NETWORKING EVENT HELPS BUSINESSES WITH ONLINE FOOTPRINTS

MULTIPLE Hinchinbrook business owners made the most of a council-facilitated social networking event to help bolster their respective online footprints.

Guest speaker at the Business Social Networking Event at the Tyto

Entertainment Precinct in Ingham on Friday evening was Nikki Cooney from Socialeyes Media.

Ms Cooney will be conducting a number of workshops to help companies grow their online presence, build relationships and drive business.

Councillor Mary Brown was pleased with the turnout and breadth of industries represented, including small business owners in the tourism, agriculture, vehicle repair and retail sectors.

“It was a very good turnout and there were lots of very good conversations and introductions, which is what we are trying to achieve with our networking events,” she said.

Cr Brown said the event, attended by Townsville Enterprise Limited tourism executive Christine O’flynn and marketing executive Simone Sullivan, served to gather feedback from the business community “to understand what their needs and demands are for workshops”.

Ms Cooney will be delivering classes on best practises for utilising Facebook and Instagram as well as content strategies and basic phone photography for social media.

The dates are yet to be confirmed, as well as dates for additional business-focused workshops for local companies.

Businesses have begun to embrace social media with a number signing up as members of the Hinchinbrook Way Ambassador Program to help promote the district and the wider North Queensland region.

Councillor Donna Maree Marbelli, guest speaker Nikki Cooney of Socialeyes Media, and council CEO Kelvin Tytherleigh. Pictures: CAMERON BATES

Ben Weston, owner of Westofish Sportfishing Charters, John Schmidt, owner of Absolute North Charters, and Lee Griffiths of Hinchinbrook Hire Boats.

Townsville Enterprise Limited tourism executive Christine O'flynn, Leanne Cordner, owner of Bellasato Farm, and TEL marketing executive Simone Sullivan.

Karen Venables, Mariah Chiesa and Cr Mary Brown at the council-organised social networking event.

Chris Castles and Jayden Swarbrick at the Hinchinbrook Shire Council-organised social networking event.

Council community officer Natasha Pearce and Guido Giliberto, of Guido’s Panel & Paint.