Advertise on podcast: Capricornia Chamber of Commerce

Phil Henry and Jason Foss from the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce unpack what’s happening right now for local small businesses. From rising fuel costs to changes around card surcharges and wages, there’s a lot hitting businesses all at once. The key message? These challenges aren’t new, but how we respond matters. We also share how local businesses can have their say through an upcoming Chamber survey, and what’s coming up for Small Business Month in May.

Jason Foss and Phil Henry discuss the less obvious risks affecting small businesses today — including internet outages, mental health pressures and HR compliance. A practical conversation focused on awareness, preparation and using the right support before problems escalate.

The Talk of Business is a weekly business segment on 4RO – The Talk of Central Queensland, focused on practical conversations that help local businesses make better decisions. The Capricornia Chamber of Commerce would like to thank 4RO for their continued support of local business and for providing a platform to share these conversations with business owners across Central Queensland. In this episode, Chamber President Jason Foss joins Luke Cross to talk about the paradox of choice — why offering too many options can actually confuse customers and reduce sales. Using everyday examples (including cafés, menus and a famous supermarket jam experiment), Jason explains why clarity beats choice, and how small businesses can make it easier for customers to say yes. Topics covered include: Why most people order the same thing every time The paradox of choice explained simply The famous “jam study” and what it showed How too many options create confusion Why customers don’t ask questions — they just leave How to make it obvious what you’re best at 🎙️ Chamber members:The Talk of Business will also feature guest experts from across the local business community. If you’d like to join Jason on a future segment to share your expertise, please get in touch with the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce.

The Talk of Business is a weekly business segment on 4RO – The Talk of Central Queensland, created to share practical insights, real conversations, and local expertise for Central Queensland businesses. The Capricornia Chamber of Commerce sincerely thanks 4RO for their continued support of local business and for providing a platform where these conversations can reach business owners across the region. In this episode, Chamber President Jason Foss joins Luke Cross to talk about why your business name matters more than most people realise — and some common naming mistakes that can quietly limit future growth. Topics covered include: Why your business name matters more than your logo The risks of using personal names and acronyms How location-based names can cap expansion What strong, future-proof business names have in common 🎙️ Chamber members:The Talk of Business will regularly feature guest experts from areas like IT, accounting, HR, marketing and operations. If you’d like to join Jason on a future segment and share your expertise, please get in touch with the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce.

In the final Chamber Chat for 2025, Jason Foss and Phil Henry settle in at The Cheeky Fork to talk through everything local businesses need to know heading into Christmas.They unpack the new grant for businesses impacted by crime, employer obligations on public holidays, upcoming workshops, the Buy Local Livingstone campaign and the Chamber’s own Christmas event at the Rocky Smash Rooms. A relaxed, informative wrap-up to close out a busy year for CQ businesses.

Join Jason Foss and Phil Henry from the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce for this week’s update from Yeppoon.They chat about: A visit to Complete Modular Living The State Government’s renewed focus on payroll tax reform Jason’s thought bubble about planning your business for 2026 Key takeaways from Livingstone Shire Council’s Economic Update The Chamber’s AGM and upcoming events And a real-world lesson from the Bureau of Meteorology’s redesign fail It’s a lighthearted, informative catch-up on local business news, strategy, and community happenings around the Capricorn region.

In this episode, we hear from Celeste Cleary of Flourishing Wellness, who shares an eye-opening story from her work with frontline leaders. From trades to office teams, the challenge is the same—great team members are promoted into leadership with no training in how to lead. Learn how a small shift in how we approach feedback can dramatically change the outcome. This one’s a must-listen for business owners and team leaders across Central Queensland.

Phil Henry is back! In this Capricornia Chamber of Commerce update, Jason Foss and Phil Henry discuss the latest minimum wage increase, global trade uncertainty, and upcoming Chamber events. Plus, a wrap-up of our successful Small Business Month.

Join Jason Foss and Phil Henry from the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce as they discuss the latest budget impacts, local apprenticeship initiatives, and insights into diversifying business markets. Plus, a chat with Liz from Studio 11 about her popular cosmetic treatments.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

Business confidence in Queensland is on the rise — but challenges remain. In this video, we unpack the latest Business Chamber Queensland Pulse Survey, discuss key business constraints, and share exciting news about the launch of the Gracemere Sub Committee. Plus, we explore why Rockhampton is a perfect fit for Olympic rowing and how casual conversations over coffee can lead to big business opportunities.

In this episode of the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce podcast, Phil Henry and Jason Foss highlight key issues facing small businesses in Rockhampton and beyond. They discuss ongoing landlord disputes and the role of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, the need for businesses to review their disaster preparedness plans, and why it’s important to stay ahead of potential disruptions. Plus, Jason speaks with Assistant Minister for Central Queensland, Donna Kirkland, about the government's initiative to cut red tape for small businesses. If you've ever been bogged down by excessive paperwork or frustrating regulations, now is the time to have your say. Wrapping up, we share details on upcoming Chamber events, including the launch of the Gracemere Subcommittee and our next business networking coffee catch-up. Tune in for insights, updates, and a touch of Chamber banter! The Qld Small Business Commissioner website: https://qsbc.qld.gov.au/

In this episode, Phil Henry and Jason Foss from the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce touch on the 10-year anniversary of Cyclone Marcia and how the region has grown since. With a federal election on the horizon, they call for business input on key infrastructure needs, from health facilities to workforce planning. They also highlight the state government’s push to cut red tape, urging businesses to share their experiences. Plus, they explore the dangers of business complacency and the need to stay ahead of industry disruptions. Tune in for updates on upcoming Chamber events, including a business coffee catch-up at 4RO and the launch of the Gracemere subcommittee.

Join Phil Henry and Jason Foss from the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce as they discuss the upcoming industrial relations workshop with Jonathan Mamaril, recent meetings with local representatives about reducing regulatory impediments, and how you can share examples of red tape affecting your business. Also, get details on the upcoming coffee event at 4RO. Tune in for valuable insights and stay updated with the Chamber's latest activities. 00:00 Morning Greetings and Weather Update 00:41 Upcoming Industrial Relations Workshop 01:42 Addressing Regulatory Impediments 04:20 Podcast Availability Announcement 05:14 Upcoming Coffee Event 06:35 Conclusion and Farewell

Big changes are coming to industrial relations laws, and businesses need to stay informed! Join Jason Foss (Capricornia Chamber of Commerce) and Jonathan Mamaril (South Geldard Lawyers) as they discuss key topics for the upcoming IR Laws Workshop, including: ✅ Contracts & Subcontractors – What’s changed?✅ The Right to Disconnect – What does it really mean for employers and employees?✅ Wage Theft & Underpayment – What are the legal risks, and how can you stay compliant? 📅 Event Date: 11th February, Regent Rockhampton⏰ Time: Breakfast session, 7:00 AM start📍 Register: Capricornia Chamber Website 🎟️ Tickets are selling fast! Secure your spot now to get expert insights and avoid misinformation.

Stay informed with the latest updates from the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce! In this video, we discuss: 🔹 Wage Theft Laws: What employers need to know about new penalties and compliance challenges.🔹 Regional Infrastructure Projects: Progress on the Bruce Highway and future priorities.🔹 Upcoming Events: Don't miss our February 11th IR/HR legislation session with expert Jonathan Mameril.🔹 Climate Reporting: How upcoming requirements could affect local businesses.🔹 Coffee Mornings: Join us on January 29th at Vector Health in Rockhampton – register now! 👉 Mark your calendar and stay connected with us for more updates! 📅 Key Dates: IR/HR Legislation Event – February 11, 7-9 AM at The Regent Monthly Coffee Morning – January 29 at Vector Health, Rockhampton 0:00 Hello 0:34 IR legislation changes and workshop 3:23 Priority projects 6:10 Mandatory climate reporting 7:40 Coffee 10:31 The joys of recording video outside :)