australia Fund for infrastructure development within the Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct.Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/please-support-industry-and-jobs-growth-in-geelong/details,id,18057,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/geelong-vecci-training-2012/details,id,17976,1-1.aspxVECCI short course to be delivered in Geelong for the first half of 2012.Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/geelong-vecci-training-2012/details,id,17976,1-1.aspxhttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/learn-how-your-business-can-save-8-300-in-2012/details,id,17964,1-1.aspxVECCI understands that the concept of business sustainability can be a daunting one. To help you adapt to a carbon-constrained economy, we’ve created the online sustainability program www.growmethemoney.com.au. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.geelongchamber.com.au/news/learn-how-your-business-can-save-8-300-in-2012/details,id,17964,1-1.aspx