Big team to support business

Christmas has just passed by and Council are already busy expanding its economic development team to better support local business in 2017.
CEO Brett de Chastel has welcomed Anthony Dow as Economic Development Manager, saying his appointment would help Council do more to grow the local economy.
“Anthony brings private and public sector experience to this new position, as well as knowledge and skills from similar roles in New South Wales, New Zealand and the UK,” Mr de Chastel said.
“He is also a local resident and well known in the community having held previous economic and business development roles in the region.”
Mr de Chastel said Mr Dow would join senior economic development officer Carolyn Bullen to provide business support as well as champion economic development.
Ms Bullen led the development of Council’s new Local Economic Plan, which was the catalyst for the creation of Council’s new Economic Development Grants, the #NoosaConnects business networking event and the new Business Assistance Guide.
“Anthony and Carolyn will work together to build on Council’s recent achievements, including the successful application for government funding to improve mobile phone coverage for residents and business owners in the hinterland,” Mr de Chastel said.
Mayor Tony Wellington said Council was pleased to announce the additional resources for economic development.
“The new Local Economic Plan calls for a greater focus on, and investment in, economic development and business support resources,” Councillor Wellington said.
“One of our expanded economic development team’s goals will be to provide the business community with a concierge-type service, to make it easier for them to deal with Council.
“Council is committed to working with the business community to build a more dynamic and resilient economy for generations to come.
“Our Economic Development team will work with businesses to form new partnerships and networks that strengthen our economy and provide high-value employment opportunities for the future.”