Is reducing exposure to rising energy costs important to the survival of your business?

Ai Group is conducting networking breakfasts in Melbourne on Thursday 16 October and Sydney on Friday 17 October 2008 to give members an insight into strategies to position your business for the cost impacts of emissions trading.
Hear from international expert, Henrik Sundström, Head of Sustainability Affairs, Electrolux Group, Sweden, who is leading the global drive by Electrolux to reduce the company's overall energy consumption by 15% throughout its operations in 150 countries between 2005 and the end of next year.

Download the Registration Form here.

• Ai Group renews call for gentle start to emissions trading 
• Ai Group welcomes Australia-ASEAN-NZ FTA 
• Ai Group 2008 National Forum 
• Queensland industry win 
• Register for Ai Group Victoria sustainable manufacturing event 
• Business Over Breakfast in Queensland 
• Opportunities at ICT Careers Week 
• Sydney Safety Show 
• QMan 2008 
• AMAus 2008 International Conference 
• Walk to Work Day 2008 

Information for members on CPRS and other climate change policies can be found here.

Ai Group: Interest rate comment
“There is a very strong case for a further cut in official interest rates," said Ai Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout.

Bovis Lend Lease Tops Construction List for 2007/08 
Bovis Lend Lease topped the list of Australia’s 100 largest commercial construction companies for 2007-08, a move up from fourth place the previous year.

Australian PSI®: Weakness in services persists amid global financial instability 
Services sector activity contracted for a sixth successive month in September, although the rate of decline eased for the first time since May.  The Australian Industry Group – Commonwealth Bank Performance of Services Index (Australian PSI®) rose 5.6 points to 44.9, remaining below the key 50.0 level separating expansion from contraction.

Australian PMI®: Contraction Continues in Manufacturing 
The Australian Industry Group - PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®) was relatively stable in September, up by 0.2 points to 47.2 and remaining below the key 50.0 level separating expansion from contraction.

Garnaut Targets are Very Substantial
“The Final Report of the Garnaut Review released today reiterates the importance of global action if climate change is to be addressed effectively,” said Australian Industry Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout.

Productivity Commission shows leadership on Paid Maternity Leave
“In delivering its model for paid maternity leave the Productivity Commission has shown leadership on a most important public policy issue,” said Ai Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout.

Ai Group National Forum 2008 - Speakers transcripts.

Planning on-a-Page: Strategic Planning SMEs - Melbourne
One-day seminar on 9 October, to help small and medium size member companies improve their ability to establish a strategic business direction and reduce the time and costs involved in the planning process.

Pandemic Planning Seminar - Melbourne 29 October
This free seminar will address issues to assist businesses to plan for the impact of a possible influenza pandemic on their employees and business.

Mortimer Review of Defence Procurement 
“The Australian Industry Group Defence Council welcomes the Mortimer Defence Procurement and Sustainment Review as a study that recognises and seeks to address some of the key systemic shortcomings in the current defence procurement process,” said Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout.

Managing Employees Behaving Badly Seminar
Following on from its success last year, Ai Group is now offering a full day seminar incorporating interactive workshops led by our team of expert consultants, and concluding with a panel discussion.