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Hi,

I hope everyone had a very happy Easter and will have an equally happy May Day weekend.

For those of you who haven’t heard, Advance Cairns has appointed ARUP Engineering’s Stewart Christie as our new CEO.

Stewart is a man of talent and vision and the whole team is looking forward to working with him when he starts in early June.

Advance Cairns has been busy with the Stakeholder Consultation Phase of the Tropical North Queensland Regional Economic Plan.

We now have to crunch this vital data and incorporate into the next draft. We have pencilled in mid – to – late June for the launch and will keep you posted.

On a sad note, the Advance Cairns Food Project has wound up.

The project, which created the Taste Paradise brand as part of its food tourism initiative, has been a real force for good in the community.

It has brought together producers, farmers, manufacturers, chefs and cooks and retail outlets and really changed the way people think and feel about local food.

As a core part of Advance Cairns’ mission to diversify the economy, the Food Tourism project has played a vital role changing the way we think about tourism in Tropical North Queensland.

This project could not have gone ahead without the support of DEEDI, TQUAL and Southern Cross University and I’d like to thank them for all their support.

Looking to the future, the inaugural Austropex Conference takes place this August.

The event brings together tropical specialists across around ten industry groups and will help to position our region as the home of Australian tropical expertise.

The one day conference will be followed by the second annual Cairns Regional Council Tropical Innovation Awards.

This will be an amazing evening, a fitting end to a day of tropical initiative and expertise.

While all this is going on we haven’t forgotten the economic nuts and bolts of the region.

We are hard at work with the Yasi Employment Taskforce which is assessing the workforce opportunities and challenges post cyclone.

We are also part of the Relief, Recovery, Ready To Go Project and the Cassowary Coast  Economic Recovery Group.

While there’s much to do, morale is high and the mood confident.

On another regional front, Advance Cairns recently attended a meeting in Townsville to discuss the SuperZone initiative.

The meeting brought together local government representatives from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Mt Isa to discuss the opportunities presented by working together to present a Northern Queensland voice to state and federal government.

Until next time,

Margaret Darveniza

Advance Cairns Acting CEO

Wednesday 13 April 2011

In my previous roles as a Business Banker and Finance Broker in Cairns, I was surprised to constantly meet business people who were all chasing income growth without any thought or plan as to what the impact of this growth would be on their bottom line.

So, when times were good in Cairns there was growth for the sake of the growth. This would mean some of the foundations of good business practice such as strategic planning and customer service were overlooked by business owners.

With the impact of the GFC and the subsequent economic slow-down in Cairns, many of these high performing businesses have become unsustainable, their inherent weaknesses have become evident and this is reflected in their performance.

It has been said, people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.  Failure to plan is widespread and is reflected in the increasing numbers of Cairns business’s asking me, “What can I do?”

My advice: formulate a plan and write it down.  By documenting your thoughts, you are able to clarify key issues and determine whether your ideas are feasible.

Then do the numbers and understand the processes needed to make them work.  You may find that your idea sounded good but is not financially feasible.

If it isn’t, start again and keep working through the solutions until you are satisfied with the result.

Once you have formulated your plan, get a second opinion.  What makes sense to you may not make sense to someone else and by workshopping your ideas you may find a solution.

In some cases you may actually need the assistance of other business partners including Accountants, Solicitors or even your Bank to carry out your plan.

By taking the time to plan, you increase your chances of success regardless of what’s happening in the wider economy.

Strategic planning allows you to adjust your positioning strategies, align your workforce, manage your margins and increase your competitive advantage through exceptional customer service and minimise the economic impact to their bottom line.

Remember that in some cases and despite all best efforts some businesses will falter so ensure you have a clear exit strategy.

This does not necessarily mean closing down, but perhaps handing over to a new generation whether external or other family members.

New ideas and fresh motivation can be a lifeline for a faltering business.

Having had many experiences with small business over the years, the opportunity to lead the Cairns BEC is an exciting and positive step for me.

This service will allow me to assist small business in many ways so that they can find their own way to success.

Just remember, whilst it’s easy to get caught up in the day to day struggle of running a small business, it’s important to have clear business goals and put the plans in place to achieve them.

Otherwise, why are you working?

Please email Kim on bec@advancecairns.com to find out more about the BEC or to book an appointment.

‘The services provided by Advance Cairns Limited are partially funded by the Australian Government’

1 April 2011

Advance Cairns’ Business Enterprise Centre, which offers free or low cost business advice to small to medium businesses is running an Introduction to Business workshop.

The workshop will cover:

• The structure and content of a business plans
• How to research your business markets
• How to create a business identity; from branding to customer service
• Business startup tips

Participants will apply their own business objectives to the learning activities ensuring the workshop both interesting and relevant.

Acting CEO of Advance Cairns Margaret Darveniza said this workshop was the first of many the Advance Cairns BEC would be running.

“We’re here to support small businesses in Tropical North Queensland and workshops are a great way to pass on vital skills to the business people of our region,” Ms. Darveniza said.

“Advance Cairns recognises that many business people are doing it tough right now.”

“I encourage you to come along to the workshop and learn some new skills and create new networks.”

Introduction to Business Workshop

Venue: Boland Centre, Spence St, Cairns

Date:  8 April 2011

Time: 8:30 am – 1:30 pm

Cost: $22 per person, includes lunch

Bookings: ring 4080 2900 or email pa@advancecairns.com

‘The services provided by Advance Cairns Limited are partially funded by the Australian Government’

Friday March 25

Advance Cairns heads to Townsville this weekend to take part in the North Queensland Small Business and Franchise Expo.

Acting CEO of Advance Cairns Margaret said the Expo was a great opportunity to showcase Tropical North Queensland as a premier business destination.

“Advance Cairns wants to let the broader business community know that the Tropical North is not only a great place to live but a great place to work as well.”

“We have great support systems for small to medium businesses in our region and we welcome all and any inquiries about doing business in Tropical North Queensland.”

Ms. Darveniza said the Expo was a chance to show some of the innovative ways Advance Cairns supports small and medium business.

“Advance Cairns works in a whole range of areas to drive growth and foster resilience in the regional economy. We recognise that small and medium businesses make up around 95 percent of all registered businesses in Tropical North Queensland and we want to work with them and for them to create a really thriving economy,” Ms Darveniza explained.

“Some of our projects which are aimed at the small to medium business sector include Austropex which is a web – based collective of tropical specialists ac

ross ten industry groups; our newly opened Advance Cairns Business Enterprise Centre which offers low or no – cost support to small and medium sized businesses and ThinkTNQ which provides a regional snapshot of Tropical North Queensland.”

“www.thinktnq.com.au offers a range of useful information for people who want to move to our area or start a business here. The site covers house prices, community services, infrastructure and accessibility and much more across the four local government areas that make up Tropical North Queensland.”

Austropex will head to Jakarta on Monday to attend OZMINE 2011.

The Austrade organised tradeshow and conference showcases Australian companies servicing Indonesia’s mining industry.

The tradeshow attracts over 80 exhibitors and around 2000 visitors over its two days.

Austropex, the Advance Cairns initiative which brings together tropical specialists across ten industry groups, will attend the tradeshow to promote Tropical North Queensland’s mining expertise.

Acting CEO of Advance Cairns Margaret Darveniza said Austropex would showcase the depth of talent available in Tropical North Queensland.

“Austropex Mining is a collective of mining specialists from right here in Tropical North Queensland whose skills, products and services can support Indonesia’s mining industry,” Ms Darveniza explained.

“Austropex Mining members include Native Title specialists, recruitment and training bo

dies, environmental consultants, accommodation providers, risk analysts, engineers and heavy machinery suppliers to name a few.”

“One of Austropex’ objectives is to brand Tropical North Queensland as the home of Australian Tropical Expertise and OzMine is an unparalleled opportunity to show the South East Asian region that if they require mining specialists, we have plenty of them in Tropical North Queensland.”

Indonesian Mining Statistics:

• Minerals and related products account for a fifth of Indonesia’s exports and in line with increased interest in the resources sector Indonesia’s existing mining sector is in full production.

• Globally, Indonesia is the leading exporter of thermal coal and the second largest exporter of coal after Australia.

• Coal production has grown rapidly over the last decade and owing to high demand within the region, including Japan, South Korea and India, there is further interest in the exploration, development of new mines and expansion of existing mines within the coal sector.

• Indonesia is also richly endowed with mineral reserves and globally ranks second in the tin, third in copper and fourth in the production of nickel.

• The country is also a leading producer of gold.

21 March 2011

The Advance Cairns Business Enterprise Centre was launched last week by the Minister for Small Business Senator the Hon Nick Sherry.

The Centre offers low or no – cost business advice for enterprises employing up to 20 people.

Advance Cairns Business Advisor John Larkin will be in the Cassowary Coast next week to assist small to medium business owners with any business concerns they may have.

John offers:

• One-on-one business analysis and advice,
• Help with completing the necessary steps to establish a business,
• Support with business planning, legal and financial advice through a panel of specialists,
• Referral to other appropriate agencies
• Business training for managers,
• Referral to specialist agencies,
• Information provision and professional development opportunities.

John Larkin has been involved in the small business sector for over 30 years and has owned several small businesses.

He established the Northern Territory’s Small Business Advisory Service in 1980 and has held senior management positions in both the private and public sector.

John has wide experience in a variety of sectors including shipping and transport, construction, exporting / importing, training, retail and wholesale.

In addition he has established CDEP operations in several indigenous communities.

Acting CEO of Advance Cairns Margaret Darveniza said John will help find a way a way forward for regional businesses hit hard by the global slow – down and recent weather events.

“John has a great deal of business experience and will be on hand to help people of the Cassowary Coast in any way he can,” Ms Darveniza said.

“John is a Queenslander and understands the needs of Queensland business. Whether you’re just starting up, experiencing difficulty or ready to grow, John can give you the advice you need.”

“I encourage all small to medium businesses in the Cassowary Coast who feel in the need of some personal business advice to contact John on 4080 2900 and make an appointment.”

‘The services provided by Advance Cairns Limited are partially funded by the Australian Government’

17 March 2011

The rain and the shamrock aren’t the only things making it green in Tropical North Queensland at the moment.

The inaugural meeting of the Green Collar Workforce Development Group was held today.

The Group – which is made up of representatives from the government, environment, industry, charitable, service providers, education & training and research sectors – will create strategies to develop a skilled workforce to fill the green jobs of the new economy.

“People who are eco-literate will be the employees of the future and it’s our job now to be providing people with the skills that will sustain our economy going forward,” said Advance Cairns Sustainable Regions Officer Nicky Swan who is chairing the Group.

“We are already seeing investment in solar and wind – power, electric cars, grey – water systems, low energy appliances, water saving devices and low food mile produce.”

“These growing industries – and the ones just around the corner – will need skilled labour.”

“The Green Collar Workforce Development Group will identify the workforce needs of current, new and emerging green industries. We will then put in place strategies to up-skill the workforce to meet those needs.”

“We are making a slow but definite shift towards a low emission, low carbon future and it is essential that our workforce and our region is ready for it.”

The Minister for Small Business, Senator The Hon Nick Sherry will launch the AdvanceCairnsBusiness Enterprise Centre on the 15th of March 2011.

The Advance Cairns Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) will offer support, advice and referrals to businesses which employ up to 20 people.

The Advance Cairns BEC is an official member of Business Enterprise Centres Australia (BECA).

“Business Enterprise Centres are recognised as the first and best point of contact for small business operators seeking quality business information, advice and guidance,” said BECA.

“Business Enterprise Centres are designed to facilitate the creation, retention and development of sustainable business enterprises and foster local economic development.”

Advance Cairns Acting CEO Margaret Darveniza said a BEC was the perfect fit for Advance Cairns as small and medium sized businesses form the backbone of Tropical North Queensland’s economy.

“Small to medium-sized enterprises are critically important to our economy,” Ms. Darveniza said.

“Running a business can be challenging – when extreme weather events hit, business- as-usual takes on a whole new meaning.”

“We’re delighted to be launching our BEC now as we will be able to offer business support right at the time people need it most.”

“The Advance Cairns BEC will support businesses and business people to succeed.”

“Our BEC will provide business advice to people who are just starting out, those who have been around for a long time and everyone in between.”

“Advance Cairns’ BEC will provide mentoring services, business and strategic planning support, tips and tricks for small business and last but not least be a friendly face for people who are doing it tough.”

“As the peak economic development agency in Tropical North Queensland, Advance Cairns sees this as core business.”

“Helping small business helps everyone.”

Fast facts:

• Small to medium businesses (1 – 19 employees) make up 94.4 % of registered businesses in Tropical North Queensland (Bureau of Statistics, 2007)

• Small to medium businesses (1 – 19 employees) make up 95.5% of registered businesses in Queensland (Bureau of Statistics, 2007)

• Small to medium businesses make up 95.4% of registered businesses in the Cairns Local Government Area (LGA) (Bureau of Statistics, 2007)

• Cairns LGA Gross Product: $8,190 million (2009) which makes up 3.4% of Queensland’s Gross State Product (Cairns Regional Council Economic Profile 2011

‘The services provided by Advance Cairns Limited are partially funded by the Australian Government’