Illawarra Women In Business director Glenda Papac has arranged for an Australian athletic great to speak at IWIB's annual conference day at Villa D'Oro this month.
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And not just because it is the 20thh anniversary of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
But because of Jana Pittman's challenging and inspirational journey that has involved many hurdles before, during and after her life as an elite international sportswoman.
"I chose Jana because she was an Olympic and Commonwealth Games athlete as well as a great role model,' Mrs Papac said.
"She is an exceptional example of you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it and persevere."
Mrs Papac said great support was also important.
She said since retiring from international competition on the athletics track the two time 400m hurdles champion and Commonwealth Games gold medalist has completed medical studies and this year started her internship as a doctor.
"All with two children and another on the way," Mrs Papac said.
"It is an inspirational story because life hasn't been perfect for Jana.
"It didn't all come easy.
"She has overcome eating disorders, a cancer scare and mental health challenges.
"Jana personifies resilience and determination."
Mrs Papac said there are still some tickets left on the IWIB website for the October 22 event but numbers are limited due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.
Pittman is the latest in a long line of celebrity guests at Illawarra Women in Business networking lunches such as Dawn Fraser, Ian Thorpe, Mark Boris, Matt Moran and Turia Pitt.
Securing such a high profile speaker is being made possible with help from ANZ Bank, Lancaster Law & Mediation, Pro Admin Solutions, Better Business Accounting, Foye Legal and The Consortium Lounge.
Innovative employees
Many business owners and managers love seeing their employees show initiative.
At North Wollongong Dan Murphy's two staff members took that to the next level when they used their own initiative to help customers.
The national drinks retailer was so impressed with their idea it is now being deployed across Australia for a new service that has already been used by 100,000 customers.
When Hamish MacDonald and Indiana Gosson saw the new direct-to-boot service to help customers during COVID-19 they saw an opportunity to make it easier for people to find the right parking bays.
Dan Murphy's had introduced small signs and cones to help establish spaces for customers to park close to the entrance so staff could carry out their purchases.
When they saw the spaces Mr McDonald and Ms Gosson talked about how they could make the spaces even easier to see and identify.
So they grabbed some chalk and added a big drawing inside the parking bay on the bitumen.
Mr McDonald said it wasn't an original drawing they just made the image on the small sign bigger.
"We just wanted to help out customers," he said
"It was forecast to rain and we thought it might wash away overnight. But it lasted a week before we needed to draw it again".
National renewals operations manager Tyson Holbery said when the team at Dan Murphy's HQ found out about the idea they loves it and decided to recreate the chalk drawing with paint in direct-to-boot parking bays across Australia.
"We saw Indiana's photo on our internal Google Current stream, and just loved the execution and simplicity of it," Mr Holbery said.
"The design makes the service really stand out, and helps guide customers through this new service. We are now making our direct-to-boots permanent across stores, which means we are using Indiana and Hamish's chalk drawing, and making it permanent with paint."
Ms Gosson said it was great being recognised for their initiative.
"It is pretty crazy our idea has turned into what it has," she said.
Mr McDonald said "it is great to be recognised like this".
Charcoal Tavern opening a step closer
An operator has been found for the new Charcoal Tavern on the ground level of the new Signature building in Wollongong. But the name won't be revealed until closer to its official opening.
That will now occur a little later than expected because plans are still being finalised for the kitchen.
The goal was for the 2020 version of the famous Gong eatery to be open in late October but an MMJ spokesperson said the latest goal is for it to be up and running by Christmas.
IMB Bank Open Banking
IMB Bank launched the first phase of a new Open Banking platform on Thursday.
When fully rolled out IMB will be able to share certain deposit and transaction product data including relevant features, rates, fees and charges.
Chief executive Robert Ryan said Open Banking was an important step for the industry and will benefit consumers.
"With our data available, consumers have more transparency and choice, and will be able to make informed decisions on their banking arrangements."
Open Banking will be available through the Developer Portal on the IMB website. From July 1, 2021 the bank will be able to share more product data with trusted parties. The time frame is set by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
Mr Ryan said Open Banking is part of the digital transformation of the business.
Read more:
- Meet Wollongong's newest media tycoon in the making
- Bali noshery spices up life for homeless and vulnerable young adults
- An increase in graffiti in Wollongong's northern suburbs prompts a new reporting process
- The Illawarra hotel creates certainty for new and existing employees without JobKeeper
- COVID-safe dining takes on a new look at Steamers who are doing a unique pop-up dining experience next door
- Volunteers sought as two year countdown begins for major international cycling event in Wollongong
- Playing it forward for Wollongong by taking a voucher from one shopping experience to the next
- Wollongong based global software company Easy Agile doubles the size of its office and keeps hiring during COVID-19
Movers and Shakers is a weekly feature of significant things happening in the Illawarra community
Do you have an interesting business story you would like to share? Email grellis@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
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