COMMITTEE PROFILES
Mary Benton - Chair
Business: Plan4Wealth Pty Ltd - financial planners
Everyone aims to have enough money to only work when they want to. But often people feel they are working hard and getting nowhere fast. At Plan4wealth we work with you to achieve your goals, helping you reduce debt, grow your investments, minimise taxation and maximise any Centrelink entitlements.
We work with you to set the overall program that is right for you, putting in place safety nets as well as investment targets, and then touch base with you regularly to check you are on track (and nag you if you’re not...!). What makes us different from other financial planners is our understanding of financial planning for business owners, where we are able to offer a broad suite of strategies designed to protect and build your personal and business wealth.
The best advice I ever received was... Never say never. This allowed me to push through (or go around) obstacles that other people saw but I didn't. But it has also allowed me to not see 'arguments' in terms of black and white - there are usually more than two sides to every discussion, and being able to propose completely new solutions has led to great friendships over time and brilliant new ideas (such as the new Casey Business Forum that is being remodelled as we speak...)
Annemarie Cross – Vice Chair & Workshops
Business: Annemarie Cross – Branding Specialist & Business Coach
I support ambitious women entrepreneurs who are struggling to generate a level of income they truly desire by helping them to define and build their brands, their credibility and their connections and enable them to bust through any mindset barriers so they can finally get noticed, hired AND paid what they’re worth.
I totally understand my clients’ struggles through my own personal experience. I’ve battled self belief barriers and have doubted my abilities however after busting through these beliefs and doubts and after recognising the value I bring to my clients I’ve been able to increase my personal worth/business growth by more than 4,000%. And, that’s what I’m committed to helping my clients achieve.
The person I most admire is...My mother. She’s an amazing woman (even though she would never say this about herself) who has sacrificed much in her life so that her children could have the best opportunities. She’s still alive at the ripe old age of 91, and if I have half the energy she does at her age – I’ll be happy! She’s been an awesome role model.
Sally McIntyre – Secretary
Business: SJ Virtual PA
I am a super Personal Assistant to busy business owners! I help my clients by managing their administration needs – booking travel, confirming meetings & appointments, formatting documents, organising events....and everything else in between!
My favourite place in the world is......my kitchen! I love cooking sweet treats to share with family and friends...choc caramel slice, browines, cakes, anything sweet and chocolatey!
Debbie Brownlie – Treasurer
Business: Master Training / Impact Bookkeeping
All business owners and staff need training, both to increase their skills and keep up with changes in business laws and business processes. Master Training helps make this process easy – with online training programs that target the needs of Australian businesses.
Every year I always..... Read the book “Anna Yesterday” which I have had since I was 8 years old and thank God and the universe for my family and friends.
Kay Vrieze – Events: Conference
Business: Creating Magic - Sendoutcards
Sendoutcards is the latest online Marketing tool for your business or personal use. Convenient online card system that provides a physical card, in an envelope with a stamp and you don’t leave your home/work computer. The card is under $1.00, it can be personalised with your own words and pictures. The system reminds you when it is someone’s birthday, anniversary or special occasions. You can send multiple cards in just 5 minutes. Christmas/promotional/sales/special activities/invitation cards have never been easier. Save, time, money and treat your family, friends, customers as they should be. It does make a difference to building positive relationships. People love them and love that you take the time to send a card. 100% open their cards, and over 80% leave them sitting around. www.sendoutcards.com.au/60236
My greatest success so far is... Getting on the Woman’s honor role in 2009 for my work with families and the Neighbourhood House and Learning Centres across the State.
Lee-Anne West – Marketing / Media / Photographer
Business: Westpac Cranbourne
At Cranbourne we pride ourselves on our service proposition in providing 10/10 service everytime. We are active in the Local Cranbourne Community, and believe strongly in Live Local buy Local where ever possible.
We have a dedicated and local team of Specialist available to assist our customers.
So, we recommend that you Bank Local! Come and meet the team @ Westpac Cranbourne
I recommend that everyone should... Review their bank accounts, products, features and facilities at least every 6 months. Your bank may be able to save you fees and/or offer you a better product or service. Not to mention, we want to get to know you.
Gail McTaggart – Mentoring & Breakfasts
Business: ACE Lending Solutions
Ace Lending solutions provides a complete mortgage broking service. We listen to what your current and future goals are, then research products and services from our suppliers to provide you with a range of choices. It doesn’t stop there we are committed to working with you to ensure you aren’t “stuck” in debt for the next 25 years or so by offering a range of programs to ensure that your financial goals are achieved.
We will ensure that you have adequate insurance cover for your home, contents, motor vehicles and of course yourselves.
My greatest success for far is...Providing a home loan and achiever program to one of my country clients who are now looking at purchasing their 2nd investment property.
I first started working with these clients about 2 years ago, we put a plan in place to consolidate their current debt and work toward reducing their home loan debt. 12 months later they purchased their 1st investment property and we are currently working on a loan for their 2nd investment property…. just 6 months later.
This is a fantastic effort, this couple have 5 young children, and the wife is a stay at home mum who has her own small business she runs from home. Her husband is a disability nurse… just typical Aussie family who, with our help, are dedicated to achieve their financial goals.