July 31 to August 2 was a busy and productive time for CPBC Board Members who attended the Chambers Forum and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Congress at the Convention Centre Darling Harbour.

The Chamber Forum brought together representatives of Chambers from all over NSW as well as interstate; representatives from the ACCI and international Chambers of Commerce also attended.

The Forum provided many opportunities for our Chamber to participate in workshops, network with other Chambers big and small, and garner ideas on how to improve our own Chamber to help provide solutions or suggestions for events that our Members may access and implement.

The day opened with a surprise keynote speaker: Tony Abbott, Leader of the Opposition, and later the Forum heard from Penny Wong, Minister for Finance. Both speakers were well received.

A Brave Training workshop tested our skills in body language and giving speeches. The workshop finished with two of CPBC’s representatives, Silvana Franze and Michelle Baldock, getting a 60 second pitch for CPBC in front of a packed room – not an easy ask! CPBC President Toni Franze also presented her table’s discussions from the Round Table talk on ‘Generating Revenue’.

At the ACCI dinner, the special guest of honour was the Hon. Barry O’Farrell MP.

The talks held over the next two days were very informative, the emphasis being on bringing your business up to date with social media – some companies creating new roles such as a ‘Chief Listening Officer’.

Michelle Baldock
Board Member