Issue 1 January 2011
Driver’s Seat
Job Boards
Spirit of enterprise
Moving on Magento
GTR
My Business
X Factor & Fishnets
producing the brand
in Focus
The Associates
400 titles later
forums and finance
Melbourne Conferences & Events spreading the good word
Graphic Design aka Arty Farty department
Administration
Bulletins & Publications
results you can calculate
a serious venture
Spirit Of Enterprise Matt’s Chat
elcome to 2011 and the first
With Magento as a platform users and
is heading up online development – new
issue of CommStrat Chat,
clients and customers have a profile, we can
business online, and to lead sales in events out
designed to bring everyone
see what they do and learn how to monetize
of the Melbourne office. We’re all very positive
up to speed on all current and
that, and it allows us to track and see the
about his return, Scott has lots to offer.
future activities. Plus a bit of
results of things. We can use the commerce
With this business the big opportunity – if
history, given this is the inaugural issue and
functionality instead of manually processing
you look at traditional media business as it is
many staff are keen to learn more about the
forms and it also enables direct payments of
– we have a reasonable amount of publishing
range of CommStrat services.
accounts.
revenue and our events revenue is growing
From a content management system
First things first…
nicely. What we don’t have is much online
everyone can start taking responsibility for
revenue besides the Job Boards. Online
the URLs they look after and if they want to
advertising revenue – that is where we are
for another year of strong growth. We’re
change a banner or something – add a few
seeing significant growth, CommStrat needs
tapping into smart new technologies;
articles – they do not have to take up hours of
more exposure to that.
capitalising on the success of the Job Boards;
Madi’s time. If they have the right PDF format
casting a wider net for conferences; and
they can upload it and it’s on in six or seven
yearly results — we’ve got the preliminary
driving the evolution of GTR and expansion of
minutes. It’s quick and efficient.
internal ones at the moment – are looking
It’s no secret that CommStrat is positioned
Focus. Plus lots more.
The first couple of websites are just about
In other matters I’m pleased to say the half-
good. I think that’s a reflection on the effort of
ready to be rolled over to Magento and I’d like
all the staff. The past six months have been
December Teambuilding session and during
to see all of them completed by the end of
pretty big for this business and to come out
the Christmas break I started building plans
March but we’ll prioritise.
with the result is pretty good. We are now
Many ideas were presented at the
into the business. And as part of the Job
And in due course our Domain name will
unfettered in terms of with what we can
Review announced late last year, I’ve aligned
move to CommStrat but this requires a bit of
achieve over the next twelve months. And
the goals with what people can achieve and
planning, so as part of the web changes all
beyond that who knows what …
also their KPIs.
URLs, including the corporate website, will be
Everyone knows their jobs and responsibilities but they will also be focused
pointed to CommStrat. Our corporate website has a good-looking
on filling all those components and tasks of
format; I want it to be sharp and crisp and
getting us to the next level. We’ll be following
it also needs to align with the corporate
up on these plans in the first quarter and
branding strategy which is to effectively bring
implementing them over the next six months.
the CommStrat brand forward, give it more
In a recent discussion with teambuilding facilitator Peter Shields he mentioned what a
prominence. Hallmark Editions will always be the
fantastic bunch of staff we have – and that is
trading company, this helps avoid confusion.
great feedback from a bloke who’s conducted
But CommStrat is our ASX listed name and
sessions for many of our top corporations.
Hallmark Editions has varying degrees of take
You will have heard the name Magento many times at the teambuilding session. In a nutshell it’s an integrated online solution. Currently we have bits all over the place
in the market – some view it as good, others not so good. In recent staff moves we welcome Patrick Hardy to the GTR team and Simone Benson,
and we are not monetizing some of our
Event Coordinator. Based in the Sydney office
good URLs. For example My Business under
Simone’s role is day-to-day management
performs compared to its contemporaries
of the operations side of events, support for
in the market and we have an opportunity
Sandii in My Business and also the GTR team.
to support our other mediums with this great offering.
2 | Commstrat chat
Scott McKinnon has returned to the fold and there are two elements to his role: one
Full steam ahead Let’s now take a closer look at who’s doing what…
Focus Publishing www.focus.com.au
Team leader: Jaqui Lane. Staff: Peter Hock (Editor), Sam Collier (Client Services Executive which involves coordinating clients’ material and liaising with the creative team), Cem (pronounced Gem) Ozturk (Sales, currently based in Singapore) and newcomer Ben Lusk (Sales). Late last year Phil Jones upped stumps to relocate to the scenic South Island of New Zealand where – when not landing the next big catch – he may work on special projects.
Securing Australia’s Water Future This one’s a book and a conference, with Brian Rault securing sponsorship and profiles. The book will be launched at the Water Conference in July 2011.
Background: With a mission to create high-quality books for business
Power of 100
and government, Focus was founded in 1989 by Jaqui Lane and leading
The Focus team is also applying finishing touches to The Power of 100.
Australian businessman Steven Rich. In less than two decades Focus
100 Women who have shaped Australia. Crafted on behalf of Westpac
has published more than 400 titles and worked throughout Australia,
this beautifully presented publication showcases the diverse range of
Asia, the Middle East and Europe. In 2009 CommStrat acquired Focus.
women who have helped shape Australia. It will be launched nationwide
The Focus team is currently assembling – in some cases finalising – a
on March 8 to celebrate the bank’s 100th anniversary. And in recognition
large range of books.
of International Women’s Day, Foxtel is assembling a series about some of the women; this goes to air in February.
Powering Australia
Focus is also working on a number of corporate histories including:
An annual publication on the electricity sector in Australia. Vol 4 was
Uniting Care–Burnside, Motorama, the Commonwealth Bank (100 in
launched by Federal Minister Martin Ferguson in Nov 2010; Vol 5 will be
November 2011), and is in discussion with Telstra and Amcor about
launched in Sept 2011 at the Powering Conference.
history books.
Australian Education 2010 – Passport to a Global Career (Vol 3)
histories and specialist industry sector books or corporate histories
Published in November 2010 this book showcases the best Australia
predominantly use offshore printers as they are significantly cheaper
has to offer by marketing the competitive advantages of Australian
and our timelines mostly allow for the extra shipping time.” Print
education here and through international campuses.
runs range from 2000 to up to 50,000 copies. All content is specially
What do Focus books have in common? “In the main they are that take from six months to two years to produce,” Jaqui says. “We
commissioned and where the book is a corporate history the client
Saudi Arabia and Australia The book romises to be a great read about these two nations that share
usually retains the copyright.
a significant bilateral relationship and are positioned for strong growth
New Business opportunities:
based on existing trade, cultural, and person-to-person linkages. Due for
Focus’ target market for corporate histories is the top 1000 companies
publication in June 2011
in Australia. It takes about four to six months from an initial discussion to sign a contract for a corporate book. The ‘average’ corporate book
Japan–Australia
contract is worth $150,000–$200,000. If you have any ideas or good
The second book on this bi-lateral relationship will be sold by Cem and
contacts with a company ask them if they’ve ever thought about
published in February 2012 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the
creating a book – Jaqui can then meet with them and develop the lead.
Australia–Japan Business Cooperation Committee
There is more: Focus is now working with the conference teams to build up books/annuals around key conference topics, ie Water, Power,
Stories from the Road – Vol 2
Digital Cities. So remember, think of what Focus might be able to create
Due to launch in June 2011 this book continues the tradition
in your area.
of acknowledging the value of the trucking industry.Also in production: CILTA 75 Gems a high-quality, 160-page, full-colour, hardcover publication.
Did you know? Focus turns 22 this year and started off in a small office with no windows in Double Bay with Jaqui, a desk + phone and a Business Who’s Who.
ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2011 | 3
Government Technology Review Team leaders: Steve Congerton (Publisher), Simon Sharwood (Editor). Staff: Chris Rodrigues (National Sales and Marketing Manager – conferences and events); Shahida Sweeney (Senior Conference Director); Peter McKim (Graphic Designer, EDM Manager and Online sales Manager); Patrick Hardy (Manager Customer Services); and Melbourne based Brian Rault (Sales Manager).
Magazine, website and conferences dedicated to discussion of information technology in the public sector. For more information see www.govtechreview.com.au
The brainchild of publisher Steve Congerton,
fast captured attention among the target
infrastructure and Local Government and
aka Congo, the 60-page magazine GTR is a
market of government ICT decision makers –
our conferences dovetail nicely with the ICT
relative newcomer that is edited by Simon
and cheque signers – across the three tiers
strengths of GTR as well as Local Government
Sharwood. With its top line-up of writers and
of government in Australia and in Central &
and infrastructure with our sister publication
contributors, GTR showcases the latest in
Local Government in New Zealand.
Council Manager.
all things related to technological advances.
Complementing the publication are GTR
“We also want to get the GTR brand into
GTR is circulated to 15,000 government ICT
events that zoom in on the high-end of
New Zealand, to have a Tasman footprint.
stakeholders, universities and all 80 councils
technology enterprise. GTR’s ambitious
Why? With our close economic ties it
in New Zealand and attracts big name
agenda for 2011 kicks off in Canberra, in late
represents the ninth Australian state! And they
advertisers such as motor manufacturers,
February, with the Cloud Computing Forum.
need a bit of competition when it comes to
global ICT corporations and office suppliers. As
In May the team addresses hot topics in
publishing and conferencing!” One thousand copies of GTR are already
the publication continues to build enormous
the Broadband Australia Summit at Dockside,
interest advertising sales are revving up, with
Sydney’s Darling Harbour, which has also
circulated to New Zealand’s 80+ councils and
Brian in the hot seat.
been selected as the best host venue for
in a bid to further boost CommStrat’s presence
Water Business Australia (July), Future City
Congo has brokered a deal with Auckland-
GTR magazine was launched on June 24, 2010
Development/Retirement (August), Customer
based Hawkehurst Media to sell advertising
to a crowd of 200+ government bureaucrats
Contact Point (Sept) and DIMS ie Digital
features in GTR and Council Manager and My
and technology suppliers at Sydney’s Hilton
Information (November).
Business magazine “and any other part of
Notable for its eye-catching cover images,
hotel. Since then GTR has
Completing the round is the Data Security Storage conference also being held in November, but at the nearby SCEC. For those counting that’s seven conferences
To date GTR’s business (magazine and conferences) consolidated revenues have topped $800,000, just $300,000 short of the
being written by Shahida (who sources all the
$1.1 earmarked for this financial year – and
high-calibre speakers/presentations) and sold
there’s still another five months to go. Income
by Chris (to key selected sponsors).
for the 2011 calendar year is targeted to reach
“We’re all about creating bespoke events,” says Congo. “CommStrat’s strengths lie in
Design for the forthcoming premier issue of the Government Suppliers Guide.
4 | Commstrat chat
CommStrat if they want to get involved”.
$2 million and the year beyond (Jan to Dec 2012) $2.5 million.
New look GTR Redesigns and a new name Some of the conceptual redesigns for the Government Technology Review magazine — along with new titling of the publication to GTR!
Did you know? Rocky horror! Out of work Brian Rault is a rock star! Parading on stage as Dr Frank-n-Furter, George Michael, Robbie Williams and more, Brian founded and manages the funky versatile corporate show band Big City Beat www.BigCityBeat.com.au During the past 12
Talent quest – CommStrat’s very own X Factor
months the band has performed in Singapore
Anyone else with hidden talents? How about
and Beijing and ... drum roll ... on NYE
sharing them with staff? Or maybe you have
entertained revellers in Muscat, Oman. And
an interesting hobby? A fabulous garden?
what CommStrat end-of-year party would be
An intriguing ornament? Cute pet? A funny
complete without the circulation of scary, very
photo of some sort? If so please send in your
scary, pics of Brian dressed in drag? Lock up
colourful contribution for an upcoming issue
your daughters. Sons too.
of Chat.
ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2011 | 5
My Business Background: With extensive and regular coverage of all things marketing, technology, taxation, finance and management – interspersed with colour features on enterprises and entrepreneurs that showcase the passion and pride in building a business – My Business retains top spot as the leading magazine for small to medium enterprises. With circulation standing at a smidgin under 30,000 the magazine continues to attract high profile advertisers. In late 2010 My Business was treated to a makeover and the first of the slick new-look magazines hit the newsstands in October. The facelift was top of the agenda for the newly appointed and award winning editor Simon Sharwood (previously long-term technology editor) who simultaneously secured fresh new talent in the form of three hot-shot freelance reporters (Nat, Lia and Tiffany). Kick-starting the year is the February issue brimming with topical features including a look at the future landscape for business. MB reporters managed to pin down some big names, among them the preeminent – and eminently amusing – social demographer Bernard Salt. Look out too for the series of sharp-shooting interviews on aspects of tertiary education which gets in-depth coverage in the upcoming issue. Also moving along is the MB website ... the eye-catching new layout is set to be unveiled prior to Easter. Currently Uber design’s Alan Jason and CommStrat’s Madi are working to deliver a refreshing new look website that readers will find easy to navigate as well as useful and informative. Produced 11 times a year (the December and January issues are rolled into one) MB is available on newsstands, by subscription and through targeted bulk distribution arrangements. Complementing the magazine is the e-newsletter that is distributed to thousands of readers twice monthly. In the next issue of CommStrat Chat we’ll take a look at the results of the reader survey and plans to develop the My Business brand. Meantime, visit www.mybusiness.com.au for more information
Did you know?
My Business was founded by David Koch back in 1990 and for many years he presented a TV program of the same name each Sunday morning. (And who could have missed the fact that the small screen is now the preferred medium of Kochie.) Hallmark took over MB in late 2005 and at its peak circulation reached 40,000. The Christmas issue (Dec 2010/Jan 2011) features sporty Santa on the cover – a familiar face perhaps?
Team leader: TBA Staff: Simon Sharwood (Editor) Tony May (Commercial Manager) and Christine Gould (sales); Kristi Holahan (Art Director). Writers: Natalie Apostolou (Marketing editor), Tiffany Hutton (Finance), Lia Timson (Technology) and Nicola Card (features). Also on the team is Sandii Mackary who as Sales Manager is organising a stellar program for the June Expo in Melbourne and October Expo in Sydney. Sandii will also be handling the annual MB Awards extravaganza in October.
6 | Commstrat chat
eam leaders: Russell Montgomery (Production Manager) and Tim Hartridge (Creative Director). Designers: Mitzi Mann, Kristi Holahan, Annette Epifanidis who help set/design the gamut of CommStrat print and digital publications and brochures. In addition design student interns Yanni Chen and Audrey Xu help out two days a week in the Sydney studio. Not forgetting web guru Madhuraka (Madi) Godahewa who – Russell tells us – also occasionally likes to tackle IT issues around the Melbourne office!
Tim has initiated Monday morning phone hook-ups enabling the team of designers based in Sydney and Melbourne to discuss upcoming workloads and critique current design projects such as Focus books, redesign of GTR and Council Manager (soon to incorporate Councillor). “The meetings are all part of the collaborative process we are keen to foster,” Tim says. “The idea behind the meeting is to have a forum
What else?
Once the aforementioned magazines and book projects are bedded
where designers can speak to designers. Staff in Sydney can upload
down the studio is keen to pitch for high quality business and
design concepts for Melbourne to review online, and vice versa.”
there appears no shortage of agencies and authorities outsourcing
Tim added that the online Art Gallery, which holds design concepts, is only accessible by the design team, not by other staff members “so that
design work.
when we submit redesign concepts we are getting qualified comment,
Did you know?
rather just interested opinion”.
Until recently Tim spent two years freelancing in design with the
Madi has joined the Monday meetings to provide design ideas and input which will translate into web design elements to be used by both
feather in his cap: The Diplomat, the Time-magazine-style current affairs publication that is now produced by an ex-pat living in Japan.
himself and the graphic design team. On the wish-list is a webcam that caters for groups, enabling staff located 900kms apart to eyeball each other. Once installed and operative other departments can take advantage of the technology for interstate
Photos above: Some of the conceptual design work for various
meetings without the flight tag.
CommStrat publications.
Team leader:
Staff:
Job Boards
Blake Duggin (National Sales and Advertising Manager).
Jeanne Pickering, Ben Hutchison and Brian Rault (various Job Boards); Ebony Wilson (Admin and Sales support – uploading the ads and maintaining client relationships via confirmation of the emails – also proud mum of wide-eyed, floppy-eared Lola, as pictured).
The Job Boards suite expanded last year with
users to self-load jobs. Other things can be
Friday
the October 2010 launch of Health Services
plugged in, for example streaming media.”
Managed by Blake, LGJobs www.lgjobs.com.
Jobs and Education Jobs. Each continues to
In other moves, within two months the
au lists new middle and senior level positions
gather steam, with Education successfully
team will be rolling out the new websites
available within the local government sector
capitalising on the well-established Research
redesigned by Uber in Sydney.
throughout Australia. It’s the largest of its
Jobs network. All up the team now manages
kind in Australia and is sent each week to all
Background/circulation dates: Monday
councils. Circulation 17,000.
enhancement with the imminent introduction
Blake’s EnviroJobs
com.au ResearchJobs revenue and ad counts
of Magento which eliminates the need to
www.envirojobs.com.au
has tripled within a year and is fast becoming
laboriously copy and paste the hundreds of
Listing jobs in the environment management,
recognised as a top resource.
ads received via email and fax each week. And
natural resource, environmental engineering,
it comes with many more benefits.
environmental health and environmental
Job Board features searchable fields ranging
Sounds enigmatic, what is it?
science fields. EnviroJobs boasts a mighty
from states to specialised fields, and each
“Magento is smart and revolutionary, a whole
18,000 subscribers.
Board features its own dedicated database
new world,” Blake says. “Instead of typing
Brian’s WaterJobs www.waterjobs.com.au
that is maintained by CommStrat. Collectively
in the background which has been a security
Blake’s Planning Jobs www.planjobs.com.
the websites receive over half a million hits
risk – we’ve been hacked into a few times – it
au is a weekly email service that lists new
per month, 450,000 of which relate to LG Jobs
collects data for us. We’ve got user name
positions available within the planning sector
with users making good use of the search
passwords and can harvest user information;
Ben’s RoadJobs www.roadjobs.com.au : new
functions. Importantly, the Job Boards are
we know what areas they are working
middle and senior level positions available
number one on relevant Google searches.
in and can cross reference and use that
within the local government and road sectors.
nine Job Boards. The suite of Job Boards is set for
By way of example when a user logs on a pop up message appears to the effect:
compete with a couple of others that were
Ben’s Engineering Jobs Australasia
doing well. But now, for the past five years
engjobs.net.au : 3000 subscribers/readers.
we’ve been number one, we’ve overtaken – in fact smashed – our competitors and now own
subscribed to Council Manager. You are not
Wednesday
subscribed to ... Your Ad Pack currently has
Jeanne’s EducationJobs and
credits of...’
HealthServicesJobs – newcomers that
“It’s a smart, user friendly and personalised
8 | Commstrat chat
“LG was the initial and our flagship Job
Tuesday
‘Welcome back to LG Jobs, you are also
operating system that comes with options for
For the convenience of job seekers each
Board that we launched eight years ago to
information within conferencing and our other publications.”
ResearchJobs (Jeanne) www.researchjobs.
complement existing Job Boards. (Earmarked for extensive marketing this year.)
the market,” Blake says. “We want to do this with all the other Job Boards too. “Of the new launches Education is set to be very big, there are 27 key universities and we
Melbourne Conferences and Events
want to have great relationships with them all, like we do with government now.” As many as 230 councils have signed up for Ad Packs, enabling pre-paid accounts for substantial savings and a logo in the Featured
In the team led by Scott: Conference Producers are Scott Matthews, Ben Hutchison and Maya Gorelik. Also Denise McQueen (Conference Manager extraordinaire) looks after registration and venues for this and other CommStrat conference teams. Scott McKinnon will soon join the team to sell sponsorship and exhibition.
Advertisers section of the e-newsletter and website, and the already-healthy Job Board
The team is staging numerous conferences throughout 2011. In the first half of the year: OH+S
revenues look set to rise substantially.
in Local Govt (organised by Ben), 6th Roads Engineering (Scott), Melbourne Planning Summit
“Our target now is to increase revenue from a standard $35,000 weekly to $50,000. Our target is $1.8 for this financial year and $2.4 million next year,” Blake says.
(Ben), Local Govt and NBN (Ben), Australian Small Bridges (Scott), Govt Recruitment and Retention (Maya) and NSW Sustainable Development (Maya). And continuing the momentum in the second half of the year: Local Govt Sustainable Development (Maya), International Flexible Pavements Conference (Scott), Powering Australia (Maya), and Metropolitan Planning Summit (Maya). A long list that demands a top line-up of savvy speakers, thousands of seats to be filled and
Did you know? More than 120,000 people in local
hundreds of eager sponsors and exhibitors. Fortunately the team has it all in hand. Talking to Maya (pronounced My-ahh) who joined CommStrat in the latter half of 2010 there
government, business and the environment
are several tricks of the trade that work well in spreading the good word to entice attendees.
tap into the various Job Boards on a regular
“I definitely recommend using Traction – you can send out email broadcasts that include links to
basis and the related websites which attract
articles to potential delegates and check who has opened them then do a follow-up for interest
up to half a million readers monthly are
... that is one of the best methods!
amongst the most popular in Australia in their particular fields.
“Podcasts are good too – all you need do is set up a time with one of your key speakers and either interview them over the phone or face to face. I record the interview on a digi-recorder and enlist Madi’s help to upload it to the website! I also send this link out to potential delegates via traction. This has a twofold effect. It adds to our credibility as an organisation and it also shows what marketing tools potential delegates respond to better. ” Maya also circulates general email broadcasts to potential delegates and supplements
On a lighter note:
awareness via Council Manager and LG News. “I do a lot of market research myself to find out who are the relevant people. I also try to source out delegate lists from other conferences and use CommStrat’s database. The email broadcasts could contain information about early bird
Out-of-office auto reply: “I
specials, new speakers etc. Most of the time I like to provide a hyperlink to a relevant article that I have read in the email. Again, this positions me as one of their peers and builds up credibility.
will be unable to delete all the
“It is a little bit early to say, but for my first conference (Government Recruitment and Retention), I would expect around 100 delegates. I would say that the sustainability conferences
unread, worthless emails you
will attract more delegates because it is such a hot topic at the moment.”
send me until I return from
one to chat to if you‘re on the hunt for a decent venue in any town or city in any state.
holidays in mid-January. Please
Background:
As for suitable venues ...with hundreds of conferences to her name, Denise McQueen is the
There’s no denying the conference industry took a hit during the GFC but all signs are it has
be patient and your mail will
sprung right back and CommStrat is poised to deliver a wider variety of events than ever before, with a tally of around 25 conferences across all sectors.
be deleted in the order it was received.”
Did you know? The Melbourne Conference Team is collaborating with the Job Boards team to promote the boards and conferences at the same time. Blake will even be making his debut as a speaker at the Govt Recruitment and Retention Conference with Maya assisting Blake in some market research in order to help position him, and CommStrat Boards, as industry leaders.
ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2011 | 9
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Bulletins and Publications Rounding up the CommStrat library: With 11 online issues a year The Australian Venture Capital Journal (editor Adrian Herbert) provides reliable industry news and information to assist all professionals in the private equity finance industry. The AVC Journal is complemented by a hard copy AVC Guide that is produced annually. Published by Private Equity Media www.privateequitymedia.com.au Local Government News is the weekly online news bulletin that focuses on issues directly relating to Australia’s 560 councils (it is compiled by Rex Pannell who doubles as lunch-time Age Quiz Master – a reflection of his years in commercial radio news). Enviro Info Premium (editor Rex) the fortnightly online service aimed at professionals in the areas of environmental and natural resource management. Rex also edits, writes stories and arranges contributor articles for the bi-monthly Roads magazine. Edited by Ben, Council Manager which was launched in 2007 provides local govt managers with news and info in a bid to enhance council performance. Now there is a move to get the publication in to New Zealand. And in other news, Councillor is being merged into Council Manager and the design team is currently brainstorming the best new-look layout for optimum appeal. Look out for the first new issue due out in March 2010. Connections (editor Nicola), on behalf of the Australian Canvas and Synthetic Products Association Inc (ACASPA). The mag is blessed by the plethora of images showcasing stunning architect designed structures.
10 | Commstrat chat
pcoming events include the annual FTA Debt Markets
required; and membership management – maintenance of membership
Update forums (Sydney, Monday 7 February) and Melbourne
records and the development of membership acquisition strategies.
(Wednesday 9 February). Partners include: ANZ; National Australia Bank; Barclays Capital and JP Morgan and the forums are normally attended by 100–120 senior finance & treasury professionals in each location. “On Monday 4 April, we will be holding the 2011 FTA International Treasury Forum in Sydney,” Simon said. “The inaugural one-day
The team also assists in financial reporting (bank reconciliations; preparation and submission of quarterly BAS as well as end of year financial reports in conjunction with accountant and auditor); marketing & communications – website management, member e-newsletter and journal.
conference and gala dinner on the evening of Sunday 3 April will feature a number of Treasurers from leading corporations in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand and elsewhere.”
“And in terms of sponsorship development, we have strong relationships with a large amount of potential sponsors from the top four banks, professional service firms to SME corporate opportunities,”
Team leader: Simon Davis Staff: Joanne King (part-time school hours); Naomi Braham (EDA) and Nadia Kentera three days a week – contractor. Genevieve Tilleard (contractor based in Sydney, half to one day each week).
Association Services
Simon says. “We also have the ability to publish Association magazine & books; we engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) management – the development and administration of the annual CPD calendar for members; and conference management. With our in-house resources we are able to expertly manage large industry association events.” EDA is the peak professional association for Economic Development Managers within local councils, Australia-wide. The mission of Economic Development Australia (EDA) is to increase the social, economic and environmental prosperity of Australian communities. Current membership stands at about 400 thanks to Naomi’s persuasive telemarketing skills. The EDA 2011 Conference takes place in Adelaide in October.
Background: The department’s key clients include:
Magazines published for associations include: Irrigation Journal
Finance & Treasury Association (FTA) and Economic Development
– Irrigation Australia Ltd (IAL); Connections – Australian Canvas and
Australia (EDA) .
Synthetic Products Association Inc (ACASPA); and Public Works Engineering for the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia
FTA is the peak professional Association for Treasury professionals and
(IPWEA).
risk managers drawn largely from Australasia’s 300 top corporations. Current membership stands at 850.
The Association Services team is poised to deliver more services, in particular conference expertise, to enhance a range of organisations’
FTA’s peak event is the annual Congress (Sydney, October)
performance.
which normally attracts in excess of 350 senior finance & treasury professionals. Services provided include secretarial services – the management of corporate governance requirements including the preparation of papers for monthly Board meetings, reporting of minutes and other tasks as
Did you know? During 2010 CommStrat managed over 45 continuing professional development (CPD) forums for the FTA. The aim is to increase this to 60 in 2011.
ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2011 | 11
A round-up of CommStrat print and digital publications Magazines: • My Business. Available via newsstands ($6.95) and subscription • Gov Tech Review
Journals: • Roads (edited by Rex, set by Annette, ads by Yuri) • Council Manager (edited by Ben, set by Mitzi, ads by Yuri) • Connections (edited by Nicola, set by Mitzi, ads by Yuri) • Australasian Journal of Environmental Management (AJEM) edited externally by Professor Helen Ross of Qld Univ and Bill Carter of Univ Sunshine Coast • Public Works Engineering (edited by Ben, laid out by Mitzi, ads by Yuri) for the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA), and • Irrigation Journal (edited externally by Anne Curry, laid out by Mitzi, ads by Brian Rault) is the magazine of Irrigation Australia Ltd (IAL).
Other periodicals:
Don’t forget
• GT suppliers guide
Talent quest – CommStrat’s very own X Factor Anyone else with hidden talents? How about
e-Newsletters:
sharing them with staff? Or maybe you have
• Councillor news
an interesting hobby? A fabulous garden?
• Enviroinfo premium (every two weeks)
An intriguing ornament? Cute pet? A funny
• Local Government (LG) News (weekly)
photo of some sort? If so please send in your
• My Business News
colourful contribution for an upcoming issue of
• Aus Venture Capital
CommStrat Chat.
• Planning news, and • Economic Development Association (quarterly)
Books – refer to Focus … and websites CommStrat My Business Water Powering Australia Job Boards – refer to list AFOX, the Australian Franchise Opportunities Exchange www. franchisedirectory.com.au The Australian Roads Suppliers Guide www.roadsonline.com.au
That’s just about it for now. This first newsletter sets the scene for forthcoming issues that will be delivered on a regular basis to update staff on all developments. Among other things the next issue reviews company milestones in 2010.