Jodie Hinton and Mark Sharwood are taking a leading role in what promises to be an inspiring business breakfast.By Kath Gannaway
ORGANISING a business breakfast for 400 people would be challenging for even the most experienced event organiser.
As members of Pembroke Secondary College’s Advanced Leadership Development Elective (ALDE) Mark Sharwood and Jodie Hinton are facing the challenge head on.
ALDE members are working with Bridge Builders Youth Organisation in Mount Evelyn to put on the fourth annual Mount Evelyn and Mooroolbark Community Bank Business Breakfast.
Pitching their project to Healesville Rotary Club last week Mark and Jodie said they were looking for a full house for the breakfast, which will be held at Lilydale on 26 June.
Mark said one of the first jobs had been to get a keynote speaker who had the pulling power they needed.
Local entrepreneur/businessman Jim Penman more than fitted that bill.
“I went to his headquarters in Montrose, had a meeting and discussed what will happen on the day and what his requirements were,” said Mark, who is confident Mr Penman has what it takes to capture the attention of the breakfasters, and inspire.
Mr Penman started Jim’s Mowing as a one-man business in 1982 and now has over 2700 franchises in four countries as part of the expanded Jim’s Group.
Mark, Jodie and co are promoting an event which will include “a frank and honest account of the mistakes and successes of this determined entrepreneur”.
Jodie said communication was a major part of the leadership experience.
She said making personal approaches to local businesses and developing a professional phone technique were all part of successfully managing the event.
Bridge Builders director Phil Stenhouse is working alongside the Pembroke students.
The organisation aims to empower young people by building leadership skills and giving them the tools to grow into strong individuals.
Mr Stenhouse said the breakfast was getting bigger and better every year.
“The breakfast gives the students experience in public speaking and with event management. They are doing all the organising. It’s a great way for them to get hands-on experience,” Mr Stenhouse said.
Proceeds of the breakfast will go towards the ALDE end of year camp.
Mark said the response from Healesville Rotary had been extremely encouraging. The club gave a $200 donation.
The breakfast will be held at Swinburne University atrium at Lilydale The cost is $40 a person, or $350 for a table of 10 and tickets are available now. To book, phone Mr Stenhouse on 0421 062 512.
