The two main products are being developed:

1. Chamber ToolKit
We are currently refining this product which has been designed as a practical and simple Strategic and Business Planning process specifically to aid business associations build capacity, forward plan and improve management practices. Caloundra Chamber worked with us in piloting the programme and now have a Business Plan incorporating documented goals and membership targets, financial projections, Position Descriptions etc. Currently Kawana Waters Chamber of Commerce and Industry is undertaking the process.

The process we have used in assisting Chambers goes as follows:
Business Planning Process
Current Status -Pre-Workshop Consultation             
SCE Business Support Officer Kris Barnes contacts the Chamber and requests Annual Report for previous two years and current Budget documentation. The SCE Business Support Officer has a background in corporate accounting and business development.

Business Support Officer and SCE CEO meet the Chamber President/Treasurer and Member Services Officer to evaluate financial status, gain insight into current management structure/roles/responsibilities.

Visioning Workshop                                                                
A three hour workshop is conducted to explore Values/Relationships/Goals. A Vision is set and a SWOT analysis is undertaken to examine opportunities/threats

The workshop attendees should include but not be limited to the HBC Executive Team. The workshop is a fast paced process and is limited to no more than 16 attendees to ensure it is manageable and allows for appropriate feedback and interaction.

The workshop is facilitated by Gerrie Carr-MacFie CEO SCE. Gerrie has a background in regional and business development, TAFE and adult education. Co-facilitator is Kris Barnes,

Executive Consultation & Business Plan Template                                             
Results of the workshop are written up by SCE. Consultation with the Chamber executive is then undertaken to document Strategic Directions and construct a Business Plan according to a template developed through SCE which is specifically tailored for Chambers. The template includes easy instructions for documenting and or constructing Financials/Organisational Charts/Positions Descriptions for executive portfolios

Financial Projections                                                                
Kris Barnes works with the Chamber Treasurer and Executive Team to populate a Three Year Financial Plan.  The Executive Team and SCE agree and produce the final document.

Launch to Members                                                                
SCE and the Executive Team present and explain the Plan to the association members.

The Chamber ‘ToolKit’ includes Business Plan template that is being refined as a web-based Do-It-Yourself tool. It will be downloadable from the SCE website from March 2009 and will be accompanied by a small Good Governance Guide fact sheet.


2. Chambers Alliance ENewsletter
Sunshine Coast Enterprises in collaboration with Chambers in the region, have developed a co-operative communication product for regional Chambers of Commerce- the Chambers Alliance e-Newsletter.  The ENewsletter is designed to be used as a stand-alone communication tool, or complementary to existing Chamber newsletters.

The Chambers Alliance ENewsletter aims to increase inter-regional connectivity. Each Chamber will have a page in a standard format that preserves individual Chamber branding and presence. The ENewsletter will be a co-operative communication tool for rural and coastal Chambers and businesses administered through SCE thus smaller Chambers may find this a useful and practical solution for member communication. The ENewsletter will include a combined Calendar of Events and other information that will assist in co-ordination and planning of events, increased networking and member services. Functionality will ensure that each Chamber has pages that are easily accessed and linked. The aim is to have the on-line ENewsletter into the offices and business premises of all participating Chamber and Association members commencing April.

Full briefings on these products can be arranged. To register your Chamber's interest in participating in the Chambers Alliance, email  This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it