http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/ Gold Coast Business News Articles http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=797 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=797 IN today's market, it is impossible to find a commercial enterprise that does not involve some form of risk. One of the most repeated investment truths is that the return on an investment is usually commensurate with the risk involved - that is, the greater the risk, the greater the return. Leaving returns aside, risk management in property matters extend to include a whole range of considerations. Some of the more easy ones to manage... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=737 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=737 The Gold Coast is set to embrace one of the most lucrative film slates in its short filmic history, with total production set to inject more than $200 million into the economy between now and 2008 MOVIE business on the Gold Coast is big business, providing around 4000 jobs over a projected two-year period. The stellar news is that Steven Spielberg's $260 million film The Pacific, starring Tom Hanks, is set to sail the industry to... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=3906 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=3906 Business News Publications is a proactive participant in a community support program with nominated charity organisation House With No Steps (HWNS). The associated benefits of supporting a nominated cause has many benefits and successfully fosters positive relationships between charities and businesses. COMPETITIVE advantage and increased awareness are some of the key benefits realised by businesses embarking on the socially conscious path of... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1468 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1468 Boat manaufacturer Riviera launches new Riviera 41 Flybridge Convertible R Marine Riviera Factory Boat Show this weekend 10-11 March, Coomera   Visitors who mention that they have seen this advertised on the Gold Coast Business News website, will receive a personal tour of the boat of their choice.   MARCH   Thursday, 1 MarchConnectWorking Business Networking Breakfast - Central Gold Coast Contact... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1466 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1466 India is emerging as an attractive export option for Gold Coast companies FAMOUS primarily for its Bollywood film industry, India can also lay claim to the world's second fastest growing economy, enjoying a growth rate of eight per cent last year. Its landscape is fast changing. The Australian Trade Commission reports that more than 60 five-star hotels and 375 shopping malls are due to open in the next 18 months. Nick Ferris, from... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1465 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1465 The Gold Coast business property sector is creating sustainable communities POPULATION, major infrastructure, a strong economy and increasing new business pportunities are spearheading the Gold Coast's commercial property sector toward unprecedented prosperity. Property hot spots stretching from the Tweed Heads border to Beenleigh in the north are driving the demand for highly sought after commercial holdings. Hundreds of millions of... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1029 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1029 Lawyer Robert Hynes was recently included on a Naiman Clarke 20 Most Influential Lawyers list ROBERT Hynes is an exception to the corporate rule - he started his firm, Hynes Lawyers, on the Gold Coast and two years ago, it successfully spawned a solid practice in Brisbane. Mr Hynes was included on the recent Naiman Clarke 20 Most Influential Brisbane Lawyers list and made it to No. 45 on The Gold Cost Bulletin's 100 most-powerful Gold... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1028 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1028 Special Gold Coast Business News Sensis reader giveaway AIMING to help small business owners harness the power of marketing and advertising, a new book, Small Business, Big Opportunity share news, events, marketing techniques and tools and handy tips from other small business owners. Co-written with small business guru Rob Hartnett, the guide covers basic principles of how to recognise what makes a business special and how to identify... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1027 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1027 Nicole Antees NICOLE Antees has been appointed project co-ordinator for development company Young Land Corporation. She was previously business manager at the Atkinson Gore Group. She will be responsible for overseeing new YLC projects including the Keppel Bay Estate, leasing commercial projects and co-ordinating new developments. Donna Pistol DONNA Pistol has joined Hynes Lawyers as senior associate in its planning litigation team... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1026 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1026  10 tips to attract and retain the best AS the candidate market continues to tighten, those with experience and skills in the areas of shortages are finding they are in demand. Attraction and retention have consequently become a much higher priority for employers. Here are 10 tips to aid in winning the war for talent: 1. Know what you are looking for. Clearly identify, by benchmarking great performers, what makes someone... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1025 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1025 Skills and knowledge to leave with retirees EMPLOYERS across Australia will face an impending skills and knowledge crisis as multitudes of baby boomers exit the workforce in coming years, according to leading recruitment agency Kelly Services. It is estimated that up to 4 million baby boomers will retire in the next 10 to 20 years, marking the largest ever loss of knowledge and skills in the Australian labour market. "This will spark a... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1024 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1024 Coaching crucial to keeping players on the team WOULD you let an untrained and unqualified mechanic work on your car? The answer would be no. Why is it then that every day we employ or promote unskilled people to manage and run our businesses or departments in a business? Every year, businesses spend money training their frontline staff, administration people and trades people, yet they fail to develop those who manage and run our... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1023 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1023 TWENTY-FIVE Australian Technical Colleges will be created to encourage students into vocational education as part of the Federal Government's strategy to tackle skills shortages. Targeting Year 11 and 12 students who want to complete their education while beginning apprenticeships, the colleges will not be part of the TAFE network. Five of the colleges have already opened and 15 more are due to open next year. The college vision is to... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1022 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1022 WE live in a complex world, technology surrounds us. It seems everything these days is controlled by a computer. Terms such as Bluetooth, Blu-Ray, High Definition, Plasma, USB, I-Pod, MP3 abound. And this is only at home. Today's business environment is more of a battlefield, with staff expected to be competent with a wide range of business hardware and more importantly, software, says Nathan Elcoast, of Axis IT Consulting. "Good... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1021 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1021 AdvantAge 06 THE future of Australia's burgeoning retirement sector will be the topic as hundreds of delegates meet on the Gold Coast next month to discuss what's next for the $12 billion industry. AdvantAge 06 is to be held from November 21-23 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Guest speakers include leading economist, business commentator and founder of BRW Magazine Robert Gottliebsen, who will examine some of the... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1020 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1020 THE new addition to the NRL, the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans, will drum up their membership and fan base using a 60-second television commercial devised by ad agency BCM Partnership. Titans managing director Michael Searle says he is confident the commercial will hit its target audience with a powerful and enjoyable message. "We wanted to produce a TVC that would strike a chord with not only our die-hard fans, but also with the kids and... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1019 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1019 THE new Gold Coast Stadium has been officially named SKILLED Park at an inspection by Premier Beattie. He says the future home of the Gold Coast Titans National Rugby League team will be state-of-the-art, offering world-class facilities for both players and spectators, with construction of the 25,000-seat venue on track for kick-off of the 2008 NRL season. Queensland company Watpac is the managing contractor for construction of the new... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1018 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1018 AS the commercial property sector enjoys its best prospects for 17 years, the New Tweed Coast's first purpose-built professional centre is poised to launch. With more than 25 per cent of the complex already sold to a range of local businesses, the $15m Kingscliff Central is 'future-ready' - tech-enabled with high-speed broadband, voiceover telephony and free calls between tenants. Designed and developed by the Azure Sea Developments... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1017 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1017 LISTED property group Cromwell has officially announced plans for its $400 million development of the landmark Corporate Centre. Cromwell executive chairman Paul Weightman says the development is due to start in January 2007 with the construction of a $45 million building fronting Slatyer Avenue, Bundall. "The 11-level tower, to be called Corporate Centre Two, will provide 8000sqm of commercial office and retail space just 3km from... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1016 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1016 A RESIDENTIAL development site in the heart of Southport has attracted strong inquiry from Gold Coast developers. Marketing agent Michael Levonis, from Elliot Michaels Realtor, says the 3748sqm site, on High Street, presents an excellent residential opportunity considering its central location to the rejuvenated Southport CBD and The Broadwater. "Inquiry has been very strong from both local and interstate investors keen to acquire one of... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1015 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1015 Southport to be home to swank seniors-only high-rise PROPERTY-focused funds manager City Pacific is moving into the luxury retirement resort business, starting with Australia's first seniors-only high-rise. The Queensland-based listed company has a 50 per cent stake in a joint-venture which has secured sites on the Gold Coast, in Victoria and in New Zealand for retirement resorts. The sites will be home to more than 1500 luxury... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1014 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1014 BARRY Pickering and Julie Massignani, the duo behind the independent property investment group Onsite Direct, will this month introduce an international portal to property investment. Known as Onsite Direct GLOBAL, it is being heralded as "private wealth creation on a global scale". Members can search for properties by price, city, region, state, country, developer, development, as well as drill down on specifications, floor and site... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1013 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1013 THE first stage of the $700 million Southport Central development, Tower 1, has been officially opened by Queensland Premier Peter Beattie. The 40-level tower, on the corner of Scarborough and Lawson streets, is the first of three towers to be built on the mixed-use site, which formerly housed the Southport State School. Tower 1 comprises 31 levels of luxury residential apartments set above eight levels of commercial office suites and a... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1012 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1012 Demand leads to purpose-built home and office units RESPONDING to the demand for home office solutions, Delfin Lend Lease has released its new SOHO range at Varsity Lakes, located in the bustling Market Square - a premier commercial address in the booming Varsity Central business and innovation precinct. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show nearly one in 20 people work from home these days, making the Small Office/Home Office... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1011 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1011 Property investment can be a perplexing business - particularly on the Gold Coast EVEN when all the fundamentals seem to be right - relatively low interest rates, plenty of available cash and significant availability of finance - investors still may not be interested in what the city has to offer ... predominantly residential real estate. Prevailing market opinions point to a substantial slowing of sales of residential property as an... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1010 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1010 Boisterous commerical property market comparable to major city growth THE Gold Coast's steady population growth and broad range of infrastructure means it can now 'mix it' with the major cities in commercial property, says commercial property financier Balmain Commercial. Directors George Vazey and Noel Pennell say the commercial property market continues to be boisterous, as it gains momentum with investment and acquisitions reamain... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1009 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1009 National Business Sales CEO Patrick Lui looks at how you can find the right business WITH the typical business buyers taking on average about six to 12 months to find a business, it can be a frustrating process. Within six months, I would not be surprised that you would have reviewed as many as 100 businesses and may have made five to10 offers. Furthermore, you may have put a few businesses under contract. Despite all your efforts, you... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1008 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1008 BankWest Gold Coast area manager Peter Child gives a near-term outlook THE belief among economists is that the next interest rate movement will be upwards - yes, an interest rate increase! The new Governor of the RBA probably already has his finger on the trigger of another increase before Christmas - and the safety catch is more than likely not on either. The best test to see the impact of an interest rate rise is to review your own... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1007 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1007 Suncorp launches new prouct for small business SMALL business owners can now earn interest on their EFTPOS transactions every day of the week through Suncorp's new Cashflow Accelerator solution. Unlike most EFTPOS deposit systems, Suncorp's Cashflow Accelerator product ensures all business customers' deposits are processed daily, seven days a week. Deposits are not held over the weekend or public holidays - they are settled that day and... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1006 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1006 FORTY community organisations throughout south-east Queensland have shared in $1,015,917. Announcing the latest recipients of the Jupiters Casino Community Benefit Fund, acting Premier and Treasurer Anna Bligh said the grants give the groups a boost and alleviate the burden of fund-raising. They allow the groups to buy equipment, upgrade buildings and facilities and launch and maintain community projects. "Alcohol and Drug Foundation... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1005 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1005 THE Gold Coast's commercial property market is currently dominated by private investors and owner occupiers in search of quality products ranging between $1 million and $10 million, says Benjamin Heaney, of Drexel Financial Services. As a finance professional for many of the Gold Coast's high-end property market participants, Mr Heaney says he has witnessed a noticeable shift in favour of commercial property acquisition in the past 12... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1004 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1004 The humble Christmas card means more than just 'season's greetings' THE humble Christmas card is an effective client retention mechanism as well as a being a friendly greeting, says Steve Kondra, from Repeat Customer Solutions. "The fact that you've chosen a card, put in a message and taken the trouble to post it shows a commitment to the recipient. A message sent via email seems so last minute and off-hand," he says. While sending a... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1003 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1003 AT the opening of Export Week 2006, Premier Peter Beattie announced the Smart State's five-year export strategy to build on Queensland's thriving export culture, marketed globally under a new Trade Queensland banner. "The new Driving Export Growth for Queensland Strategy will diversify Queensland's export base to take even more Smart State products and services to the world," he says. "We will enhance the support available to innovative... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1002 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1002 Local businesses recognised for export excellence A FAMILY-owned Beaudesert company - which has become the largest fibreglass pool manufacturer in the southern hemisphere since starting out more than 20 years ago - is among the 10 achievers recognised at the recent Gold Coast Region Export Awards 2006 ceremony at Conrad Jupiters. Barrier Reef Pools took out Gold Coast Exporter of the Year Award and secured the Small to Medium Manufacturer... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1001 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1001 THE film industry is buoyed by news that the prestigious Inside Film (IF) Awards will be hosted here later this month. The coup represents a major milestone in positioning south-east Queensland as the film hub of Australia. The prestigious national awards will join other signature film industry events which already call Queensland home - the annual Screen Producers' Association of Australia (SPAA) Conference, the Australian International... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1000 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=1000 More than just status symbols or big boys' toys, helicopters are increasingly being used as cost-effective commuter craft WITH a top speed of 200km/h and the ability to traverse 600km - or journeys of three hours - on a single tank of fuel, helicopters eclipse motor vehicles as the ideal means of corporate transport. "There are no traffic jams up there," says Troy Holloway of Helibiz, the exclusive distributor of Robinson helicopters in... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=999 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=999 GIC Special Investments Pty Ltd (GIC SI) has sold its stake in Riviera to a leading Australian independent private equity manager, Ironbridge Capital, in a transaction which valued the Riviera business in excess of $300 million. GIC SI was one of the original investors involved in the Riviera management buyout in October 2002. All of the other original investors, including lead investor Gresham Private Equity and representatives of the... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=998 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=998 FINANCIAL services group MFX Limited (ASX: MFS) joined the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index on October 18. MFS managing director Phil Adams says entry into the SA&P/ASX 200 was one of the major objectives set for MFS in 2006/07. "It is extremely pleasing and gratifying to be part of the Australian sharemarket benchmark index and we think it reflects all the hard work and effort that has gone into building MFS over the years,"... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=997 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=997 CONRAD Jupiters has taken out four prestigious categories at the Queensland Hotels Association 2006 Awards for Excellence, winning the Responsible Serving - Gaming, Workplace Health and Safety, Responsible Serving - Alcohol and the Most Outstanding Community Service & Achievement awards. The annual awards, held this year at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, attracted 900 hoteliers and tourism providers from across... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=996 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=996 QUICK FACTS Chairman/DirectorWayne McCrae Directors:Timothy KoitkaPeter Hutchison Listing Date:2 August 1971 Head Office:Southport The Business A mining and mining investments company, CuDeco specialises in production of high-quality, high-purity copper sulphate pentahydrate. Its production facility is near the regional township of Cloncurry, in north-west Queensland, and currently mines the high-grade copper oxide... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=995 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=995 CORPORATE Australia has delivered the second-highest profit growth in a decade, posting aggregate gains of 21.9 per cent for the 2006 financial year. This was down from growth of 23 per cent for the 2005 financial year. Despite the stellar performance, many outlook statements have foreshadowed a relatively 'weaker' FY07 and beyond. With stocks effectively 'priced for perfection' going into the reporting season, it was no surprise to see... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=994 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=994 City and country customers get access to same network and services TELSTRA'S latest high-powered broadband product, NEXT G, is expected to change the face of business in Australia, says the company's CEO, Sol Trujillo. Mr Trujillo and Ericsson CEO and president Carl-Henric Svanberg recently flicked the switch on the new network in Sydney. Mr Trujillo says Telstra shareholders' $1 billion investment in the world's geographically largest... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=993 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=993 Limited space in Brisbane tipped to increase demand for office space on the Gold Coast as positive absorption continues THE Gold Coast office market continues to remain tight with a vacancy rate of just 6.5 per cent, according to recent research undertaken by CB Richard Ellis. The overall vacancy rate is down from 7.6 per cent recorded at the start of the year. Of the five major regions, Bundall has the tightest vacancy rate at 3.7 per... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=992 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=992 NETWORK Disaster recovery planning (DRPs) - or the new, politically correct terminology Business Continuity Plans (BCP) - are no longer being left to the IT department. Information Technology has crept into most corners of business functions and the need to make contingency plans in case of a computer disaster or major disruptions to the business systems now need to be a vital part of a total corporate strategy. While an environmental... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=991 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=991 A Queensland invention has won the British Science Museum's Science Award for Smart Puzzle 2006 THE Kaleidoscope Classic scooped the top prize when The British Science Museum announced Britain's best five educational toys - and there's not a joystick, battery or computer screen in sight. The Smart Toy Awards were judged by a panel including psychiatrist Dr Raj Persaud and Diane Lees, director of The Museum of Childhood - a part of the... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=990 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=990 Dennis Chant inspires others to aim high FROM a one-man show in 1999 to more than 100 staff today, Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) has become a soaring success story under the control of its managing director, Dennis Chant. Last year, QAL turned over $56 million - $37 million of which came from the Gold Coast Airport (GCA). Mr Chant created his own leadership role within the corporate entity that acts as an umbrella to three airports... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=989 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=989 Leadership In Action unites with Griffith University Business School LEADERSHIP in Action is planning a joint venture with the Griffith Business School. Its successful flagship program, Project: T.O.P. Leaders, will be reformatted into a nine-month leadership course to be offered to the business community of Queensland by Griffith University. The new program, to be re-branded exclusively for Griffith Business School as The Effective... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=988 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=988 S&P boss tells Tresurer our robust economy has 'few peers' QUEENSLAND'S economic performance has been praised by a world ratings leader, during Deputy Premier and Treasurer Anna Bligh's visit to the US. Global Head of Standard & Poor's Corporate and Government Ratings, Paul Coughlin was glowing in his report to Ms Bligh. "Among state and regional governments around the globe, it (Queensland) has few peers in terms of... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=987 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=987 QUEENSLAND has again produced its best monthly unemployment figures since at least 1978, says Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for infrastructure Anna Bligh. Queensland's trend unemployment remained at 4.6 per cent in September and employment growth across the year was four per cent, compared with only 2.6 per cent nationally. "This equals the lowest monthly trend unemployment rate recorded in Queensland since the inception of the... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=986 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=986 COMMERCE Queensland has expressed concern at the Australian Fair Pay Commission's decision to raise the minimum wage for low-paid workers by $27.36 a week. Under the decision, more than 1.5 million workers nationally, who are covered by the WorkChoices legislation, will receive an increase from December 1 this year. The decision is not limited to those on lower wages, increasing wages above $700 per week by an additional $22 per... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=985 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=985 TRIPADVISOR - the largest travel community in the world - has announced Palazzo Versace Gold Coast as No.8 in the Top 10 Hip Hotels from around the globe. Based on traveller popularity, Palazzo Versace was the only Australian hotel nominated by on-line members. It was nominated alongside some of the most highly recognised hotels in the world, including the Hotel Gansevoort in New York, the Surreal Sanctuary in London, Museum Muse in... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=984 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=984 QUEENSLAND Airports Limited (QAL)'s September passenger statistics show consistent growth across all airports. Managing director Dennis Chant says both Mount Isa and Townsville airports continued to benefit from the economic boom in northern Queensland, while the Gold Coast recorded positive passenger growth for the school holiday period. Figures show 16 percent and 15.3 percent increases at Townsville and Mount Isa airports respectively,... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=983 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=983 GLOBAL staffing provider Kelly Services Inc. this year celebrates its 60th anniversary in the recruitment industry as it raises its focus on specialty staffing to supplement its generalist permanent and temporary staffing divisions. Kelly Services' senior director, operations and country manager for Australia, James Bowmer, says the company is proud of the milestone - and of its fast expansion both in Australia and all over the world.... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=982 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=982 A GROCER, a theme park, a V8 Supercar racing outfit and a jetty manufacturer are among the nine businesses to share the spoils in the 2006 Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards final monthly round of judging. In the first tie of the year, Mrs Flannery's Natural Grocers and 2004 Gold Coast Business of the Year The Perfume Connection shared the Retail, Wholesale and Distribution Award. Nerang's Superior Jetties tied up the Manufacturing and... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=981 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=981 Campaign to cement holiday reputation AS the rest of the country suffers a slump in domestic tourism - certainly not helped by fuel prices, interest rate rises and an insatiable appetite for plasma screen TVs - a Federal Government report shows the Gold Coast is bucking the trend. Called Travel By Australians, the report says the Gold Coast has experienced an increase in tourist expenditure of $235m since 1999. And now, Tourism... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=980 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=980 NOW 100 per cent owned by Village Roadshow Ltd, Sea World Nara Resort has announced a name change to Sea World Resort, further cementing its association and relationship with the adjoining theme park of the same name. Finalised on September 29, the acquisition saw Village Roadshow Ltd pay $20million for the remaining interest in the resort held by Japanese based company Nara Australia. Village Roadshow Ltd also owns 100 per cent interest... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=979 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=979 BUILDERS from the Varsity Lakes community took out awards at the annual Delfin Lend Lease 2006 Grand Masters Awards. This year's entries were judged on street appeal, design and liveability, sustainability, marketing and value for money. The BRB Group also received National 2006 Delfin Lend Lease Grand Masters Awards for projects at Varisty Lakes. The awards recognise excellence and innovation in the building industry each year across 16... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=978 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=978 CURRUMBIN Wildlife Sanctuary CEO Michelle Monsour has taken out a major award at the 2006 Telstra Queensland Business Women's Awards. Ms Monsour won the Hudson Community and Government Award Category from six finalists including Triton Foundation general manager Becci Watson; Zoe's Place CEO Shay Zulpo; Emotional Fitness Foundation CEO Cynthia Morton; Ergon Energy CEO Kate Skilleter and Queensland Folk Federation general manager Amanda... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=977 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=977 Summer storms have the potential to cost businesses - big and small IT'S the start of the summer storm season, and while we watch the skies for much-needed rainfall, the flooding and winds that go along with tropical fronts are more than just a hazard for home owners - they also have the potential to cause costly damage to businesses, big and small. "Natural disasters like lightning, fire, cyclonic conditions and hail can all cause... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=976 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=976 THE Gold Coast Marine Industry Association (GCMIA) has merged operations with the Boating Industry Association of Queensland (BIAQ). Under the new arrangement, the GCMIA will continue to operate as an incorporated association under its existing name; but will officially become the Gold Coast Division of the BIAQ. GCMIA president Charles Dickson says the move is in keeping with recommendations made under the Federal Government's Marine... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=975 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=975 Members of the marine industry call for a waterways authority MEMBERS of the Gold Coast marine industry have called for a single overarching body - a waterways authority - to manage the use and development of our marine assets. The call was made at a gathering of developers, members and industry representatives at a recent UDIA seminar. Gold Coast City Marina's Jeff Leigh-Smith and Dean Leigh-Smith, Gold Coast Marine Industry... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=974 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=974 Heavyweights to share their knowledge with Gold Coast audience THE Gold Coast will host three of the world's most influential business leaders - including Dr Alan Greenspan and Mr Ricardo Semler - at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from February 25-26 next year as part of a strategy to put the city on the map as a global business hub. The inaugural VeryGC Global Business Insights 2007 event has been billed as... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=973 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=973 QUEENSLAND developer the Samtay Group is seeking partners to participate in a $240 million, world-class eco-development on its prized northern NSW beachfront site at Wooyung, near Pottsville. Samtay Group, headed by Gold Coast businessman Cameron Davis, has approval to develop the Wooyung Beach Resort on the site it purchased last year for $5.5 million. The 80-hectare site is on Wooyung Road, Wooyung. Under the development plans, only 15... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=972 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=972 REPRESENTATIVES from Gold Coast Tourism (GCT), the Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) and the Regional Economic Development Advisory Board recently travelled to Sydney to brief top Australian financial advisors on the strength, integrity and strategy of destination Gold Coast. GCT and GCCC presented a strategy to more than 40 analysts from financial services giant Goldman Sachs JBWere (GSJBW), where strategies, targets and the current economic... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=971 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=971 Magic Millions makes its mark internationally SINCE Gerry Harvey, John Singleton and Robert Ferguson bought the Gold Coast's Magic Millions in 1997, the carnival has gained momentum both in Australia and overseas. "Just the involvement of three of Australia's most famous businessmen made an major impact in the public awareness of Magic Millions in business circles and in mainstream media," says the event's marketing and media manager... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=970 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=970 A 1960's-styled housing recovery is expected in 2007 and beyond due to changing demographics, changes to superannuation and most importantly, the tight rental market, according to independent property analyst Michael Matusik. A leading property commentator, Mr Matusik, the director of Matusik Property Insights, says interest rates are also likely to remain steady in the next decade or so. He says since the early 1970s, residential market... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=969 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=969 MAKING movies is big business, as we discovered when we were invited behind the scenes of the dynamic local film industry for our cover story. Total production slated for between now and 2008 is set to inject more than $200 million into the economy and provide some 4000 jobs. This current hive of activity will be bolstered by news that Steven Spielberg's $260 million, The Pacific, starring Tom Hanks, is on course and sailing this way... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=731 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=731 Founding member of international arm to remain Top 20 shareholder SURF apparel giant Billabong will be looking to break into further off-shore markets in 2007 following record sales of more than $1 billion last term, but will do so without its international founding chairman, Gary Pemberton. Billlabong chairman Ted Kunkel announced the retirement of Mr Pemberton at the company's recent AGM in Broadbeach. After 25 years of serving on the... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=729 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=729 10 tips to attract and retain the best AS the candidate market continues to tighten, those with experience and skills in the areas of shortages are finding they are in demand. Attraction and retention have consequently become a much higher priority for employers.Here are 10 tips to aid in winning the war for talent: Know what you are looking for. Clearly identify, by benchmarking great performers, what makes someone successful in your... http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=728 http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=728 Is it possible to satisfy boards and shareholders, raise brand awareness with consumers and add to your bottom line while giving back to the community? CAUSE-RELATED marketing (CRM) originated in the US in the 1980s and is generally defined as a marketing strategy whereby a company makes a contribution, financial or otherwise, to a non-profit organisation, relying on the consumer's purchase to satisfy business objectives. Hailey Cavill,...