Behind the Scenes - Running GIBC
When running an Incorporated Association, the week-to-week admin tasks, as well as actively organising events, resources and content can be a big undertaking.
Often committees are made up of volunteers – and in the case of GIBC small business owners – making it hard to find time to volunteer beyond the monthly committee meetings. So in order for GIBC to adopt a more progressive model of Meet-Ups and events inspired by Chambers like Mudgee, Dubbo and Tamworth, GIBC’s committee decided it was time for a helping hand and hired our Administration Officer Kate one day/week.
For those who don’t know Kate, she has been a Glen Innes resident since 2020. After meeting her now husband – Peter Lynn – while studying engineering at uni she helped with the set up and running of Peter’s cocktail bar in Sydney. In 2020, covid saw Peter and Kate move back to Glen Innes and start up their next business venture – The Local Glen Innes. Initially just a café, and quickly expanding to a bar on Friday and Saturday nights, Kate and Peter sold the business in September 2022 after 3 years. When the role of GIBC Admin Officer came up a short time later Kate was quick to apply.
As part of her application Kate talked about her desire to remain involved in small business and apply her entrepreneurial style thinking to help build a positive and resilient business community – something that was lacking in Glen Innes during COVID19 when BIG was no longer active. Kate also wanted a role where she could inspire other business owners and help them communicate their business ideas using the teach experience she has gained as a communication and project management teacher at university.
So what sort of jobs does Kate look after?
Maintain all required Association documentation
Legals, insurances and banking
Preparation of monthly committee meeting agenda and minutes
Review membership applications and invoices
Maintain and update website
Grant and funding applications
Marketing and branded content
Content creation including blog style articles & fortnightly newsletters
Organise member Meet-Ups every 6-8 weeks
Organise Business Awards Night and other events
Assist with social media
As we start up GIBC, Kate’s role is predominantly funded by remaining BIG funds which were rolled into the new association as well as membership fees. As GIBC gains momentum the role and other overheads will be covered by ticketed events such as the Business Awards, mini-workshops or other fun events.
Grant funding is also a major source of income for many associations. These grants are typically aligned with GIBC’s goals for a prosperous township and to help the growth of businesses in the community. Kate also has experience in proposal and grant writing through her time at university.
As GIBC gains momentum, we hope to run a series of mini workshops that will harness Kate’s skills in public speaking, resource design and workshop facilitation in the areas of business planning, marketing, and branding, content creation and social media.
There is certainly plenty going on behind the scenes here at GIBC so stay tuned!