Samford & Districts Chamber of Commerce

27/08/2026

𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗘𝗢𝗣𝗟𝗘. 𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗕𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦. ⭐

A fantastic opportunity this week to attend the 𝗖𝗫 + 𝗘𝗫 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽, delivered by 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝘄 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝘄 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 and supported by the 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝘆.

There were some great practical takeaways for businesses in 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻.

One of the biggest?

𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀.

When we recruit the right people, give them great training, simplify our systems, recognise their contribution and create a workplace where people can thrive, that flows directly through to how our customers experience our businesses.

A few questions worth asking in your own business:

⭐ How easy are you to do business with?

⭐ Where are the friction points in your customer journey?

⭐ How well do you onboard and develop your team?

⭐ Do your systems make your team's jobs easier — or harder?

⭐ How often do you recognise people for doing a great job?

One question to take away was simply:

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿?

Thanks to Mark Shaw of Shaw Thing for a practical and thought-provoking workshop and to the City of Moreton Bay for investing in the development of our local business community.

There are certainly plenty of ideas that 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 can put into practice!

Send a message to learn more

27/06/2026

🎨 It's the final weekend of the Samford & Hinterland Arts Trail – don't miss it!

If you've been meaning to explore the trail, this is your chance. There are still incredible artists to meet, hands-on workshops to enjoy, delicious food to sample and plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered throughout the Samford region.

Don't just stick to the main hubs—venture a little further and you'll uncover some truly special venues and talented local creatives.

Before you head out, be sure to check the guide for venue opening days and times so you can plan your visit.

📍 View the trail guide here: https://creativesamford.com/samford-hinterland-arts-trail/

Let's get behind our amazing local artists and make the most of this fantastic community event. Happy exploring! 🎨✨

There's still SO MUCh going on at the Samford & Hinterland Arts Trail this final weekend: art, workshops, delicious things for your tummy... and don't think it will be winding down in any way. Everyone is PUMPED and ready to go out with a celebration.

BUT... make sure you check the guide (physical or online) for which venues are open at which times. Also, again, make sure you visit the venues outside of the main hubs - there are TREASURES awaiting the adventurous traveler. GO FURTHER.

Check the online guide here: https://creativesamford.com/samford-hinterland-arts-trail-guide/

04/06/2026

🎨 Discover the Creative Heart of Samford This June! 🎨

The much-loved Samford & Hinterland Arts Trail is back, transforming our beautiful region into a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture and community.

Over four weekends in June, you'll have the opportunity to explore local studios, meet talented artists, watch demonstrations, take part in workshops and discover an incredible range of artwork including painting, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, textiles, photography and more. With artists opening their doors across Samford, Dayboro, Cashmere, Clear Mountain and surrounding areas, there's something to inspire everyone.

Whether you're an art lover, looking for a unique day out with family and friends, or simply keen to support local creatives, the Arts Trail is one of the highlights of our community calendar.

🖼️ Open Saturdays & Sundays Throughout June
🕙 10:00am – 3:00pm
📍 6–28 June
📍 Across Samford Valley and the surrounding hinterland
🎟️ Free to attend

Find the trail guide and start planning your adventure here:
https://creativesamford.com/samford-hinterland-arts-trail-guide/

Let's support the amazing artists who help make our region such a special place to live, work and visit.

11/05/2026

This is a reminder of our upcoming General Meeting.

The purpose of this meeting will be to formally consider and vote on the proposed dissolution of the Chamber.

Given the significance of this decision, I strongly encourage all members to attend and have their say on the future of the organisation.

The Meeting of members will be held as follows:
Date: 13th of May 2026
Time: 4:00pm
Venue: Samford Hotel

Should enough volunteers come forward for a new committee be formed prior to this date, this General Meeting will be used to vote in the new committee.
As a reminder; the positions required to be filled are;
- President
- Vice president x2
- Treasurer
At the AGM we had 2 out of 4 positions filled.

Any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thank you and Kind Regards,
Kaydon Loechel
0488 433 780

President
Samford & Districts Chamber of Commerce

28/04/2026

Pine Rivers Chamber of Commerce invites the Samford Chamber of Commerce members and guests to the Pine Rivers Regional Leaders Summit – Breakfast Forum on 27 May 2026. This event is all about understanding why more and more businesses are choosing to invest in our region.

What are they seeing?
What opportunities do they recognise?
And what does that mean for you and your business?

You’ll hear directly from some of the leaders driving this growth:

Robert Comiskey – Co-founder, Comiskey Group
A local who grew up in Moreton Bay, Robert is deeply passionate about the region and continues to invest heavily here. From Eatons Hill Hotel to Sandstone Point Hotel, he has created destinations that draw people into our community — and he sees even greater potential ahead.

James Allan – Senior Director, Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners
Leading the groundbreaking Supernode project in Brendale, James is at the forefront of a major renewable energy and data storage development set to put our region on the global map.

Chris Lude – CEO, Anaconda & Mountain Designs
Driving the development of the new Anaconda Adventure HQ in Brendale — set to be the largest of its kind in Australia — Chris is bringing a major retail destination right to our doorstep.

These businesses are helping shape the future of Moreton Bay — and with that comes opportunity for all of us, no matter the size of our business.
👉 This is your chance to be part of Team Moreton Bay
👉 To hear firsthand why leaders are backing our region
👉 And to understand what that growth could mean for you

Seats are limited. Book here: https://tinyurl.com/yj2uum88

25/04/2026

Today we pause to remember and give thanks.

On ANZAC Day, the Samford & Districts Chamber of Commerce honours the courage, sacrifice and enduring spirit of the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, our country. Their bravery and commitment have helped protect the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today.

We remember those who gave so much, reflect with gratitude, and acknowledge the service of all who have worn our nation’s uniform.
Lest we forget.

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Samford Historical Museum’s ANZAC Day commemoration on Saturday.
Join the community after the ANZAC Day Parade for a special morning at the museum, with free entry.

It’s set to be a great day with food, displays, activities for the kids, and is a wonderful opportunity to reflect, remember, and come together as a community.
🕘 Open from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
🌭 Food, drinks, and a classic sausage sizzle
🎖️ Military displays and interactive experiences
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Activities for the whole family
🎫 Free Entry

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Green Thumb Farm
🌻Saturday Farmgate Market
April 25th (Anzac Day)
Open 8am-11am
📌At Samford Parklands - 2204 Mt Samson Rd.
Food is more than what’s on your plate.
At Farmgate, you can see it growing, meet the people behind it, and understand the story from soil to harvest.
🌿 Healthier Food, Healthier People
🌿 Keeping Chemicals Off Our Plates
🌿 Protecting Soil for Future Generations
🌿 Supporting Biodiversity & Climate Resilience
🌿 Strengthening Local Communities
This is what happens when food systems are kept close to home.
Come wander the produce, meet our volunteers who can support with knowledge and experience, walk the gardens, visit our on-site nursery for seedlings and organic garden support and enjoy our fabulous vendors each day.

🎉This week we have:
Wildflower Iced Tea & Treats Serving up food, drinks and good vibes
Live Music by the wonderful Kate B
Wellness on the Move mindful movement and massage
your morning cuppa ☕

This week, as we move through Anzac Day, we pause with respect and gratitude for those who have served.

If you’re joining us, you’re welcome to take the morning slowly.
Visit. Learn. Connect. Be part of something beautiful.

24/04/2026

Last month, the Samford Chamber was grateful to welcome Mark Shaw as keynote speaker, where he delivered a practical and highly engaging session on customer experience, leadership and business growth.

The feedback from local business owners was clear — Mark’s presentation was insightful, energising and packed with ideas that could be implemented immediately.

One of the strongest messages from the session was this:
Most businesses don’t lose customers because of price. They lose them in the small moments. The moments that often go unnoticed internally, but shape how customers feel every single day.

- A delayed response.
- A cold greeting.
- Confusion in the handover.
- Inconsistent service.

A team member who doesn’t understand the standard. These moments matter more than most businesses realise.

8 Signs Your Customer Experience May Need Attention
Mark says practical warning signs every business owner should be watching for:

1. Customers look unsure and no one engages them
People can feel ignored before service even begins.

2. Complaints get fixed but never reviewed
The same issues keep repeating.

3. Staff are told what to do, but not why it matters
Service becomes robotic rather than meaningful.

4. Reviews mention the same issue repeatedly
Patterns are already visible to the market.

5. Recognition is only tied to sales
The wrong behaviours get rewarded.

6. No one can define what great service looks like
Standards become guesswork.

7. Onboarding ends after week one
New team members are left to figure it out.

8. The full customer journey has never been mapped
Gaps exist, but no one sees them.

It Usually Isn’t an Effort Problem. Most businesses have good people trying hard. The issue is usually one of:
• Leadership
• Clarity
• Systems
• Accountability
• Consistency

And those are the factors that determine whether a customer experience feels average… or exceptional.

We thank Mark Shaw for sharing his expertise with the Samford business community and helping local businesses think differently about growth. Because in today’s market, customer experience is not a soft skill. It is a growth strategy.

10/04/2026

Celebrate a century of local history with Samford Garage as they mark 100 years in business. 🎉🚗

Join the celebrations on Sunday, 12 April 2026 from 10am to 2pm at Samford Garage, 4 Mount Glorious Road, Samford Village.

Enjoy a car show from 10am, official presentations from 11am, and a sausage sizzle as part of the day.

A wonderful milestone for a much-loved local business and a great chance for the community to come together and celebrate.

Send a message to learn more