Editors Note, Autumn 2009

Welcome to your autumn issue of NRBM, jam packed with business information and advice as well as covering regional business issues that affect your business.

Firstly our thoughts are with the communities that have suffered the 2 extremes of our Australian climate, the fires in Victoria and the floods in Queensland. There has been a huge amount of support locally and it has been fantastic to see so many people united in helping others. Donations can be made through www.redcross.org.au or call 1800 811 700.

Our feature this issues flies in the face of all the economic doom and gloom that the national media are consistently portraying which inevitably makes confidence in the market place increasingly shaky. We look at how our local economy can protect itself and showcase businesses that have put into practice buying locally and keeping skills in the region which plays a part in our economic success. This region has a thriving business community and we all need to ensure that we do all we can to safeguard that in the forecasted difficult times.

As a region relying on tourism as a major contributor for many businesses, it was good to hear positive reports for this Summer season. Tourism generates on average $1.2 billion pa in direct revenue for the Northern Rivers and nearly 7% of our regional workforce relies on tourism for employment. With numbers up and retailers and hospitality reporting solid quarterly results it’s a positive start to 2009.

In Employment and Training this issue we look at how you can motivate employee without breaking the bank and also feature a new mentoring initiative to address skills shortages and retain skills in the region. In finance our local experts explore options to help you protect yourself and your income.

What’s On covers business events helping you to manage your business, addressing safety issues, exploring export opportunities as well as a round up of local events. If you have an event you would like included in the Winter issue email them to editor@nrbm.com.au.
We hope you enjoy this issue and remember to Keep Your Dollars Local!

Moyra Burke-Smith
Editor
NRBM

NRBM
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W: Northern Rivers Business magazine
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Notice: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences, including any loss or damage arising from the reliance on information in this publication. The views expressed in Northern Rivers Business Magazine are not necessarily endorsed by the editor or publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, internet or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.