|
|
The business of sport
The new code of corporate dollar
SPORT and business can be a lucrative partnership for those players kicking similar goals.
But sport isn't just a game. It's a multi-million-dollar industry and the Gold Coast is hungry for its share.
Finally, after years of pitching for national teams to return to the tourist heartland, the Gold Coast can proudly lay claim to its own NRL and NBL teams....
|
|
|
Editor's Message
IT'S game on in the sporting arena as the Gold Coast vies for a lucrative slice of the national sporting sponsorship dollar.Four national codes will call the city 'home' by 2008, each of them presenting corporate investment opportunities and advertising dollars.Commerce Queensland Gold Coast regional manager Noel Millers explains the value of national sporting entities to our dynamic region....
|
|
|
Back to the drawing board
Surfers Paradise Chamber of Commerce president and Commerce Queensland regional chair Tom Tate says future proofing our economy starts in the classroom
MUCH has been written lately about water strategy and initiatives on all three levels of government.
Similarly, the need for an upgrade of our infrastructure, roads, additional bridges, tunnels and rapid transit have also been hot topics....
|
|
|
Incentives promote balance
Strategies to promote healthy work/life mix
MINISTER for Women Margaret Keech has launched an industry challenge that offers cash incentives to businesses to help workers balance their work and life.
Mrs Keech says most people place a high priority on balancing their responsibilities as workers and family members.
"If we're going to tackle the Queensland skills shortage head-on, we need...
|
|
|
Virgin tunes into music festival market
THE Gold Coast is cementing itself as the music festival capital of Australia - and in the process stomping to the beat of a consistent cash injection.
Now home to events including the Big Day Out, Good Vibrations, Summafieldayze and the V Festival, the Gold Coast is the number one destination for touring bands and festival folk who want to 'groove in holiday paradise'.
After building a...
|
|
|
Big bucks
Bull riding's best are bound for the beach
THE world's richest bull-riding body is bringing its multi-million dollar competition to the Gold Coast.
Expected to inject $5 million into the local economy, the premier international event will be filmed for broadcast in Australia, the US, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Europe and Asia.
The US Professional Bull Riders, Inc (PBR) has partnered in...
|
|
|
Spectacular success in Outback
WARNER Village Theme Parks' $23 million Australian Outback Spectacular is broadening its appeal to international visitors as part of its commitment to tourism growth in the Gold Coast region.
Management and staff have been working on a new multi-lingual headset system for the show - winner of Tourism Queensland's Best New Development Award - to enable up to 1000 patrons to simultaneously...
|
|
|
Awards reward for repositioned park
AWARD-winning theme park Dreamworld has been named as Queensland's best specialty venue.
After taking out the prestigious national award three years in a row, Dreamworld became the first venue inducted into the MEA Hall of Fame in 2004 when it was voted best specialty venue. The park was eligible to re-enter this year and will once again represent Queensland at the national awards, in...
|
|
|
Grape expectations
Perfect pick keeps local growers on track
A GOLD Coast vineyard has hauled in a record grape harvest despite fierce competition and Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation claims that 90 per cent of the industry is unprofitable.
The record 12.4-tonne yield of Chambourcin has completed a bumper season for O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards, with its largest harvest yet.
In February, the...
|
|
|
African acquisition
TRAVEL services and hospitality company Stella Group has expanded offshore, acquiring Protea Hotels of Africa for $255 million.
The acquisition gives Stella Group more than 9000 rooms in Africa, with more than 3000 more to come by the end of the 2008 financial year.
Stella Group's existing portfolio comprises about 15,000 rooms across the corporate and leisure market in Australia and New...
|
|
|
Franchise boom not over yet
AUSTRALIAN franchise companies are expanding overseas before the domestic market has been saturated, according to a new study.
Conducted by the Griffith Business School's Dean of learning and teaching, Professor Lorelle Frazer, and school marketing department head Professor Bill Merrilees, the study explored the timing of international expansion and built a profile of franchising in...
|
|
|
Whirly bird sales spin skyward
AN increase in the demand for luxury helicopters in the region has driven sales sky high for Australasian civil helicopter distributor Heliflite.
Luxury helicopter ownership continues to increase as Heliflite unveils its range of new Robinson and AgustaWestland products.
You can't miss one of the luxury choppers to hit the skies - a bright gold Agusta A109E Power, bought by a...
|
|
|
Council drives local survey
GOLD Coast City Council's economic development branch has engaged local company The Centre for Independent Business Research to undertake a confidential survey into the nature and performance of businesses located in Gold Coast City.
Information collected from the survey will be used to analyse economic growth in the region and to assist Council in developing programs and initiatives to...
|
|
|
Holiday slows cash flow
CASH flow is the lifeblood of small business and holiday periods like the Easter school break and long weekend are often associated with non-stop spending.
Statistics show the holidays can be a tough time for small and medium enterprises, as staff take annual leave, regular customers redirect their spending or take a trip away and many businesses take a break. Cash flow can dry up and many...
|
|
|
TechFast funds boosted
THE Commonwealth Government has committed $2.1 million to the Australian Institute for Commercialisation's (AIC) TechFast program to help SMEs improve business performance.
After the success of the AIC's national TechFast pilot in 2005-2006 - and a positive, independent review of the program - the Commonwealth's Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources has confirmed an ongoing funding...
|
|
|
Top marks for developments
TWO Gold Coast developments have won Urban Development Institute of Australia national awards for excellence.
Queensland projects won three of the seven award categories at a recent ceremony in Perth.
Gold Coast master-planned community Varsity Lakes was awarded the UDIA president's award, The EcoVillage at Currumbin won the environmental excellence category and Viridian Noosa was judged...
|
|
|
$1 million IT upgrade for student training
A $1 million upgrade to the GOLD Coast Institute of TAFE information and communications technology (ICT) will give students and their employers improved access to training.
The State Government will spend $14.8 million this financial year boosting ICT capacity across Queensland's 13 TAFE institutes.
Institute director Deb Daly says the funding will mean more computers for students and...
|
|
|
IT company to host first MODL pilot
AN IT training and solutions company has been selected by Microsoft Learning to deliver the first Microsoft Official Distance Learning (MODL) Pilot training program in the APAC region - one of only 10 pilots worldwide.
ITTS submitted a business case focused on the geographical challenges faced by many regional offices in Queensland in gaining access to professional technical training...
|
|
|
Wireless networking
SETTING up an office - or a number of them - is hard enough without having to run data cables to every possible spot that may or may not require access to the computer network.
With the huge growth in wireless technology and the fall in price of the equipment needed to utilise wireless, it's a good time to look at this alternative to hard wire systems. Traditionally, wireless has been seen...
|
|
|
Firewire channels via US
Revolutionary surfboard product bound for US
SURFING and business aficionados have teamed up to export a revolutionary surfing product to the US prior to launching on the domestic market later in the year.
Firewire is pioneering the evolution of the surfboard design and manufacturing industry with its advanced poly composites and parabolic surfboard rails for lightning response and...
|
|
|
Bank merger on the cards
THE Bank of Queensland (BOQ) is seeking a merge with Bendigo Bank through a scheme of arrangement.
The proposal - which requires the support of Bendigo's board of directors and shareholders - is yet to be endorsed by the Bendigo board.
Bank of Queensland managing director David Liddy says the proposal has been driven by 'logic and rationale' for shareholders from both banks.
"Bendigo Bank...
|
|
|
Marine precinct stage launched
THE Gold Coast Marine Centre - a sprawling $50 million, purpose-built maintenance facility at Coomera - is about to start construction on further marine service building units and manufacturing factories.
The Gold Coast's newest marine facility - situated on the Coomera River, in Australia's renowned Gold Coast Marine Precinct - the centre is being built on 23 acres along Beattie...
|
|
|
Ferry good service
Local investors to float solar cats
A PROPOSED Gold Coast ferry service is its final capital-raising phase, following talks with shareholders.
Solar Coast Cats spokesman Barry Hilson, says the financial phase of the project should be completed by Easter, with a majority proportion of the capital expected to come from south-east Queensland investors.
"The service will create more than 60...
|
|
|
Bring on Global Insights 2008
The first Global Business Insights event on the Gold Coast won't be the last
THE business community is still processing information and expert business advice passed on at the inaugural VeryGC Global Business Insights 2007 conference.
The Gold Coast itself became the boardroom as the corporate world converged, with delegates from Singapore, Hong Kong and Auckland joining local hommes des...
|
|
|
Take a cold shower, says Ciobo
We can't turn the taps off on tourists visiting our famed beaches, says Federal MP Steve Ciobo
PROPOSED level 5 water restrictions - to include the shutting down of beach showers - will impact on the Gold Coast's $2.5 billion tourism industry, says Federal MP Steven Ciobo.
Mr Ciobo is concerned the water restrictions will have a significant impact on the Gold Coast tourism industry and has...
|
|
|
Titans 'backed' by power and gas
AUSTRALIAN Power & Gas Ltd has signed a three-year sponsorship deal with the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans.
The back-of-jersey deal will see Titans players wearing a new logo until 2009, with an option for a two-year renewal.
Australian Power & Gas chief executive James Myatt says the deal highlights the company's commitment to Queensland.
"We're thrilled to be a major sponsor (top...
|
|
|
Career intelligence
A ROBINA company is doing its bit to ensure the south-east's top athletes are set up for a future beyond sport.
Career Intelligence is the brainchild of Naomi Lawrence and offers career management training.
Thanks to the guidance and support of Ms Lawrence, a number of Queensland Reds Squad players have enrolled in tertiary study at Griffith University. Students include Clinton...
|
|
|
Corporate Hospitality - THE NRL
Titans corporate suite15 seat - $32,67012 seat - $26,400
Benefits
- Beverage service (beer, wine, spirits and soft drink)
- In-suite dining and television showing live game action
- One VIP car space for Carrara
- Priority access to buy tickets for home game finals
- Invitation to 'meet the players' barbeque
- Big league match-day program
Titans corporate box
Eight seat -...
|
|
|
Shareholders want answers
Glenn Vassallo, of Hynes Lawyers, looks at some recent decisions that highlight the evolving powers- and expectations - of shareholders
COMPANY directors - particularly, those of Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) listed companies - will find it hard to ignore the recent explosion of investor activism and judicial decisions relating to shareholder rights.
These recent decisions - together...
|
|
|
Super seminar to explain new rules
NEW superannuation rules provide an extraordinary opportunity for Australians to boost their retirement wealth - providing their financial affairs are properly structured in time for the July 1 deadline.
That's the advice from Ord Minnett, who will hold two free seminars about maximising retirement wealth through investment management - and how to take advantage of the one-off opportunity...
|
|
|
Going Green
Company benefits with organic threads
A PASSION to deliver an environmentally friendly clothing range has resulted in Nick Barclay and Andrew Quinn's product landing on the shelves of 20 stores.
When and why was Outdoor Clothing Concepts Pty Ltd established?
Nick Barclay: "Andrew Quinn and I established Outdoor Clothing Concepts Pty Ltd in pril 2004, specialising in the marketing,...
|
|
|
Finalists are winners too
THE annual Gold Coast 2007 International Women's Day Festival and Leadership Award has expanded to incorporate an extra category that recognises youth leadership.
Chairperson of the IWD Leadership Awards judging panel Vicki Varthas says for the awards to remain relevant and vibrant, they need to take into account new trends.
"It is for this reason that a new award, the youth leadership...
|
|
|
High-tech help at home
A PARTNERSHIP between the State Government, Griffith University and Gold Coast City Council has secured a new $1 million facility for high-tech businesses on the Coast.
A $500,000 State Government grant will enable a 'Gold Coast Incubator' to be established at Griffith University's Gold Coast campus. It will provide a supportive business environment for young, high-tech companies and...
|
|
|
Don't get left behind
TIME-POOR small to medium enterprise (SME) owners on the Gold Coast risk missing out on one-off opportunities from superannuation changes because they are under-informed about the new rules.
Feedback from NAB's business bankers indicates many SME owners are not fully aware of how they can take advantage of the superannuation changes.
NAB regional executive Southport for business banking...
|
|
|
Brickie builds career path
FROM brickie's labourer to managing director, Peter Rowe's career path is a story worth telling.
The successful business improvement specialist brings his passion for small and medium business to a Southport Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast on April 17.
Mr Rowe will reveal secrets to making huge personal productivity gains - and lowering stress.
He will pose questions including...
|
|
|
Harcourt rates exchange
AUSTRADE chief economist Tim Harcourt predicts a strong year for Australian exporters.
Mr Harcourt told a conference of industry leaders Australian manufacturing exporters are confident of orders increasing in the next 12 months, despite a relatively high exchange rate.
Addressing the recent Economy 2007, Global Realties for Australia forum, he said almost a quarter of Australia's...
|
|
|
Master your domain name
James Greig from Website Standards Association shares five strategies to help you choose the perfect domain name for your business
WITH the meteoric rise of Internet use in the past five years, the importance of a 'good' domain name has also increased. Domain names such as www.websitestandards.com have become an essential component in the marketing arsenal of businesses and as such, deserve...
|
|
|
Soul movement
JUNIPER Group has joined with Grocon to build the $850 million Soul Surfers Paradise residential tower and retail precinct.
The contract is believed to be the largest private construction deal awarded in Australia for a single-tower development.
"Soul Surfers Paradise has set another record with this contract," says Juniper joint managing director Shaun Juniper.
"Soul has already...
|
|
|
Salt spiced by record price
SALT Village on the new Tweed Coast in northern NSW has set its own record price for vacant beachfront land with an absolute beachfront property selling for $3million.
The price equates to a 50 per cent increase from $2 million paid for a block in November 2006 and eclipses the previous price-per-square-metre record for vacant beachfront land in the region.
The latest deal equating to...
|
|
|
Howard's Sphere campaign
A $170 million master-planned residential development in Southport's Griffith Knowledge Precinct has been launched by developer Howard Group.
The architecturally-designed Sphere development will feature 400 new apartments, townhouses and detached villas. The 7.5 hectare site is located on Musgrave Avenue Southport, neighbouring Griffith University, the Chirn Park shopping and cafe strip,...
|
|
|
Time to punch above your weight?
Napier & Blakeley director Alastair Walker says we have one of the world's most sophisticated property markets
IN global economic terms, Australia is quite small - the value of its stock exchange is somewhere around 1.5 per cent of the global equities market. In non-residential investment property however, Australia punches well above its weight and has become one of the world's...
|
|
|
Outer space
A 341 square metre commercial holding at East on Byron has been transformed into a purpose-built function centre to become the catalyst for an innovative concept by former restaurateur Robyn Horley.
Ms Horley says 'Easterly' has been designed to create a sophisticated, stylish space with a casual, 'approachable' feel.
"It has the opportunity to distinguish itself in the Byron and...
|
|
|
Medal-winning determination defies the odds
PARALYMPIAN swimmer, commentator and model Karni Liddell will be guest speaker at the Varsity Central Business Forum on Wednesday, April 18.
A medal winner at both the Atlanta and Sydney Paralympics Games, Ms Liddell will address the Varsity Lakes business community at the monthly event, to be held at the lake cafe + bar. Diagnosed at 12 months of age with a degenerative disease, spinal...
|
|
|
Travel gurus head to the Tweed
THE arrival of more than 600 international travel delegates to Tweed Heads has been touted as a major coup for the region.
The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) is conducting its 2007 symposium at the award-winning Twin Towns Services Club from April 16-20.
ATEC is the national peak body of the $17 billion tourism industry and the voice for more than 1150 tourism export companies in...
|
|
|
Book it in
MICHAEL LOSIER, Canadian business coach and author of Law of Attraction: The Science of Attracting More of What You Want and Less of What You Don't, will reveal business tips at The Marriott Resort and Spa on April 20.
The book was recently ranked No.5 on Amazon.com's bestseller list.
Mr Losier is trained in neuro linguistic programming, using accelerated learning techniques that help...
|
|
|
Bob Ansett touches down
BOB Ansett is a businessman who needs little introduction.
Recently featured in the ABC TV series Dynasties, the business entrepreneur and best-selling author built Budget Rent a Car into a multi-million dollar international business - only to be overtaken by a financial crisis.Budget Rent a Car was a trendsetter with employee relations and was one of the first companies to introduce...
|
|
|
2007 Rotary awards season kicks off
ROTARY Workplace Excellence and Community Service Awards showcase employees and individuals who have provided exceptional effort or service - either in their employment or the community.
The Theme of these awards is 'Do it once, Do it well and Build a Better Australia'.
Employees and organisations are being asked to nominate individuals for these awards. Awards will be presented at a...
|
|
|
Surfer wide awake on fresh wave of coffee
Business is brewing for Gareth Donovan since he left real estate to roast coffee at Burleigh Heads
FORMER professional longboarder Gareth Donovan is riding the highs of a lucrative career change that has resulted in his Amore Coffee company turning over a 40 per cent profit in just 12 months.
Indulging his passion by acquiring the boutique coffee distributor - which supplies around 220...
|
|
|
A wealth of knowledge
Award winner empowers future leaders with responsibility
CONFIDENT and intelligent, Alicia Beverley's ability to empower staff and encourage others to succeed resulted in her winning the International Women's Day Leadership Award.
The director of IP Wealth displays an ability to maintain a work/family balance that is recognised and admired by the people around her.
As the latest winner...
|
|
|
Top honour for magazine
Gold Coast Business News deputy editor wins media award
GOLD Coast Business News has proven its reputation as a quality, growing publication with deputy editor Jason Oxenbridge's win in the Best Print Business or Finance Story at the recent Gold Coast Media Awards.Mr Oxenbridge won for his article Our V8 Powered Economy, a focus piece on the Lexmark Indy 300 and the home-grown V8...
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
