Corporate Member - Arc Infrastructure Update
We caught up with Daniel Ellis from Arc Infrastructure this week, to touch base and discuss the different ways we are working together, as well as hearing about all of their latest news and updates. This unique membership, now in its fourth year sees Arc infrastructure as a direct member of ten regional Chambers as well as a Corporate Member of RCCIWA. The ten members are:

• Albany CCI
• Bunbury-Geographe CCI
• Collie CCI
• Esperance CCI
• Kalgoorlie-Boulder CCI
• Moora CC
• Midwest CCI
• Narrogin CC
• Northam CCI
• Wheatbelt Business Network

Arc have been a fantastic supporter of RCCIWA, our members and the regional communities they work in and out of. Over half of their employees live in the regions and they have a strong a genuine commitment to buying local, supporting local employees and a very strong community program. Thank you Arc Infrastructure, for your continued support and genuine regional engagement. To find out more about Arc Infrastructure read here.

Working Together Program – Connecting Business and Young Aboriginal People in the Workplace
Working Together is a dedicated services with a focus to provide information, support and advice to business owners and operators in the Goldfields, South West, Midwest, West Kimberley and Great Southern regions to attract, recruit and retain young Aboriginal Employees. Working in collaboration with the local Jobs abs Skills Centres, Working Together aims to expand work opportunities for young local Aboriginal people by talking with and educating local businesses. It is about delivering local jobs for local people. Funded and supported by the Department of Training and Workplace Development, this program is now in its third year and we are seeing positive results, particularly in delivering cultural awareness to business owners and connecting potential applicants to the right job for them. Delivered locally by the five Chambers of Commerce in each region with RCCIWA the Program Manager, Working Together is a great example of utilising the trust, engagement and network of local Chambers to deliver real outcome and support the business community. For more information read here.

Rio Tinto Capability Enhancement Programme – Connecting Pilbara Businesses to Opportunities for Work and Growth
Launched in July of 2018, RCCIWA has partnered with Rio Tinto to deliver the Capability Enhancement Programme in Karratha and the Inland Pilbara. Delivered locally by the Pilbara Inland CCI (PICCI) in Tom Price and Paraburdoo and by the Karratha & Districts CCI (KDCCI) in Karratha with support and project management from RCCIWA, the aim of the programme is to enhance and strengthen the capability and capacity of local businesses, so they can be in the best possible position to bid for work. To date we have held 7 workshops in Karratha and 3 in Tom Price as well as three networking events. We are seeing positive outcomes, with businesses not only learning new information and receiving tips and advice but also getting plenty of opportunities to engage with many members of the Rio Tinto team.

Rio Tinto has just been terrific to work with and it is extremely pleasing to see how genuine their drive is for local content and procurement. The partnership has been very rewarding and of great value to all involved - it is such a pleasure to work in collaboration with people and organisations that have a common goal – to grow, develop and support local businesses in the regions. For more information on Rio Tinto’s commitment to supporting local businesses read here.

RCCIWA Members Forum – June 13th and 14th 2019 – Perth - Update
We are pleased to announce that the Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA has generously agreed to host Day 1 of our members forum in June at Parliament House, and we are busily confirming speakers and guests for both days of the forum. For this first meeting we will be taking advantage of the booking platform, Try Booking, so keep an eye out in your inbox for the invitation which will be sent to your inbox tomorrow morning (Friday 9th May) from Emmi Taylor.

For those who have not attended the RCCIWA Members Forum before, this is a first-class opportunity to:

• meet with your regional chamber peers
• share with and learn from each other regarding activities, projects and initiatives.
• meet with the decision makers of this state and present the views of your own members
• learn from experts and professional on topics relevant to running a regional member driven business organisation
• network, engage and connect with fellow members and stakeholders

Any elected or employed representative of our members are welcome and I strongly encourage you to join us if you are able. We always receive fantastic feedback from all attendees as to the value of the Forum and the benefits they can then take back to their own Chamber. If you have any questions on the Forum – please get in touch.

To compliment the excellent networking of the forum, we will also be holding our Business After Hours on Thursday June 13th in the early evening. Hosted by National Australia Bank, the BAH will also feature tastings from a true regional business success – Limeburners – who are also a customer with NAB. Thanks to Jeff from NAB for coming up with this great idea and also to Cameron from Limeburners for agreeing to take part. It promises to be a fantastic networking event for members and key regional stakeholders. More information will be sent to your regarding this BAH over the coming weeks.

Mercure Perth looks forward to welcoming all RCCIWA Members and Guests for 2019!
Another one of our very supportive Corporate Members, Accor Hotels WA have a great offer for all members attending the RCCIWA Members Forum in June. Set in the vibrant cultural and business district of Perth CBD, Mercure Perth is an excellent choice for every imaginable kind of travel in Western Australia. Take in sweeping views of the city and Swan River from the rooftop pool. Relax in stylish, contemporary accommodation with friendly and personalised service. Enjoy fresh, locally sourced cuisine and inspiring cocktails at Beccaria Restaurant. Mercure Perth extends great rates for both business and leisure. Starting from $159 per room per night including WIFI standard room. We look forward to making you Feel Welcome! To Book go to the website, call 08 9326 7000 or email.