White House International
Min found her initial support through the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network where she met like-minded people and secured some of her initial events.
“I didn’t recognise the importance of networking to begin with which is amusing because I’m now the President of SCBN which is the foundation of so many networks. I do think that that speaks a lot to how valuable networks are in business. SCBN brought me in, introduced me to my first contacts, and set me up with my first jobs.
The WHI team began using their expertise to help commercialise chambers and industry groups for long term sustainability and increased connectivity. White House Commercial was then born to help with memberships and sponsorships, marketing and communications, strategic planning and more.
“We’ve helped some of the chambers and industry groups provide the best possible relationships for their members. For example, we facilitated the partnership between Walker Corporation and the Maroochy Chamber and that’s created opportunities for their members to build a relationship with a national industry leader.”
Min has found the events industry has become more cooperative on the Sunshine Coast as businesses play to their strengths. Focusing on their areas of specialty has led to strong collaboration and quality events.
“I think the industry has realised that we succeed better working as a collective as opposed to individually. Rather than trying to be everything, businesses have focused on a particular area and brought in specialists to take care of the rest. This has led us to delivering events for local marketing agencies while they provide marketing services for us”.
WHI developed strong relationships with TAFE and University of Sunshine Coast through their focus on local talent. Local PR and marketing students have participated in internship programs at WHI, allowing them to gain industry experience and employment opportunities. Min Believes the focus on local talent is important to build the industry.
“A lot of students leave the Sunny Coast for work, and I think that’s necessary. These students have grown up and studied on the coast so leaving to travel and work and experience something new is only going to add to their growth. It’s our job to make this industry the best it can be so these students eventually want to bring back their experience and further contribute to the industry.”
WHI has been recognised in this year’s Local Business Champion series. The series is a Sunshine Coast Council initiative that highlights businesses in the region for their contribution to local industry and community.
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