Business NetworkingBusiness Networking events to connect business, council and community.

A Business Networking project started by the Rotary Club of Malvern was an initiative to create a connection and relationship with the business community in the City of Stonnington. It was a gap that was recognised within council and an idea that was generated by our Rotary Club. The Business Networking  project was designed and launched as the “STONNINGTON BUSINESS CONNECTION” Together with Council we have formed a partnership to bring a business  and networking opportunity and business focus to the city and its ratepayers, residents and business people. This is possibly the first time in Australia that such a partnership has evolved to connect business, council and community service in such a manner.

 For us at the Rotary Club of Malvern this Business Networking event allows the opportunity:

  • To create an awareness of who we are and what we are and the realisation that we are an integral part of the Stonnington Community by ensuring a networking connection through our business relationships.

  • To look at possible membership opportunities, particularly those from the corporate and small/medium business sectors and allow prospective members to see Rotary for what it is and make a personal decision to explore further.

  • While it is not a fund raising project, it is possible to generate an additional revenue stream as monies raised can go to worthwhile causes such as the Stonnington Cares Drought relief project in NE Victoria.

  • The Stonnington Business Connection is a business focus venture designed to add value to the business community and get them enrolled in local Rotary related projects.

  • To generate additional business networking opportunities for either membership or donations in kind or money.

  • To take our club to the next level of performance and recognition.

  • To satisfy the Rotary Vocational Avenue of Service like we have never done before

The launch activity was a Business Networking Breakfast in December 2008, featuring Dr Alan Oster, Group Chief Economist, NAB. Given the prevailing financial crisis, declining consumer and business confidence, increasing unemployment just as we headed into the Christmas period it was apt that we should have had one of the most respected economists in the country provide an insight into what it meant for us at the time and how we might deal with it.

The inaugural event was an outstanding success and so the model was developed on an ongoing basis. Future speakers include Ziggy Switkowski, former CEO of Telstra and other business leaders and entrepreneurs that provide interesting and topical presentations.  The business networking opportunities have been developed in a contemporary and modern fashion so that attendees can develop relationships that actually are authentic and real. We encourage Rotarians and other business people to attend a Stonnington Business Connection event, but also talk to your business colleagues, your suppliers, your clients/customers, your neighbours, your children, in fact any body you come in contact with in your own private networks.
Stonnington Business Connection provides an informative and educational event as well as a business networking platform on which many valuable relationships can be made and developed.