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Issue 169 - November

 We were alerted the credit crunch would inevitably waft our way. But it blew into town like an unexpected nor’easter. And while some tough times lie ahead, many have faith our financial system appears sound in a period where economic uncertainty has blanketed world markets. Terry Broun Jr pulls up some creaky floorboards and ascertains to what extent the current global pecuniary wood rot is likely to permeate our residential market. According to the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA), first home buyer numbers in Victoria fell 13 per cent in the last 12 months, from 8,781 in June 2007 to 7,637 in June 2008. While the US is suffering from an oversupply of housing, a chronic undersupply ails Australia compounded by an influx of migrants, and unprecented rental vacancy rate lows.... (more)
 

Issue 168 October

 Geelong has certainly confronted its fair share of challenges; it’s been facing one for some time now, due to variables beyond our control dictating the transformation of our manufacturing industry, writes Terry Broun Jnr. While it’s clear that some tough times lie ahead, we must look past the storm clouds to prospects waiting in the wings and formulate their realisation. Meanwhile, our local industry agencies, and institutions are working in unison like never before to ensure the fallout effects are alleviated, while they actively seek solutions, exhort government and fashion new methods to steer our development towards a sound future and pioneering possibilities. After all, we are a city transitioning in more ways than one, poised to lead the charge in the medical, ICT, and biotec... (more)
 

Issue 166-August 2008

 E-learning is rapidly growing as a manner of effectual learning/training delivery and in many instances looks set to become an intrinsic component in Vocational Education Training (VET) and higher education, and for business training solutions for the future. While distance learning has been a... (more)

Also in this issue: Cover Story, National Summit
 

Issue 167 - September

 By the time the clock struck new millennium, the nation’s 12th largest city discarded the vestiges of its ‘90s blues and became the place in which out-of-towners sought to invest in and conduct business. And via the spectre of our ever closer proximity to Melbourne, our allure was assuredly complete. With a slew of projects approved, earmarked for commencement, concluded or in the pipeline over the past six years, it’s clear, Geelong is a city in transition. It appears firmly focused on growth and redevelopment, and not just outward, but upward—and in grand style. Terry Broun Jr observes further. We only need to look at the recent approval of the WaterMarque project to confirm Geelong’s focus for city dwellings points towards ‘higher density’ living as a significant feature in its ... (more)
 

Issue 165 - July 2008

 Anyone who has phoned a plumber then waited weeks for one to show only knows too well the frustration. And while that frustration is justified the reality is the building industry has experienced a unique malaise over the past five years: a general scarcity of expert tradespeople, which will further protract waiting periods. Terry Broun Jr does some excavating to find out why. Some 15–20 years ago the Government decided to discontinue the technical trade schools. Around the same time, more young people were encouraged to attend university rather than join the workforce. Add to that a 50% attrition rate of trade apprentices, along with the majority of our current tradespeoplenearing retirement age, 50 being the average age for our tradespeople with 80,000 expected to retire by 2011. ... (more)
 

Issue 164-June 2008

Industry resources and networks are prime assets to any business. And whether operators require advice and guidance on start up, raising business profile, operating in a resource/cost efficient manner or garnering effective positioning in the marketplace, there is a plethora of networks and organisations to lend the proverbial helping hand. Terry Broun Jr takes a closer look at the region’s associations and how they can help traders, industry, and the greater community achieve. The Geelong Chamber of Commerce operates as an independent organisation with the primary role of advancing business and industry in Geelong. The GCC is a non-profit and non-political business organisation. Geelong Chamber of Commerce focuses on evolving business and industry in the Geelong region, growing the... (more)
 

Issue 163 - May 2008

 If you’re in business and you have to ask what is an exit strategy, chances are you’ve not put one in place nor considered business succession along with many other Australians trading today, writes Terry Broun Jr. Less than half of Australian small business owners have a plan to realise the value they’ve built up in their businesses, according to a recent report released by Commonwealth Bank Local Business Banking. The Commonwealth Bank/Investment Trends Local Business Owner Report shows that only 47% of small business owners have an exit strategy, such as selling their business. Of those with an exit plan, 22% simply intend to close their doors and walk away. Even more surprisingly, 60% of business owners planning to close their doors are still actively reinvesting profits back i... (more)
 

Issue 162 - April 2008

 International acts performing at local venues is a rarity and when announced that big names like Joe Cocker and Lionel Richie were coming to Geelong, the hype and interest created measured at the top end of the scale. Terry Broun asks whether this benefits the local music business, in particular, the homespun talent. “Really it doesn’t mean a great deal,” is one view from the local music industry. “If anything, it’s taking money out of the town. They might use a small amount of local labour, but predominantly they’re a big road show. They just come into town, do the gig and go, taking the money. So there’s no real benefit in having a big band or big artist play in your district except for the obvious entertainment value.” For many local musicians, particularly original artists, the... (more)
 
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Geelong Business News is the leading business publication for the Geelong region

With a regular readership of at least 25,000 throughout Geelong, Melbourne and western Victoria, Geelong Business News provides a voice for the business community - supporting and encouraging local enterprise and stimulating awareness of regional issues.

Alongside topical, informative feature stories, the magazine publishes intelligent, practical articles designed to assist business, and covers issues affecting the growth and development of business in Geelong.

Published monthly in full colour, Geelong Business News also provides a prominent shop window for businesses involved in a diverse range of activities, including tourism, business services, marketing, financial management, IT and telecommunications, retail, education, and training.

 
© 2008 Geelong Business News