While some sectors have been feeling the effects of the global credit crisis, it's pretty hard to dampen down spirits in the Bay! Many businesses are not wasting the opportunity to develop new niche markets and take advantage of the opportunities recessionary periods bring.

It's no surprise that the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region has experienced over 30 per cent growth over the last ten years – who wouldn't live here if they had a choice? The population growth has led to strong growth in the business community, both in the number of businesses here and in the size of those businesses. In a 'Quality of Life” survey in 2007, Tauranga had the highest rate of new jobs in the country over the previous five years and saw 4.3 per cent average growth in the economy over this time. In another study based on population, employment, GDP and business unit growth, Tauranga City topped the country in 2007, with Western Bay of Plenty District in seventh place – an increase from 43rd place the previous year.

This strong growth is reflected in the vibrancy of the sub-region – most people seem very pleased to be here! While there has been an influx of skilled migrants from overseas in recent years, a lot of people have also arrived from other parts of New Zealand or are expat Kiwis returning home. The ‘newness' of a large proportion of the population has created a climate of goodwill and support, particularly within the business community. There are lots of people out there who are passionate about contributing to the vibrancy and growth of the area and are keen to collaborate to ensure the Bay remains a fantastic place from which to work and do business.

While job prospects may appear to be better in cities such as Auckland and Wellington, feedback received from young professional people who have moved to the Bay tends to contradict this. Skilled people often have a number of exciting career opportunities to choose from locally and find that, instead of being just a small cog in a big organisation, opportunities to accelerate up the career ladder are more readily available here. The other difference about being in the Bay is that you can get to work in half the time, take your surfboard and be out on the water by half past five!

However, there are some businesses that are struggling, primarily in the construction, retail and professional services sectors. Priority One is working with the Ministry of Social Development, tertiary providers, Employer & Manufacturers Association and Tauranga Chamber of Commerce to support businesses that are experiencing difficulties in the economic downturn. While the Chamber provides a mentoring service and free business information and advice, the Ministry of Social Development's support includes paying a proportion of an employee's salary when they go into a new job and arranging transportation for seasonal workers. They also work with those that have been made redundant to help them find a new job.

There is one action that everyone can undertake to increase economic activity and really make a difference, and that is to BUY LOCAL. There is no more important time to do this than now, when businesses are feeling the pinch as a result of global economic conditions. Every purchasing decision has the potential to strengthen the economy by increasing business capability and creating employment. Large firms can lead the way by including a weighting factor in tender evaluation processes that gives an additional tick in favour of local suppliers.

To end this blog on a bright note – what a great coup for Tauranga to finally be on the weather map! This is tangible recognition of Tauranga's status as a growing city, having now overtaken Dunedin as the country's fifth largest city. This is not just about the weather, though. It's about positioning Tauranga as a major city and getting rid of the old misconceptions that we are a sleepy little holiday town or retirement destination. This will be great for our profile, our tourism industry and particularly for our economy!