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PRESS RELEASE The Samoa Business Network are pleased to announce the finalists for their inaugural SBN Business Awards. Laura Keil-Hall, co-founder and current chair of SBN New Zealand and Afamasga Jackie Curry, SBN Samoa Chair made the announcements of the finalists for 9 out 10 categories last night at a press conference at BNZ Manukau Branch in Auckland. This year also mark’s the Network’s 5 years being formally established so it will be a double celebration at the Awards event which will be staged at the prestigious Naumi Hotel in Mangere on Saturday 29 September 2018. ‘We received 58 entries from Samoan businesses from around New Zealand, Samoa and Australia’ confirms Mrs Keil-Hall ‘It was important for us to distance ourselves from the process so we got an independent panel of judges to assess and score each nomination and application’ – says Ms Curry. SBN wishes to acknowledge and thank the panel of judges for giving up their valuable time to do the judging because it was a time consuming process and they had a tough time assessing due to the high caliber of applicants and nominees. Faafetai lava to Ron Lal of MomentumNZ, Tupa'imatuna Jody Jackson-Becerra of AUT, Taufagaafa Michael Sang Yum of 7E Systems Ltd and Aumua Rosetta Simanu of Auckland Council. They assessed entries for all 9 award categories and we had Rachel Petero of RISE2025 as a guest judge for the SUGA Business Woman of the Year award. One category, which makes up the 10 is the “People’s Choice Award – Favourite Business” which will be presented to the favourite business according to a popular vote, as voted by the public online. Please keep a look out for your favourite business to vote for when the voting opens up on September 1 st and the winner will be announced on the night of the Awards. The SBN Business Awards event will pose a corporate style dinner, with entertainment and speakers from the Samoan business community. One of those speakers who will also be our Key Note is Sione Faumuina, former NRL rugby league star player, who has now established himself as a successful motivational speaker, success coach, author and trainer. He's reached over 2 million people through his various social media outlets, and also travels throughout Australia and New Zealand to speak his message of creating lasting change in your life and business to achieve success. The guest list will include dignitaries and representatives of the Samoan and New Zealand government, stakeholders, business leaders and the wider business community. Keil-Hall and Curry wish to acknowledge the support of the sponsors; Major Sponsor, Pacific Media Network [PMN – Niu FM & 531PI], Associate sponsors; SUGA Magazine, Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, Bluwave, Emotions Events, RISE2025 and supporting sponsors N5 Consulting and Rimani Samoa. We also want to acknowledge the ongoing support of BNZ Manukau. Here is the list of Finalists for the Award Categories & Finalists in alphabetical order: 1. Excellence in Small Business (NZ) This award recognises a business that has accomplished significant growth in the previous 24 months.
2. Excellence in Construction & Trades (NZ) This award recognizes a business in construction and trades. Whether you excel at building, plumbing, roofing, electrical, painting, engineering or any other professional trade services.
3. Excellence in Hospitality (NZ) This award recognises an outstanding accommodation venue, cafe, restaurant, caterer, pub or bistro facility. This business should pride itself on delivering exceptional customer service, high standards in presentation and delivery of both your accommodation, food and service.
4. Excellence in Professional Services (NZ) This award recognises a business in the professional services industry that is excelling at legal, accounting, real estate, broking, dentistry, medical services or any other professional service.
5. Excellence in Innovation (NZ) This award recognises a business that have made significant contributions to their business through the introduction or improvement of an idea, method, technology, process or application.
6. Young Entrepreneur of the year (NZ) This award recognises a young person aged between 18-35 years who, through their own commitment and passion, has built and operates a successful business. A young business leader who demonstrates outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, strategic direction and innovative ideas whilst providing inspiration to a new generation of upcoming young business people.
7. Start Up of the Year (NZ) This award recognises a business that has been operating for less than 2 years that delivers a product/service/idea/invention with credible potential. It recognises early-stage startups that have a solid chance of market success, and strongly displays the entrepreneurial spirit.
8. Samoa based Business of the Year (Samoa only) This award recognises a business in Samoa who is making a difference and contributing to the economic development of Samoa in a significant way, innovative in their approach to business, has a strong online presence and has shown significant success and growth in the last 12 months. [note: this award has 4 finalists with a tie for 2 entries]
9. SUGA Business Woman of the Year (International) This award recognises and celebrates a Samoan woman with outstanding business acumen, excellent leadership skills and has distinguished herself in her business and with her peers.
10. People’s Choice Award – Favourite Business (International) This award is presented to the favourite business according to a popular vote, as voted by the public online. The winner will be announced on the night of the Awards – The contenders are:
We didn’t want the SBN Business Awards just to be an event but we are using this initiative to also promote and profile the finalists as well as those who submitted entries. Profiles of the Finalists will be available on the SBN website and Facebook page leading up to the Awards. Tickets to the event will be available from Saturday 1 st September at $1000 for a corporate table [10] and $120 per person via Eventbrite. If you want to support SBN Business Awards and become a sponsor please email us info@samoabusinessnetwork.org or contact Laura Keil-Hall on 021659072. For more information on Samoa Business Network events and projects please visit their website https://www.samoabusinessnetwork.org or connect with them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. For Membership enquiries, please call Stephanie Solomona at EMD on 22843 in Samoa or Laura Keil-Hall on 021659072 in New Zealand. End of Press Release For further media interviews and quotes, please contact: Laura Keil-Hall | SBN Chairwoman (New Zealand) |+64 021659072 | info@samoabusinessnetwork.org Afamasaga Jackie Curry |Phone: +6857511773 (available on Viber & Whatsapp) | NZ Phone: +64 226575990 | info@samoabusinessnetwork.org For Event Photos & Videos please view online & give Photo/Video Credit to Galumoana Photography: Video of Finalist Announcement - https://youtu.be/JFZqCEaYFhk Photos of Finalist Announcement: Facebook Photo Album SBN Business Awards 2018 Sponsors        
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 The Samoa Business Network, Samoa branch, held their Annual General Meeting on Thursday 9th August 2018 at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, Apia, Samoa. This followed a successful Digital Marketing Workshop, at the SSAB Conference Room, and Business Networking Event at Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, held on Wednesday 8th August. The AGM presented an opportunity to reflect on the 2017 and 2018 period to date, and activities delivered by the Samoa Business Network in Samoa. It was also an opportunity to announce the resignation of some of their Executive Members elected during the 2017 AGM, and welcome on board new Executive Members, who have agreed to take up these positions until the next Elections are held in 2019. The new Executive Members are: Dinah Macdonald - Secretary, Stephanie Solomona - Treasurer, Cecilia Keil – Executive Member & Fashion Industry Representative and Eterei Maiava – Youth Representative. Remaining Executive Members from 2017 elections are Etu Tusitala – Executive Member and Afamasaga Jackie Curry – Chairwoman. SBN Chairwoman, Afamasaga Jackie Curry, acknowledged the contributions made by the former Executive Members who have now moved overseas and/or taken on new roles and business ventures – Clay Paul, Beatrice Ott, River Burich and Ashlene Paul. Some of the 2017-2018 highlighted activities and events for Samoa Business Network were:
The AGM was attended by SBN members who were interested to find out more about the future plans of the organisation in Samoa, as well as New Zealand, and how members could benefit from being part of this organisation. The AGM concluded with a presentation by the SBN NZ Chairwoman, Laura Keil-Hall, who touched on the Vision & Mission of SBN with members, and shared some of the exciting updates and future plans for the organisation. Mrs Keil-Hall shared with members the Vision of SBN is “to enable a successful worldwide network of Samoan Businesses, Entrepreneurs & Professionals”, and the Mission is to “to provide a platform for Samoan Businesses, Entrepreneurs & Professionals to network, collaborate & also make a positive difference in our community”. Therefore all SBN activities and events are focused on this clear vision and mission, which is all about promoting Samoan business success, and encouraging our business people and professionals to work together and collaborate for better business and social outcomes for our communities, and to contribute back to our homeland and make an impact in Samoa. Plans and activities for SBN NZ and Samoa over the next 12-18 months:
Samoa Business Network Samoa Chairwoman, Afamasaga Jackie Curry, also acknowledged the support of Corporate Sponsors and the CEOs of these companies, who have made all the activities and events in 2018 possible: Lemalu Ray Ah Liki and his team at Samoa Commercial Bank, Tofilau Fiti Leung Wai and her team at SSAB, Jay Krishna and his team at Tanoa Tusitala Hotel and Kevin Schuster and his team at Events, Marketing & Distrbution (EMD). For more information on Samoa Business Network events and projects please visit their website https://www.samoabusinessnetwork.org or connect with them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. For Membership enquiries, please call Stephanie Solomona at EMD on 22843. For further media interviews & quotes, please contact:
Afamasaga Jackie Curry Phone: +6857511773 (available on Viber & Whatsapp) NZ Phone: +64 226575990 info@samoabusinessnetwork.org Laura Keil-Hall SBN Chairwoman (New Zealand) +64 021659072 info@samoabusinessnetwork.org For Event Photos please view online & give Photo Credit to EMD: https://www.facebook.com/pg/SamoaBusinessNetwork/photos/?tab=albums SBN Samoa is kicking off its Digital Marketing Workshop on Wednesday 8th of August from 9am to 2pm. It is being held at the SSAB. This will be followed by a Business Networking Event in the evening at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel at 6pm. Check out the presenter profiles for the Digital Marketing Workshop below. You'll get an opportunity to network, mix and mingle with them at the business networking event.  Kevin Schuster Director of LIFE-Con Fashion Event & Events Marketing & Distribution EMD Co Ltd EMD is currently one of the leading Marketing, Sales & Media companies in Samoa. Kevin has a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing, and graduated from the National University of Samoa. He is also a qualified and experienced Trainer & Lecturer in Marketing, Sales & Customer Services. We asked Kevin why he thinks Digital Marketing is important to Samoa businesses?? Here is what he has to say: "Digital Marketing is the future of marketing and advertising"  Bill Chan Ting Website Developer We asked Billy why he thinks Digital Marketing is important to Samoa businesses?? Here is what he has to say: "Digital marketing provides opportunities for engaging experiences for your target audience that is cost-effective, accessible and easy to manage and should be a priority for Samoan business looking to establish their online presence.”  Irlene Mokaraka Co-owner & Marketing Manager for Chef John Tours We asked Irlene & Chef John why they think Digital Marketing is important to Samoa businesses?? Here is what they have to say: "The world outside of Samoa has evolved along with technology. People have phones that are able to provide them with everything at the touch of a finger.... access to the internet, facebook, email, instagram and apps. We have been limited in Samoa in terms of being able to fully access a lot of these resources that connect us to the rest of the world - travellers, visitors, tourism, agents and more due to lack of good wifi, data and then also lack of understanding how to use these online resources. With Digital Marketing & improved accessibility to the WWW, Samoan businesses NOW has a better chance of reaching people before they even arrive on the island....."  Misa Peter Anae Samoa Manager for Galumoana Bluwave Ltd We asked Misa & Bluwave Director, Martin Anae, why they think Digital Marketing is important to Samoa businesses?? Here is what they have to say: "Digital Marketing is important to have in any business, organisation or government because it gives you a global reach, detail and unlimited depth and a much wider audience. The convenience of digital marketing makes it extremely favourable to all entrepreneurs and business owners."  Mose Mose Founder / Owner, Makeki Online SBN Samoa acknowledges the support of the following sponsors    LA Moana opens doors for international shipping, transport & logistics in Northern Queensland.8/6/2018 Published in The Cairns Post by Alicia Nally August 1, 2018
FIFTEEN years of experience in international shipping have been poured in Lilian Auva’a’s new venture. The enterprising former Pacific Asia Express manager has started LA Moana Agency, a consulting firm specialising in international shipping, transport and logistics in northern Queensland. LA comes from Ms Auva’a’s initials, and “moana” is the Polynesian word for ocean or sea. LA Moana was established in December last year and is run out of a home office, servicing all Australian cities. “Over the years, I have noticed a gap in importing and exporting through this region due to the limited resources and services available in this region,” Ms Auva’a said. “There is so much potential in our region, hence why I decided to take this opportunity to use my skills, experience and industry relationships to help bridge that gap where many feel disconnected and overwhelmed to consider importing or exporting.” Ms Auva’a is keen to point out the difference between her business and a freight forwarding company. As freight consultants, LA Moana operates independently and works directly with shipping lines, freight forwarding companies, customs brokers and transport and logistic companies to build a package to suit customers. With an understanding of the project, requirements and budget, a project manager will then be assigned to an account from beginning to end. The company is targeting businesses that want to expand into markets internationally but need help getting started and understanding shipping, transport and logistics. Ms Auva’a said the first six months had been “challenging and yet very rewarding”. “I’ve met many local businesses and visited farmers to discuss their challenges, concerns and also their goals,” she said. “It’s encouraging to see that there is so much interest, support and also collaborative partnerships forged with various stakeholders to help us achieve the same outcome for our region. “Food and agricultural exports is an emerging market. “With the amount of support and grants available to the industry and the free-trade agreements, it is opening up opportunities to help our growers and food businesses to expand their businesses and enter the international markets. “My goal is to help develop and drive international trade growth within our region under a collaborative approach with strategic partners. “Our mission is to mentor and coach individuals and businesses on becoming import and export ready, providing them with the appropriate supply chain solutions, and empower them to see the possibilities, identify the opportunities and have the confidence to make it happen.” Ms Auva’a said some Pacific Islands ex-pats have also shown interest in the business to send cargo back to their families in the Islands. Lilian Auva'a founder & owner of LA Moana Agency [Picture credit: Cairns Post]
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