A lot can happen in one short month. 
The city was rocked with the tragic death of Jhia Te Tua, none of us have the answers why or how an innocent 2year old was caught in the middle of a gang conflict and it’s very sad for the family that their association placed their baby in this position.  My thoughts go to the Police who amass huge hours investigating and collating information to bring resolve, yes that’s their job but each day they go home to their own family and children when they must switch to emotional detachment from their day job and become Mums and Dads.  Not easy, and well done to our Police force!
News that Allied Pine has closed the Mill and School Support Services are closing their Wanganui office came as a huge shock to the people working there.  Any business looking for skilled office staff; give Lorraine at School support a call and ask if you can help with employment of staff.
A ’business’ that is bringing revenue and recognition to Wanganui is the Wanganui Greyhound Club.  A few weeks ago due to heavy work demand, I worked a Friday night doing security for a race meeting.  Hatrick Raceway now hosts 88 meetings a year, televised throughout New Zealand and Australia.  Owners and trainers all over NZ recognize Hatrick as one of the best tracks in the country.  On this particular Friday night, the attractive, upgraded facility was obviously popular, with the bar and restaurant full of greyhound enthusiasts and business social clubs enjoying themselves.
Dr Cullen’s budget delivered urgently awaited initiatives without any urgency to introduce them.  Businesses will be given tax cuts on one hand and give them back with the other, for Employer contributions to KiwiSaver that will gradually increase to equal Employee contributions.  Research and Development initiatives are good, especially if the skills training leads to the export opportunities.    
On the Wanganui Chamber front; two excellent BA5’s recently held by Chamber members were KiwiWebs and St Georges School.  If you haven’t attended a BA5 you are missing an amazing networking opportunity and not discovering just what our local business innovations are.  Coming up are BA5’s at Top 10 Holiday Park and Work & Income.  Get along to one soon!   
The launch of the Wanganui Business Awards 2007 is officially launched this week, with exciting new changes; one being all entrants will be recognised at the awards ceremony and will receive a certificate of participation.  Secondly, thanks to Massey University entrants will be provided written feedback specific to each business.   Again the Leisure and Tourism category is expanded to Ruapehu and Rangitikei to bring this sector in line with M R I and Industry standards.  The region encompasses some great leisure and tourism businesses that contribute significant numbers of visitors to Wanganui.  Finally is the introduction of a new category for small owner/operator businesses.   Learn things about your business you don’t know right now, put plans in place for your business success and get the recognition your business deserves. Seriously start thinking about how your entry will be placed at the prestigious 2007 Wanganui Business Awards finale in October.    Chamber will be hosting pre-entry workshops and have assistance available to help you through the process.

“Companies don’t Succeed….People Do!
Bronwyn Paul