Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC) was formed in 2004 to be an advocate for business on the Sunshine Coast.

SCBC works closely with individual businesses and industry groups, including local Chambers of Commerce. Its aim is to ensure an inclusive and cohesive regional view is presented at local, state and federal government forums and to prospective business from other regions.

Role

SCBC's role is to drive the advancement of regional business growth and prosperity by engaging effectively with governments, industry and business. Through its leadership and advocacy it ensures an inclusive, cohesive and comprehensive business sector view is presented at forums and to prospective business, regardless of geography.

Key Aims in Supporting Business

• To advocate an 'open for business' environment;
• To provide an effective forum for discussion and resolution of regional issues confronting business;
• To support and facilitate the development and growth of business; and
• To work constructively and effectively with governments and other key regional stakeholders in the interest of a vibrant business community.

How We Fit In the Market

SCBC operates across all 9 sections below and in present and future timeframes to take a comprehensive and independent regional view of Sunshine Coast business. We operate at the macro regional level and do not duplicate services or conflict with those services offered by local Chambers or Sunshine Coast Enterprises.

The Board

SCBC is an Incorporated Association. It is a not-for-profit, apolitical organisation. Its Board is represented by local business people who meet monthly to:

• Ensure the SCBC's aims, objectives and activities are achieved;
• Ensure value and benefits are achieved for its members;
• Monitoring the organisation's performance in terms of compliance with all relevant legal requirements and appropriately managing the organisation's operational and financial performance.

Board members' responsibilities are governed by the rules as set out in SCBC Constitution and are broadly similar to those established under the Corporations Act 2001. A copy of the Constitution can be made available, upon request.

SCBC Board Members

• Jason Law, Chair SCBC - Regional Manager QLD, Telstra Business
• Sandy Zubrinich, Deputy Chair SCBC - Managing Director Zubek Pty Ltd
• Stephen Robinson, Treasurer SCBC - Regional Manager Sunshine Coast Master Builders
• Michael Hefferan - Pro-Vice Chancellor (Regional Engagement) and Professor Property & Development
• Gwyn Jarrott - Managing Director, Property Works International
• Tony Sowden - Partner, Sajen Legal
• David Oliver - Greenway Architects
• Michael Hopkins - Chair Property Council of Australia
• Karen Neuendorf - Sunshine Coast Business Woman’s Network

Board Meetings

The Board meets monthly with the third meeting of each quarter opened to all SCBC members to:

• Understand what was achieved in the current quarter;
• Review the focus on the next quarter; and
• Discuss a specific topic of interest relevant to the business sector in general or, a specific industry sector.

Quarterly general Board meetings, venue, date and discussion topic, will be advised by email to members at least 3 weeks prior to the meeting and advertised in the Sunshine Coast Daily 2 weeks before the meeting date.

Monitoring Board Performance

The effectiveness of SCBC and the ability to achieve its stated Aims and Activities is critical. In order to ensure we remain on track to achieve our commitments, and that our work is effective and well received in the business market, we have set three performance indicators on which the Board's effectiveness will be measured, and reported back to its members half yearly. The first performance report is due in October 2010. The Board performance measures are:

• To improve SCBC brand and perceived effectiveness in local government, industry and business markets as measured by 6 monthly interview and survey.
• To improve SCBC's effectiveness when representing the Sunshine Coast Region's business interests at local and state government forums, including SCBC written submissions to specific government policy and planning documents - measured by the outcomes of those forums in terms of the ability of SCBC to present and debate its position.
• 90% achievement of SCBC 10/11 strategies - measured in terms of achievement of the agreed Action Plan.

Focus Groups

Focus Groups are an enabling tool used by the SCBC to achieve its projects and actions and importantly, to maximise the involvement of its membership base in addressing the issues facing the regional business community.

Refer to the Newsroom for an update on the status of current SCBC projects.