text:
My Maranoa Business - The Next Steps
The question asked of local governments everywhere is…. What are Councils doing to assist local business?
From the perspective of Maranoa Regional Council, in 2015 Council first launched the My Maranoa Business Initiative. My Maranoa Business is essentially a list of actions where Council aims to contribute to the economic development of the region, and also provide practical assistance to individual local businesses where there is a public benefit in doing so – in this way doing what we can to remove impediments and giving businesses the best chance of success.
The list of actions are wide-ranging and include providing:
- greater insight into Council's purchasing processes, and why we need to do some things in certain ways;
- opening up Council's purchasing so that businesses have the opportunity to bid for the supply of goods and/or services;
- marketing and promotion opportunities for the region's businesses;
- new ways of keeping the business community up to date with Council's decisions and directions;
- reduced administration for businesses where possible, while still meeting Council's legislative obligations;
- practical support to the business community where it counts the most.
The most significant initiative has been the development of a star rating system, to provide 'truly local' and 'partly local' businesses a helping hand initially in Council's tendering processes. With the new tendering now operational, we have been listening to local businesses, and gathering further feedback on where Council's priorities should be for the next stage of My Maranoa Business.
The most frequent feedback from the local businesses includes:
- Seeking more information from Council about:
- who is winning quotes
- how much of Council's procurement is through local businesses
- Enabling all businesses to register for the star rating, for marketing and promotion opportunities;
- Identifying opportunities for local businesses to quote on goods and services required for Council operations.
- Suggestions for how the star rating (criteria) can be fine-tuned.
The attached draft Commitment Statement incorporates a number of additional initiatives that are a direct response to the ideas and suggestions received in the first 2 years of the My Maranoa Business Initiative. We thank all business owners who have talked with Councillors and Staff – this valuable input has helped shape the next stage of the My Maranoa Business priorities for Council.
However, before we commence implementation, the draft is being made available so that as many businesses and members of the community as possible can have a say on what is proposed.
We welcome your input so we can make sure we are working on the highest priorities for our community.
To provide your feedback on the next steps of the My Maranoa Business Initiative, please click here.
To provide your feedback on the updated Star Rating, please click here.
To register your business with Council, click here.
Overview - My Maranoa Business
With a prosperous business community important in any thriving economy, Council has launched a number of initiatives that focus on strengthening links between local government and local business.
My Maranoa Business is an initiative of Council, in partnership with the community, designed to promote inclusiveness through the widespread distribution of supply opportunities to Maranoa businesses.
An increasingly larger group of businesses will soon have the opportunity to become involved, following the undertaking of significant work within Council and discussions with a number of pilot groups about the initiative.
The 'My Maranoa Business' initiative features a number of elements, including:
Procurement review – Improving transparency of Council's processes and general awareness of how to supply to Council. Includes the launch of a 'Doing Better Business with Council Guide' for the business community.
Centralised procurement software – Provision of a central registration point for local businesses to ensure they receive notification of supply opportunities as they become available.
My Maranoa Business E-News – Individuals can now register for My Maranoa Business e-newsletters, to receive regular updates on tenders that Council awards at its General Meetings. This provides an awareness of imminent Council projects, allowing businesses to pursue sub-contractor opportunities. Registration is quick and easy, and can be completed online here.
Local Business Weighting – The assessment criteria within Council tenders will include increased recognition of truly local businesses. This recognises the important part 'shopping local' plays in the prosperity of the Maranoa economy and regional communities.
As it has not always been easy to determine where businesses are placed on this scale, and what is a truly 'local business', the My Maranoa local weighting system aims to clarify the local content rating. It is anticipated that once this has been secured, this local rating system will become a powerful promotional platform for businesses.
For more information about My Maranoa Business, please call Council's Manager - Procurement & Commercial Services on 1300 007 662.


text:
Posted by Ruth Sherry | September 14, 2015
Leaf design, bespoke engagement ring
We've just finished this bespoke engagement ring for a lovely couple. The man contacted us, asking if we could make a diamond ring, in a very organic and naturalistic style. He wanted a bunch of leaves, made in white gold, that would encompass a single diamond.The sinewy branches and curving foliage form a frame, to create a unique piece. We designed the ring, with careful consideration to the fact it is to be worn constantly; keeping the shapes smooth and tucked in. The sweepingly elegant lines belie the true strength of the piece. This photo montage was sent to me by the recipient. It shows the essence of The Proposal!
Here's what she sent to us
"Hi Ruth
I just wanted to say a huge thanks again for my gorgeous ring. It is more beautiful than I could have ever imagined and the detail is so intricate. I have never received so many compliments. It's so much more then just an engagement ring, as it tells the story of who we are. Just a thought … so it makes sense as well, my gran is going to be our flower girl; that's the picture in the corner. Can't wait to work with you both again on the wedding bands."
What a lovely letter of thanks!
Bespoke leaf ring. 9ct white gold, one-off engagement ring, designed and created exclusively by Sherry Jewellery. Set with a brilliant cut .28ct white diamond. The sculptural style of this ring was designed to have organic leaves cupping the central diamond.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Material: Crystal
Colors: 8 Different Colors For Choose
Size: 1.2mm
Shape: Round
Use: Need to use Glue For Bags, Garment, Nail Art, Shoes, Cell Phone, Box, Pen, Furniture, Greeting Cards, etc
Packing Detail: 1440pcs/ Bag Nails Rhinestones
Features :
They are loose crystal components with platinum foiling on the back (mirrored), which have a flat underside,
They can be applied with glue (such Gem Tac glue) to different materials
and very easy to glue onto virtually any material, available in a wide range of colours, shapes and size.
These are perfect for adding that sparkle to fashion clothing and wedding dresses, mobile phones, nail art, greeting cards or other decorative items !
How To Use:
1. apply for a thick layer of non-cleaning top coat
2. pour the tiny beads on your nails , remember to put a empty container beneath your nails to catch the access beads
3. use your finer to press the tiny beads gently to make it flat
4. use the stainless steel to push the beads at the edge in ,to avoid the easy falling
5. cure it under the LED UV lamp


text:
Last week I got to step into the Paramount Theatre here in Austin, Texas for the first time and catch the 2012 Fly Fishing Film Tour and to represent ACK as a sponsor of the event. It was a neat evening with many familiar faces. I have seen many of these folks in our stores or at CCA (Coastal Conservation Association) events, but a lot of people I had never seen, and mostly because fly fisherman can be a pretty subdued bunch. They aren't looking for a high catch count as much as the perfect cast, presentation and of course the land. I consider myself to be an amateur fly fisherman and really do enjoy the sport but in some circles I am deemed "the worst fisherman on the planet" — I at least find peace in the cast and man, these movies make me want to get better!
My top 3 movies of the night were:
The Kodiak Project – I have longed to visit Alaska for many years. I think its beautiful country and this wild bunch of fellas seem like the kind of group I would fit right in with. I laughed so hard when I saw the guy in the bear costume and the fella I thought looked like an accountant turned out to be a Deadhead…Rock on! He could still be an accountant for all I know but he was slaying the steel head. An all around great video that got me excited to plan a trip.
Reverb – I liked this movie for the sheer weirdness of 3 guys entrenched in the Chicago punk rock scene finding common ground in, of all things, fly fishing. How does that happen? Punk rock is angry, loud and in your face…and fishing is, well, the exact opposite unless you like the lunacy of Mike Iaconelli. I'm not much of a fan of Iaconelli; act like you've been there before bro. Now if I caught a fish I would do a back flip out of my kayak…errr fall out of my kayak and tell people I was attempting a back flip.
Doc Of The Drakes – Just a touching piece about a guide and a retired doctor with Parkinson's Disease chasing big fish after the hatch. The story was just the right pace to reflect on where you'll be when fishing may not be the easiest thing to do anymore. The spirit of the outdoors still lived in Doc and I'm sure his guide learned a lot about life.
All in all an outstanding night! Got me fired up for the CCA banquet and I'm crossing my fingers that this is the year I finally win some prizes.
Chris @ACK


text:
EDMONTON — Edmonton Oilers centre Sam Gagner says he's lost pounds but he's gained a fatter wallet after he was gifted with a two-year contract for $4.55 million US, which should not only pay for a belated 21st birthday party, but a cake the size of a Zamboni.
Gagner, whose birthday was three weeks ago, is starting his fourth NHL season, secure in the knowledge that only Chicago winger Patrick Kane, Gagner's linemate on the junior London Knights, has more NHL points than Gagner's 131 from the 2007 draft class. Gagner is still waiting for a high-end season, but he's been pretty consistent with 49, 41 and 41 points, with last season ending nine games early because of a sore hip.
Gagner, who will be paid $2.275 million each of the next two seasons, got slightly more than fellow '07 draft forward David Perron (124 points, $4.3 million total for two years). Gagner still feels he can be a No. 1 NHL centre, although he moved around the lineup last season, even seeing some fourth-line duty.
"Obviously, I have a lot to learn to be a first-line centre, but I want to be a guy who's looked upon to play in all situations," said Gagner.
"I'm willing to take the steps to be that guy and I've always been taught if you put the work in you'll be rewarded."
Gagner is already 48th in career Oiler points with 131 in 232 games. He could easily be in the top 25 after this season.
"My main focus this summer was getting faster and I've dropped weight," said Gagner, who played just under 200 pounds last season, and would like to get closer to his rookie weight of 190.
"When you're coming into this league, everyone's telling you to put on weight ... you get caught up in it, but I've worked this summer to lose pounds, to work on my fast-twitch, work on my speed with my trainer. I hope to see dividends from that."
He's at 193 now.
"If I get to 190, I won't get knocked around at that size, and I think I can get in and out of places quicker."
It appears either Shawn Horcoff or Gagner will be the first-line centre. If Horcoff plays with Dustin Penner and Ales Hemsky, the No. 1 slot would theoretically fall to him. If, so, Gagner could centre some rookies -- Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle or Magnus Paajarvi -- on another line.
"The sky's the limit with Sam. He was in the NHL at 18 and we feel confident he can take on a bigger role on our club. He'll accept the challenge and pass it with flying colours," said Oilers assistant general manager Ricky Olczyk.
"He's still a young player and he's always worked hard. To his credit, last year coach (Pat) Quinn had him on the fourth line to start the season and he didn't sulk. He accepted that and worked hard to move up the ladder."
Last year was a battle, because he also had a sore ankle and knee. The hip was the most troublesome.
"The hip was bothering me off and on ... it was lingering and I never took time off to let it heal until it flared up at the end of the season," said Gagner, who now says he's pain-free after strengthening the muscles around the hip. "I've been skating since late June, with contact, in battle situations. I'm confident it's not going to be an issue."
He only played 68 games, and his 41 points, while second to Penner's 63, were only so-so because he got a lot of power-play time (two minutes 36 seconds a game, fourth-most amongst forwards).
He needs a 60-to 70-point season to establish himself as a legititmate scoring threat.
"I think everyone's looking for a breakout (campaign), but I don't really think you can judge anybody too much off last year ... other than Dustin, everbody's stats were affected," said Gagner.
"We all want to rebound, and with all the fresh faces coming in, with a fresh new attitude, it's going to be exciting for all of us."


text:
Fidelidade is the new majority shareholder of ES Saúde, now Luz Saúdeupo
During a special session of the Portuguese stock market, held on October 15th, 2014, the President of Euronext announced the new majority shareholder of Espírito Santo Saúde with 96% of the shares in the company, is Fidelidade, owned by Chinese group Fosun.
Fidelidade offered the highest bid for the shares of ESS (5.01 Euros per share), beating offers from Angeles Group from Mexico and Group Mello from Portugal, all of whom participated in the operation for public acquisition (OPA). The final offer from Fidelidade was also above the offer made by the American company UnitedHealth, owner of the Amil Group in Portugal, who made a direct offer for the company, outside the market process.
During the special session at Euronext, the president of Fidelidade, Jorge Magalhães Correia, announced that ESS had a new name and brand image. The largest private healthcare group in Portugal will now be known as Grupo Luz Saúde.


text:
Problem/SummaryI am using Microsoft FrontPage 2000 and websites appear to publish just fine, and the page displays correctly. However, when you go to one of the forms on the site, you see the " [FrontPage Save Results Component] " text at the top of the form and when you submit you receive the error:
"Cannot run the FrontPage Server Extensions on this page:
I have tried running the 'Check' operation via the control panel, and even on the server itself, with results that seem to indicate no issues.
While Helm installs the extensions without error, there is an additional added step required of setting up the SMTP Server settings using the FP Extensions configuration web pages:
1. Open IIS Manager
2. Right-Click the web site that has the FP Extensions installed.
3. Select Properties, and then the Server Extensions 2002 Tab
4. Click the [Settings...] button
5. Login using the Administrator account (local administrator on that server)
6. This loads the General Settings - Change Configuration Settings page for the FrontPage Extensions of the domain you right-clicked on.
7. Fill in the Mail Settings section with the pertinent values, and click the [Submit] button at the bottom of the page.
8. Re-publish your FrontPage Web.