Dave Glasson

Hello and welcome to the first newsletter for 2007. I had done a newsletter up for early February, but with everything happening it didn't quite make it to the presses.

As you are all aware, the Expo is now being held back at The Civic Centre, while it was a bit of a disappointment not to be having the Expo at Buchanan Park, it will still never the less be a fantastic week with plenty of activity happening to ensure everyone has an Expo to remember. Sites are filling up fast and we now have over 100 Exhibitors, so all is in place for another fantastic event here in Mount Isa.

We received copies of the annual report early in January, and you should have all received one. For those of you that didn't, they are available from the Chamber office. My thanks goes out to all the people that submitted write ups for the report, to the people and companies that supported it through advertising and the ladies in the office for making it happen. To my knowledge, this is the first report the Chamber has done and from all accounts and feedback we have received, people are very happy with the result.

A couple of things of importance have happened since the arrival of the New Year. Early on in January, the State Government released their Blueprint for the Bush document. I urge everyone to take time and have a look at this - it is available on the web at www.coordinatorgeneral.qld.gov.au.

The strategic intent of the Northern Economic Triangle Blueprint is to provide critical infrastructure to underpin private sector investment in widespread development and mineral processing over the course of the next half century.
The report identifies the 3 regions of the triangle - Townsville, Mount Isa & Bowen.

Initially, I was not very happy with the report in the way it spelt out the outcomes. For Mount Isa, I felt there were a lot of promises but nothing much set in concrete. But a week or two ago, some people from the Coordinator-Generals Office came up to hold meetings to discuss the intent of the Blueprint and to hear of the concerns we had over its implementation.

I am fairly sure that if the group didn't know what our concerns were before they came here, they certainly did by the time they left and they assured us that all our concerns will be addressed. We shall wait and see.

One thing that we did mention was the point that we need to develop alliances with the Northern Territory. The main one being a rail corridor from Mount Isa to the Alice to Darwin line.

And it was interesting to note that the Qld Premier Peter Beattie, is joining forces with the Northern Territory & West Australian counterparts to plan for the future of industry and export across the top end. This I feel is a good start.

A good thing for Mount Isa is the announcement of the $3 million Weir system to be built on the Leichhardt River as part of the 150th Birthday Celebrations for Queensland in 2009. Obviously this will mean more jobs and more reasons to visit Mount Isa, increasing tourism in our great City.

Cheers
David Glasson

AFTERHOURS NETWORKING FUNCTION

The first Afterhours Networking Function for 2007 was held on the 30th January at the Mount Isa Civic Centre. The night was sponsored by the Defence Reserves Support Council and the Mount Isa City Council.
Over 100 people turned up to help make the night a success. Prizes for the night were won by the following people:

Major prize of a Return Flight for 2 Mount Isa - Cairns, donated by MacAir Airlines
Merilyn Harding - Subway

Isa Party Hire - Valentines Day Flower Bouquet
Gary Cassidy

Overlander Dinner Voucher
Ron McCullough

Buffs Club Wine Pack
Peter Baldwin - North West Star

Steejo Press Voucher
Neal Ragau - Statewide Bearings

Statewide Bearings / KC Tools Tool Kit
Kym Stebhens - Tommo’s Treelopping

We have received some fantastic feedback following the event and have included one such testimony to the night:

Testament to the Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce "Afterhours Networking" functions

On behalf of the Mount Isa Community Development Association Inc and the LEAP Service, I would like to congratulate the Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce for their initiative in holding the Mount Isa 'Afterhours Networking' functions.
Directly due to the attendance of the Brigade Commander at the Mount Isa City Council and Defence Reserve Support Council sponsored Chamber function held on Tuesday 30 January 2007, army reservists from the 35 Field Squadron were able to assist their former Commanding Officer, Mr. George Apps OAM, with moving the LEAP (Living Equipment & Medical Aides Program) service equipment on the following Saturday morning.
During the networking function, the Brigade Commander was approached to have the army reserves involved in the equipment move and from there the operation went smoothly to completion.
Other local organisations also contributed with the move, including Mount Isa Metal Recyclers; Hertz Mount Isa; Rotary Club of Mount Isa West; Leichhardt Lions; LEAP Volunteer Norma, Mr Alan Medley and Defence Reserve Support Council Chairman for Mount Isa Mr. Les Bunn.
In my perception, a good outcome for everyone concerned, including the most disadvantaged in our community - made possible by the Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce.
Thank you.

Regards
Alison Bohannan
Manager, Mount Isa Community Development Association Inc. (MICDA)

The next Afterhours Networking Function will be held on the 3rd April at the Buffs Club Billabong Lounge.
The upcoming function is being sponsored by ITT Flygt and WorkPac.

2007 XSTRATA MOUNT ISA MINING EXPO UPDATE

Planning for the 2007 Expo is well and truly underway and it is set to be the biggest year yet with over 100 confirmed exhibitors, 2 tentative registrations and the pavilion fully booked.

This year will see a number of changes, the most obvious being the venue – the multi-million dollar re-development at Buchanan Park. In addition, there will be a number of new and exciting interactive displays thanks to Xstrata, the Mount Isa TAFE and the Defence Reserve Support Council (DRSC).

This year’s expo will be well worth attending and again will include the very successful "Meet the Buyer" forums, Exhibitor only Networking Functions as well as a new initiative - the inaugural "Carpentaria Minerals Province (CMP) Mine Information Seminars".

Additionally, there are two new media sponsors on board to promote the Expo and its participating exhibitors. They are: Macquarie Regional Radio Works (locally known as 4LM / HOTFM) and Southern Cross Television (Seven Central).

Continuing their support as the Expo's official Newspaper sponsor once again is Carpentaria Newspapers who produce the "Industry North West" publication and official Expo guide.

These organisations are supporting the Expo and should exhibitors wish to promote their presence at the 2007 Xstrata Mount Isa Mining Expo, the staff at 4LM, Southern Cross Television & Carpentaria Newspapers will be only too happy to help.

The 2007 Xstrata Mount Isa Mining Expo is being held from Tuesday, 1st May - Thursday 3rd May with the Gala Opening Function being held on the 30th April.

EFT FACILITIES

GUESS WHAT??? For those of you who have begged for the convenience of paying your Expo site, Easifind ad or Business Award tickets by Credit Card, we are pleased to advise we now have EFT facilities. Members will now have the choice to pay for their purchases by credit/savings card, cash, cheque or direct deposit. As a participating merchant of the Irish Club's E-asy Rewards scheme, you can also earn points on your Irish Club card. For further information please contact the Chamber office.

PHOTO GALLERY
JANUARY 2007 AFTERHOURS NETWORKING FUNCTION
MOUNT ISA CIVIC CENTRE