There are now two local families for whom life has changed forever, and it should give us all pause for thought as to how our own families would cope if they were on the receiving end of such a terrible phone call. 

The Chamber’s thoughts are with both families as they struggle to come to grips with their loss.

On a happier note, last week’s Chamber members’ breakfast saw “The Face Profiler” Alan Stevens address the crowd at the Maitland Mercure on the value of reading the facial expressions and body language of your staff when it comes to determining whether your messages are ­getting through to them. 

Mr Stevens particularly focused on trying to identify when the mouth is saying yes but the face, eyes and body are saying no. 

The conclusion everybody came to was that while it should not be used as the only indicator that your staff may not understand you, it was certainly a ­helpful tool in the process.

Next month’s breakfast will be held at Maitland Rugby Club in Lorn and features Shivani Gupta from the Passionate People Institute speaking about becoming a better leader and manager by unlocking the passion in your life.

For inquiries or to reserve your seat go to www.maitlandbusiness.com.au