2013 looks like being a most exciting and challenging time for business as we grapple with urban renewal, global marketplaces, ageing labour forces and the ongoing consequences of the GFC.

It will also be a year of great opportunity for influencing government, making local economic development a priority and learning new ways to do business. Consequentlyit will be a challenging year for the Port Adelaide Enfield Chamber of Commerce, too.

At its AGM being held on Wednesday 28th November, all 9 positions on the PAECC Board of Management will be declared vacant and open to nominations from members for the coming 12 months. 

This is your chance to make a difference for the 'greater good' in our council area and in your local community market-place.

If you are not a member but would like to vote at the AGM, you can download a membership subscription form here and as long as payment is received prior to AGM you are eligible to vote.

If you would like to nominate to be on the Board of Management in 2012 - 2013 you can download that form here .

The Port has recently been bombed... and it's never looked better!

Gail at CafeforeYou on Lipson was blown away when she opened the cafe last Saturday. "It looks fantastic" she said, "and the customers just can't stop smiling!"  I don't know who this Larry Porter guy is but I love his work!

Amanda from SohoHomewares and sisters Kathy and Nancy from Jackalope Gallery Studio think it's marvellous too.  "A number of people did a great deal of knitting and crochet to make this happen and we'd like to thank them for all their efforts", said Kathy. "It could well be a boon to local business as people are attracted to the Yarn Bomb Trail and spend time walking around the Port." added Amanda.  "We hope traders will get involved with more actions like this, maybe commissioning works to put in their shop windows or yarning a pole on the footpath."

The office of (new) Local MP Susan Close was bombed as well and we hear the knitting fairies are busy with more bombing for the Queen's Birthday long weekend...

"Everyone has been talking about an arts-led recovery of the Port but nearly every artist is a business person in their own right, says Cath Duncan (Chamber Vice President). "This campaign is a clever mix of the two and recognises that our community is, and needs, both cultural and economic development."  

If you want to be involved but can't knit or crochet, Sara-Jane from Active Art Studios on St Vincent S, is running classes to help out.

The Yarn Trail map, available through the VIC, will be updated all through winter to accommodate new wooly installations, so if your business wants to get in on this unique marketing opportunity, contact Gail or Amanda. The YarnBomb trail is just the begnning of many clever local marketing opportunities for members of the Port Enfield Chamber of Commerce.

Don't forget that the Port's most famous and awarded resident arts business is launching a fantastic new show over the Queen's Birthday weekend - Vitalstatistix Adhocracy at the Waterside Workers Hall will bring more people to the Port so do your bit traders and consider staying open all weekend!