I am embarrassed to confess that I have lived in Manly Vale for 10 years and never before ridden a bike to the beach. This week I discovered that Manly beach is a short 20 minute cycle from my house.  Who knew?  And it is an easy cycle, even for a beginner.  I know some of my cycling friends will be appalled that I have waited so long to find this out.

This week I was a champion! Thanks to my lovely, lean and gorgeous friend Toucia who took me for a ride up to and around North Head.  We trekked up Darly Road (a steep ride for those not familiar with it). Toucia rode the whole distance while I scurried behind pushing my bike when the hill got too much (picture Pepe lé Pew and the scrabbling cat). Then, once we got to the top of that dreaded hill, Toucia showed me how to change gear (with pedals moving!) and patiently explained what gear I should be in when…it made a huge difference to my cycling experience. I will be zooming up that hill in no time.

Since making the commitment to cycle 350km in Cambodia with my daughter Ginni for Care Australia I have received some interesting responses from my circle of friends.  Some find it hysterical that I would attempt to ride to the corner shop, let alone 350km on bumpy Cambodian roads in extreme humidity.  This has only strengthened my resolve.  I intend to show the non believers that they are underestimating me.  And while I know it will be tough, I am a pretty tough cookie myself. 

First of all, I am NOT a cyclist so a 350 km ride across Cambodia next March will be interesting! The real reason is the 'I am Powerful' Cycle Challenge 2010 conducted by CARE Australia. This international humanitarian aid organization fights global poverty and places special emphasis on empowering women and girls to effect lasting change in their communities. I feel strongly about this, so with my daughter Ginni and a group of inspired women, we’ll show how pedal power (and sponsors) can help CARE Australia continue its I am Powerful campaign.  Please sponsor me.  For businesses that donate $500 or more, I’ll expose your brand/logo across Cambodia on my t-shirt! (It’s OK; I’ll have several!)

Please go to my Everyday Hero page www.everydayhero.com.au/jane_leonard to make a secure donation or Ginni's page www.everydayhero.com.au/ginni_leonard

Congratulations again to my client Distribution Central and CEO Scott Frew. Scott’s latest achievement was winning the 2009 Eastern Region Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year  – Products Category. This  now puts him in the running for the  National Award due to be selected later this year. Good luck Scott – we’re keeping our fingers crossed!

Basically, an e-stamp is a mini television commercial without the mega price tag. It’s called e-stamp because it features your head and shoulders (think postage stamp) as you introduce your product, service or design. Yes. Just like U-tube videos only more savvy! You attach your e-stamp to emails going out to your customers – it’s great for building awareness and growing business.
We can make you a truly savvy e-stamp, thanks to the creative heavyweights Mike Hayes and Tim Street. They have been in film and TV for many years and made our e-stamp look smarter than average. Check it out on our home page.

Your comments are welcome, just click comments below to submit your thoughts.

This week, we received our official invitation from Oz Graphix to appear in Oz Graphix 7. It’s a prestigious publication that for the last six years has showcased the very best of current Australian graphic design, illustration and photography. And Savvy Graphics will be mixing it with the best in this next stunning issue. The invitation has certainly given us a real sense of recognition and achievement – not only for ourselves but for our clients as well. It’s a two way street really – so thanks to our many savvy clients who have encouraged us to do our creative best. We’ll let you know when Oz Graphix 7 hits the book and magazine shops.

Congratulations to Scott Frew and the management of Distribution Central who have been ranked 15th in the BRW 50 Best Places to work survey.
The study was conducted by BRW and was based on research by the Great Place to Work Institute Australia. In addition, DC ranked 26th in the 2008 BRW Fast 100 list of companies. This is no surprise of course as Mr Frew is a business guru.

Of course we like to think – as Savvy Graphics looks after all DC’s marketing material– that some of the credit goes to us!

Congratulations to Lane Cove River Tourist Park for winning the prestigious QANTAS Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism 2008, along with Winner of Best Caravan Park Camp Ground in Australia for 2008 and NSW 2007 and 2008.
Andrew Daff is the manager of Lane Cove River Tourist Park and a very savvy guy. We have worked together for a number of years on many exciting projects. Andrew, with the assistance of Savvy Graphics has made his vision for the Park a reality. The park provides a peaceful experience in ecotourism.

If you visit the Park with your kids, don’t forget to pick up the colouring-in book and coloured pencils that Savvy produced for them.