SEPTEMBER 2013
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september 2013
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News from the Board New Board Elected TGS held its annual general meeting on August 21 and a new board, with two new
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members, has been elected to represent you the members and our supporters. The board will meet for the first time on September12 and will be working on a strategic plan for the next 12 months, which will include quality member benefits
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including skills based workshops and networking events, efficient member communication methods and important issues to lobby on behalf of members. Writing a presidents report is a chance to reflect on the past 12 months and in doing so I can safely say TGS has made some serious inroads into serving its members better and we have worked hard to provide what the members have told us they want more
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of such as discounted marketing tools and opportunities, business skills workshops
Tourism Month
my full report. Unfortunately with such a poor attendance by members at the AGM
on topics of social media and web based promotion and better communication with members on where their membership fees are being used. Please CLICK HERE to read these successes were not celebrated as strongly as they deserved. TGS is enjoying the biggest membership base since its inception and it was very disappointing for the board to not have members involved in the AGM.
Tourism Month 2013 To that end, don’t forget Tourism Month is in October and if you didn’t participate in the calendar of events, you can support those that did by attending some of the
Members of the newly elected board are President: Cheryl Hammer (The Churches and Emerald Bank Leisure Land), Vice President: Ross Graham (GOTAFE Shepparton), Treasurer: Glenda Farrington (Central Shepparton Apartments), Secretary/ Click Here to ‘Like Us’
Administration support: Kate Smith and general board members are Annabel Thomas
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(Prominent Group), Tracey Toy (Kidstown), Maree Glasson (Visitor Information Centre) with new members Meliah Clarke (GOTAFE Shepparton) and Don Field (Shepparton Club). A representative of Shepparton Chamber of Commerce will be appointed in the coming months. You can find all their contact details on the Contact page if you would like to speak to anyone on the board. I look forward to working with the board and its members over the next 12 months.
events, or at least tell your customers and guests about them. See all the details on the Tourism Month page and hard copies of the calendar of events will be available later in the month for you to distribute. You will be notified when they are available. Our inaugural photography competition “Snap! Give it your best shot” is also a great way to be involved in our biggest project of the year so please support it . All the details are on the General News page and in the Tourism Month calendar of events booklet. Until next month, Cheryl Hammer President.
Finally, TGS, like most other business organisations, cannot ignore the challenging economic times we are experiencing in our region, in the fruit growing, general farming and retail sectors, however we take the view that it is an opportunity for the tourism industry to step up, be more proactive and ultimately help “fill the gaps” or “plug the holes” if you like, and be a driver of alternative economic activity in Greater Shepparton. Previous Page
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MEMBER NEWS
News from
Business Award Winners
The Board
Congratulations to Friars Cafe, Quest Shepparton and Emerald Bank Leisure Land, the latest nominees within various award categories of the the 2013 Powercor
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95 3SRFM Business Awards. See below why these proactive TGS members have received nominations. Hospitality Business Award - Friars Cafe Situated in the centre of Shepparton in a century old church, Friars Cafe serve breakfast, lunch and inbetween. Diners can choose inside, outside, upstairs, under
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the verandah or to pull up a pew downstairs and watch the action in the kitchen. Friars provides a seasonal menu that showcases the Goulburn Valley’s produce, and a selection of local wines, matched to its menu. A catering service is also available
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for 10 - 500 people. Friars is located in Fryers Street and is open seven days. CLICK HERE to visit the Friars Cafe website.
Tourism Month
Customer Service Award - Quest Shepparton Quest features a combination of 69 studio, one, two and three bedroom serviced apartments. Apartments feature a spacious living/dining area (excluding studios), controlled air conditioning, fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities (kitchenette in studios) and direct dial telephones with voicemail. Modern conveniences, including Austar and broadband internet access provides guests with state-ofthe-art comfort. Wheel chair access rooms are available and assistance animals are
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welcome. Quest also offer an on-site gymnasium and conference facilities for up to 70 people. Accommodation is available nightly, weekly or for long term stays. CLICK HERE to visit the Quest Shepparton website. Tourist Attraction Award - Emerald Bank Leisure Land Shepparton’s premier tourist complex, Emerald Bank is a family friendly destination with plenty to see and do, including shopping, adventure or relaxation. Pack a picnic and relax on the manicured lawns by the picturesque lake, or purchase coffee or lunch from the cafe. Entertain the kids with mini golf or at the Adventure Park on weekends and school holidays.
You’ll also find a function centre and
Emerald Bank is home of the award winning Shepparton Motor Museum. CLICK HERE to view the website. Photos supplied by The Adviser
Nominations have now closed for the 2013 awards however watch this space next month for more TGS businesses that were nominiated this year. Previous Page
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MEMBER NEWS Welcome New Members The Historical Society of Mooroopna The Historical Society of Mooroopna was established in 1983 to collect, preserve and display items of importance to the history of Mooroopna and district. Within the 15 rooms and large gallery area, visitors to the museum will find information and
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displays on war, sport, medical collections and Aboriginal history. It has recorded history of families, individuals, businesses, organisations, industry, agriculture and horticulture. You’ll also find early newspapers, maps, documents and heirloom
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clothing. The society’s medical collection is the largest in country Victoria. The Historical Society of Mooroopna is currently hosting the Shrine of Remembrance
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touring exhibition, titled ‘Indigenous Australians At War’ a collection from the Boer War to present. Visitors can view the exhibition for free from 11am - 3pm each Wednesday to Sunday until September 15. Please note these are special extended
Tourism Month
opening hours for this exhibition only. Normal hours are 11am - 3pm on a Wednesday and 1.30pm - 4pm on a Sunday. Other times are available by appointment.
TGS member Glenda Farrington has recently commenced a new business, aaa checkinn.
aaa checkinn provides accommodation providers with a ‘Virtual
Receptionist’ through the installation of an automatic 24 hour checkin kiosk. The kiosk can be designed to suit individual businesses and can be purchased out right or rented. The kiosk offers an easy to use touch screen that allows customers to check in under two minutes, collect cards for pre-booked rooms or after hours check
This is an ideal destination for visitors wanting to take in some local history and it is fantastic that we can boast the largest collection of medical history in country Victoria! The TGS board encourages you to visit the museum and this special exhibition. The museum is located in Park Street, Mooroopna within the former Grutzer House building. To visit the website CLICK HERE.
in. For more information CLICK HERE to visit the aaa checkinn website.
Southern Cross Ten Weeknights Hostings Hosting a Weeknights program at your business is an inexpensive opportunity to obtain a presence on television and to raise your business profile. Each month
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aaa checkinn
two lucky members have the opportunity to have a TGS subsidised hosting at their
Introducing Metzke + Allen TLC
business. At the monthly meeting, the board will draw out up to two members to receive a 50 percent subsidy, therefore members drawn out will only pay $165.
Metzke + Allen would like to inform fellow TGS members of a name change to its 10X Goulburn Valley operation. It will now be known as Metzke + Allen TLC. The name change reflects the goals set by the staff to offer businesses some TLC - Training, Leading and Coaching that is. The company’s move from 10X Goulburn Valley to its new brand is exciting, indicating the growth and opportunities it offers its clients. Metzke + Allen TLC assist small business owners in changing the way they think and act through training, leading and coaching
CLICK HERE to view a snippet of a Weeknights hosting that was filmed at Big 4 Shepparton East Holiday Park last year.
As you will see this
provides great promotion for your business and the opportunity to be inteviewed about any events, new products or facilities at your business. For more information please email Kate at info@tourismgreatershepparton.com.au
business owners and their teams, with the goal of making them more successful. CLICK HERE to visit the website.
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september 2013
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MEMBER BENEFITS gre
at d isc Gr
in
News from
The Board
TGS has three levels of membership, as listed below. The benefits to your business are invaluable and the
e at er
ov e
ries
She p pa rto n
discounts on advertising, free website listing, and placement of your brochures in the Greater Shepparton Visitors Centre, among other benefits, equate to approximately $800 in value which by far outweighs the cost
Member News Member Benefits
of your membership.
Tourism Month Calendar of Events
Full Member - $365 per year ... Just $1 per day • •
Placement of your business brochures in the Visitors Centre.
•
Free listing on the official visitor website, www.discovershepparton.com.au
•
Up to 15%* discount when advertising on Star FM or 3SR and the opportunity for a live cross at your business. For conditions and full details see the TGS
Contact Tourism Month
member newsletter. •
20%* discount on the casual rate when advertising on Southern Cross Ten.
•
The opportunity to host a Southern Cross Ten Weeknights program at your business subsidised by TGS by 50%*, at this rate members only pay $165 inc.
•
Discounts when advertising in Goulburn River Valley Tourism publications.
•
Free exposure for your event during Greater Shepparton Tourism Month in October.
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October 2013
Bo nu
fo r
s! mo re spe cia l of de tai ls on fer s, see ins the se gr ea ide t de
al s
Exclusive member discounts, up to 50% off when advertising in various tourism publications including 52 Great Discoveries.
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Visit Greater Shepparton to experience... • Art • Country racing • Culture • Food • Markets • Open days • Live music and theatre • Sport
•
Monthly TGS member newsletter.
•
Business profile/news in the TGS newsletter.
•
Feature in the newsletter after joining as a member.
•
Post your business events, news on the TGS Facebook page.
•
Your business included as a ‘featured’ like on the TGS facebook page for two
Registered Non - Profit Organisation Benefits - $200 per year •
Registered Not For Profit Organisations will receive Full Membership Benefits.
Friends of Tourism Member Benefits - $85 per annum •
A link to networking meetings with industry relevant guest speakers.
•
Invite to participate in professional development workshops and training
•
opportunities at a TGS member discounted rate when available.
•
Monthly TGS member newsletter.
* Conditions apply
weeks per year. •
Invite to present at a Visitors Centre product information night.
•
Collaborative marketing and promotional opportunities when available.
•
5% discount on printing at Willprint Shepparton.
•
A link to networking meetings with industry relevant guest speakers.
•
Invite to display brochures/products at Trade Shows where TGS is participating.
•
Invite to participate in professional development workshops and training
USEFUL MEMBER LINKS Membership Benefits list CLICK HERE Membership Renewal Form CLICK HERE
opportunities at a TGS member discounted rate when available. •
Up to 25% discount on industry familiarization tours run by the Visitors Centre.
•
Access and support from the Board (initial contact by email please).
•
Minutes from monthly Board meetings.
•
Invitation to the Annual General Meeting.
•
Membership Logo display sticker for the current financial year. Previous Page
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Business Listing on the Discover Shepparton website CLICK HERE TGS Facebook Page CLICK HERE Discover Shepparton Calendar of Events CLICK HERE Discover Shepparton Facebook Page CLICK HERE Greater Shepparton Business Centre training events CLICK HERE
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GENERAL NEWS Snap... Give It Your Best Shot TGS is launching its inaugural ‘Snap... Give It Your Best Shot’ amateur photographic competition during Tourism Month. The competition is open to Greater Shepparton
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development opportunity in October as part of Tourism Month. Have you ever
local tourism ambassador through creative photography. Capture images within
wondered why your website doesn’t appear at the top, or at least on the first page
Greater Shepparton based on the following themes -
of a search list? Search engines are the more popular ways for consumers to find
•
Attractions
your products and services online, in fact 80% of websites are found through search
•
Natural environment
engines, how does your website rank?
•
Local produce and product
•
Events and festivals
Attend the three hour workshop and learn how search engine optimisation (SEO) can
•
Sporting events
improve your website ranking and deliver more targeted customers. Presenter and
Prizes will be awarded and the top 10 entries under these themes, as selected by the
Digital Strategist, Tim Gentle of Design Experts, has 10 years marketing and online
judges will go on display during December in various locations around Shepparton.
marketing experience and will cut through all the technical jargon to make it easy for you to understand. During this interactive workshop you will learn the tips and tricks
Prizes awarded in open and youth categories $250
2nd
$100
on increasing the ability of your website being found and how you can immediately
3rd
implement what you have learnt, saving you valuable marketing dollars. Attendees
$50
Shepparton Camera
Shepparton Camera
Shepparton Camera
House voucher,
House voucher,
House voucher,
framing to the value
and public display
and public display
of $100 and public
of entry.
of entry.
are encouraged to ask questions to ensure they get the most from the workshop. DATE AND TIME:
Thursday, October 31, 2013, 9.30am - 12.30pm
$40 TGS members, or $75 non members
COST:
VENUE:
display of entry. on Facebook
Responding to your recent feedback, TGS is pleased to offer you a professional
residents and encourages them to be inspired by Tourism Month and become a
1st
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You Asked For It ... Here Is Your Opportunity!
The Connection, KidsTown
Bookings are essential, watch this space for more information, or email info@tourismgreatershepparton.com.au.
Guidelines and an entry form will be available later this month from Shepparton Camera House, McKellars Office and Framing Service or via email request to
The TGS board would like to thank The Connection for providing the venue.
info@tourismgreatershepparton.com.au.
Local Tourism Blog
How Can You Get Invovled? •
Promote the link to the guidelines and entry form on your website and facebook page to your customers.
•
Obtain an electronic copy of the entries to showcase the local area to your customers within your business via a television screen or digital photo frame.
•
Offer your business as a location for the display of entries during December 2013 (you must be able to display at least 10 A4 size photos and be open to the public seven days per week).
For more information please email Kate at info@tourismgreatershepparton.com.au Previous Page
TGS recently partnered with the Shepparton News to bring readers a weekly online blog to keep them informed about what is happening in the area each week through the top five things to do and to provide some interesting tourism statistics. The blog is written by TGS President, tourism operator and journatlist, Cheryl Hammer. Ensure you jump online and read this blog each week and share the link on your website and facebook page to encourage your customers to become regular readers. Cheryl is happy to hear from you as to what you offer for people to do locally, she cannot guarantee that all ideas and requets can be published however your suggestions may just inspire the theme of her next blog! CLICK HERE to read the blog.
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september 2013
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GENERAL NEWS Visitors Centre Update Visitors Centre staff and council officers have been working actively with its
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insurers to settle a complex insurance claim to the best benefit of the industry
EVENT:
Visitors Centre information session and update on the
been assessed by insurers to be destroyed beyond repair and council has received
progress following the significant fire on May 12, 2013
notification this week that a contractor has been appointed to demolish the former
DATE & TIME: Monday, September 23, 2013 from 5.30pm to 6.30 pm
Visitors Centre building. Demolition will occur once permits have been finalised. Industry and the community will be made aware of the timeline for these works.
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Visitors Centre Information Session
and the community. The former Visitors Centre building, located at the Lake, has
Visitors Centre operations have continued from council’s Welsford Street office,
VENUE: Eastbank Centre, Function Room 2,
80 Welsford Street, Shepparton
RSVP:
to email CLICK HERE, or phone Maree on 0428 355 523
and visitor numbers have increased by 20% over the last month. The need for a
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standalone centre (separate to the operations of council) is acknowledged in order to fully meet the needs of visitors and operators. Council officers have been actively pursuing opportunities for the relocation of the Centre to recommence standalone
Tourism Month
operations on a short to medium term basis until a new centre is built. Officers are in the final stages of negotiation to secure a commercial lease which will allow time to research, develop and build a new centre. The selection of the site has taken into account the need for a central, accessible location with proximity to amenities, attractions and parking (including long vehicle and coach parking). Planning for the new site is in keeping with the recommendations of the recently released Visitors Information Centres Futures Report - commissioned by Tourism Victoria and
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the Victorian Tourism Industry Council. Council is working to ensure this work is completed prior to the onset of the busy season and Greater Shepparton Tourism Month in October. Staff have been working with suppliers and industry to progress
Expose Your Business To 50 000 People One of the valuable benefits of being a TGS member is the opportunity to display your brochures within the Visitors Centre. This is the first point of contact for travellers and for locals looking for options for their visiting family and friends. The Centre assists more than 50 000 people each year and a further 3000 visit the Discover Shepparton website each month. Are you making the most of this opportunity? The TGS board encourages you to drop by the Visitors Centre to introduce yourself to staff and volunteers and provide them with a stock of your most current brochures. Whilst there, don’t forget to inform them of any events that you may have coming up in the future and ensure your business listing on the Visitor’s Centre website www.discovershepparton.com.au is correct and up to date.
the opening as a matter of priority.
Event-full Summer Promotion
The Greater Shepparton City Council, Visitors Centre staff and volunteers are aware
Show on October, 11 - 12, 2013. The display will be promoting all the things that can
of the impact the present operating arrangements may be having on visitors to the
be discovered in Greater Shepparton’s backyard over the summer months, as well as
region along with operators that rely on the Visitors Centre to handle enquiries and
the wonderful array of events, including:
The Visitors Centre is coordinating a cooperative display at this year’s Shepparton
refer business. The Visitors Centre will continue to provide updates to industry via
Activities in the Park (including the Visitors Centre program of guided walks);
Tourism Greater Shepparton’s monthly newsletter, to the TGS board, via e-blasts,
Greater Shepparton Tourism Month;
social media, and at an upcoming industry forum to which all tourism industry
Festival; Community celebrations including Christmas events; Australia Day.
SheppARTon Festival;
Summer Film
stakeholders are invited to attend. Please refer to the right hand side of this page for full details and your invite to attend.
TGS members (particularly those hosting ‘Tourism Month’ events are invited to assist with staffing the exhibit, particularly on the Saturday for a 2 hour stint of their choosing. Contact Maree Glasson at the Visotrs Centre on 5832 9501 if you can assist.
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GENERAL NEWS Greater Shepparton Events Bringing Visitors To Town Below is a snap shot of the events to be held in Greater Shepparton during September - October 2013. The Greater Shepparton Tourism & Events team work with a number of groups and associations to encourage visitation through events to the region. Research shows that events deliver strong social and economic benefit along with raising the profile of our region in the minds of visitors. For more details on how you can be involved please contact the organisers or Council’s Events team on (03) 5832 9700.
Member Benefits General News
Event
Date
3hr Enduro Cross
14 September
Tourism Month
Mount Major,
Estimated
Appr. %
2013
of visitors
attendance
to region
150
50%%
Website or More Information
Event information
http://www.gvmtbc.com/
Enduro mountain bike racing will be held on
Dookie
Country Mountain
Contact
Location
the famous Mt Major course. Entries available online and prize money up for grabs. Racing
Bike Event
from 1pm. Veteran Car Club
15 - 21
Shepparton
of Australia -
September
Showgrounds
300
80%
http://www.veterancarclub.org.au/events.html
Vintage cars of all shapes and sizes will be in Shepparton for a week of activities and tours. The public can see them up close on
National Rally
Wednesday, September 18 at Victoria Park Lake. Golf Teams
16 - 17
Shepparton
Championship
September
Golf Club
KidsFest
21 - 22
SPCA
September
KidsTown
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25%
http://www.parmaker.com/vvga/
Victorian Veterans Golfers Association - Teams Championship Event.
http://www.sheppkidsfest.com.au/home.php
For families with kids up to 12 years. Stage areas, craft, Sports Zone, two sideshow
on Facebook
alleys, stalls, scarecrow alley, displays, roving entertainment. National Trans-
28 - 29
Tasman Quarter
September
Tatura Park
50%
Contact: Kim Johnson 0427 667 886 for more
An Australian Quarter Horse Assoc. and
information.
American Quarter Horse Assoc. of NZ event. Consists of clinics and competition.
Horse Show Nu Vogue Dance
4 - 6 October
Community
200
10%
Local and interstate dancers. Friday night
Group - Annual
Centre,
ball, tickets at the door. Saturday roving
Ball.
Murchison
roast, tickets must be pre-purchased. Sunday dancing, tickets at the door.
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Contact
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Please send all correspondence to: Tourism Greater Shepparton, PO Box 110, Shepparton VIC 3632 ABN: 41 505 178 163
Tourism Greater Shepparton Board Member Contacts President
Cheryl Hammer
Vice President Ross Graham
General News Contact Tourism Month
The Churches
0410 561 934
stay@thechurches.com.au
GOTAFE
0428 709 848
rgraham@gotafe.vic.edu.au
Treasurer
Glenda Farrington Central Shepparton Apartments
0428 194 799
centralshepp@bigpond.com.au
Secretary
Kate Smith Marketing & Project Management
0418 382 985
info@tourismgreatershepparton.com.au
Board Member Don Field Shepparton Club
0418 804 116
gm@sheppartonclub.com.au
Board Member
Kidstown
0411 856 263
tracey.toy@kidstown.org.au
Board Member Annabel Thomas
Prominent Group
0417357300
annabel@myacn.net.au
Board Member Meliah Clarke
GOTAFE
5833 3916
meclarke@gotafe.vic.edu.au
Council Rep Maree Glasson
Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre
5831 4400
maree.glasson@shepparton.vic.gov.au
Chamber Rep
Tracey Toy
Position yet to be filled.
Please submit all newsletter content for consideration by the board to Kate Smith at info@tourismgreatershepparton.com.au by the 27th of each month. Click Here to ‘Like Us’ on Facebook
Meet the Board Members Below are your Tourism Greater Shepparton board members. Be sure to look out for details of the next Tourism Greater Shepparton members networking function where you can meet the board members in person.
Cheryl Hammer, Ross Graham, Glenda Farrington, Don Field, Tracey Toy, Annabel Thomas, Maree Glasson, Meliah Clarke (no photograph included) Previous Page
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TOURISM MONTH Tourism Month Is Almost Here! We have had a positive response with the submission of more than 60 events and
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13 sponsors. Both event holders and sponsors are looking forward to the great exposure that they will receive for their event and or business during Tourism Month. The new look, pocket size Calendar Of Events looks fantastic and is about to hit local mail boxes in the next couple of weeks. A link to the electronic version of the calendar will be emailed to members in the near future. Please add this link to your
General News
website, facebook page and customer emails.
Greater Shepparton Tourism Month 2013 Sponsors Thank you to the 2013 sponsors of Tourism Month. Please support these valuable sponsors who are assisting us to showcase the fantastic attractions and experiences on offer to both locals and visitors to the area.
Tourism Month Calendar of Eve
nts
Visit Greater Shep October 2013 parton to expe • Art • Country rience... racing • Culture • Open days • • Food • Markets Live music and theatre • Spor t
TGS has this year put on two of its own events. As you will have already read within
Contact
this newsletter, TGS is excited to announce the inaugural ‘SNAP ... Give It Your Best Shot’ amateur photo competition. The board believe this a great way to obtain much needed photography for promotional purposes whilst at the same time encouraging
Tourism Month
residents to be inspired by Tourism Month and become local tourism ambassadors through creative photography. The second event is a professional development workshop. The request for more opportunities for professional development for members, particularly in the areas of marketing/electronic media, was a strong theme within the recent member survey results and also when speaking to members personally. To that end the board looks forward to bringing you a workshop at the end of Tourism Month on ‘Search Engine Optimisation’, something every business
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with a website needs to know about. For full details of both of these events please refer to the General News page or email info@tourismgreatershepparton.com.au
rism Month
pparton
Tourism Month is another great benefit of being a member of TGS. It provides the option to promote your event within 25 000 Calendar of Events brochures distributed during Tourism Month each October for FREE. Calendars are distributed across Greater Shepparton and into surrounding regions therefore the ideal way to promote your event to both visitors and locals. It is also promoted via television, radio, newspaper and an electronic copy is placed on Greater Shepparton’s official visitor website and on the TGS facebook page. Events raise your business profile and have the potential to increase your customer base. With so many options for marketing your event for free this is a great opportunity and one that you should consider incorporating within your planning annually to grow and promote your business. Previous Page
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