Business New Zealand chief executive Phil O'Reilly branded Tauranga a ‘booster community' when he was guest speaker at the official launch of Western Bay @ Work on July 20.

He was highlighting the successful track record of the Bay community to improve the region's prospects – and it doesn't go unnoticed at a national level.
Phil said the attitude of active collaboration was needed to improve poor skills and productivity issues, which continue to have a major negative impact throughout workplaces in New Zealand.
This month, under the Western Bay @ Work umbrella, there are over 40 local events showcasing career and training opportunities and highlighting the importance of productivity in the workplace.
Western Bay @ Work itself is the result of effective collaboration between business, education, business agencies and community organisations – who all know a talented, highly skilled workforce is critical in underpinning our economy. Companies have always sought to attract the best talent. The difference today is instead of bringing that talent to their existing locations, companies are setting up facilities where talent already exists.
Talent is the biggest magnet for globalised innovation.
Over time, Western Bay @ Work aims to highlight the Western Bay of Plenty as the business destination of choice for companies that produce high value products and services - and who require these skilled and talented people.
If you haven't checked out any of the events on offer during the month, there are a couple of key events still to run.
These include the Tauranga Young Professionals Forum meeting with MP Simon Bridges on August 10; the Export Leaders' breakfast on August 11 and the Katikati Small Business Expo on August 13.
www.westernbayatwork.org.nz