Dave Glasson

Well it's that time of year again and it seems that every one is busier than ever.
This year has been a particularly busy time for the Chamber and for those of you who have been long term members I'm sure you can vouch for this.

The 2006 year saw an increase in activity for the Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce, with various events and projects undertaken including the addition of an Eftpos machine and the introduction of the Easifind on CD; these will both be available in the New Year. Additionally, the Chamber will produce its first ever Annual Report, which will be delivered to all members in the near future with additional copies available from the office.

Some of the events we have held in the last few months are included in this newsletter; however a more complete picture of the past year has been showcased in the soon to be released Annual Report.

As for 2007, we have a number of things planned including the 2007 Xstrata Mount Isa Mining Expo, the annual Business Awards and following the great support and number of enquiries from interested sponsors were receiving, we have increased the number of Afterhours Networking functions to be held also. A complete list of Chamber related events is included in this newsletter. So mark the dates in your diary; we'd love to see some new faces.

Finally I would like to thank all our members for their input and support throughout the year. The Mount Isa Chamber would not be as successful as it is without your continued commitment.

I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Let's hope that 2007 sees the North West continue to thrive and be recognised as a leader in the State & Country's Industry and Commerce.

Cheers
David Glasson

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The 2006 Chamber of Commerce AGM was held on the 10th October 2006 at the Mount Isa Irish Club.
The new committee for 2006/07 year was chosen and we would like to congratulate them on being elected:

President: David Glasson
Vice President: Brett Peterson
Treasurer: Karen Read
Secretary: Jason Laffin

Management Committee:
Joyce McCulloch
Greg Bellinger
Mick Matters
Jo Pyne
Iian Wilson

A huge thank you must go to the outgoing members for all of your time, hard work and effort over the last year. Its not often you find such a group of dedicated and generous people. Thank you once again.

2006/07 QUICKSMART EASIFIND TELEPHONE DIRECTORY

The latest edition of the Quicksmart Easifind was distributed in October of this year and for the first time ever the Chamber has an exciting new product - the Quicksmart Easifind CD Rom!! Everything that you see in the Easifind will now be only a mouse click away. The CD will be available at the Chamber office from January 2007.

If you require bulk copies of the directory or maps, please give Monique or Cassandra a call at the Chamber office - postage or deliveries can be arranged if needed.

2006 CHRISTMAS FUNCTION

The 2006 Christmas function was held on 12th December at the Terrace Gardens Function Centre with 60 people attending. A great night was had by all.
Lucky door prizes were donated by Southbank Quality Hotel, Body Balance Health Club, All Seasons Verona, NOVA Consultants, and the Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce.

Congratulations to:

Overnight Accommodation package at Southbank Hotel won by John Bishop
Breakfast voucher donated by All Seasons Verona won by Richard Scholl
Body Balance gift voucher won by Sandy Wilkinson from Isa Bubs Baby Shop
Bottle of Scotch donated by NOVA Consultants won by Di Heggan
Christmas Hamper donated by the Chamber won by Jim Mackail from 4LM / HOTFM

MOUNT ISA BUSINESS AWARDS

The 2006 CS Energy Mica Creek Mount Isa Business Awards were held on the 21^st October and this year the general public nominated over 150 businesses and customer service personnel for all categories.

Scott Williams entertained the audience on the night as Master of Ceremonies. Scott is well known in the show business industry, as he is an accomplished and talented magician and illusionist and host of the children's television show 'Wombat' in 1988.

Congratulations to the winners of the following categories:

Thank you to all of the nominees who entered into this year's awards. We hope to see you back again for next year's awards.

AFTERHOURS NETWORKING FUNCTION

The Afterhours Networking Function was held at the Outback at Isa's 'Outback Park' on 17^th October. The night was another huge success with over 80 people attending the function.

Prizes for the night were donated by the following organisations:

Outback Photographics - Framed print
Dom's Restaurant - Dinner for Two
Sunset Mind & Body - Massage Voucher
QH20 - Water Cooler Package
Harvey Norman - Colour Television
Gloria Jeans - Coffee Hamper

A reminder that the Chamber office will be unattended from the close of business
Friday 22^nd December 2006 and re-open Wednesday 3^rd January 2007.

Wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas and a wonderful, prosperous and safe 2007.