Latrobe Local News: Micro and home based businesses playing key role in local economy

Micro and home based businesses are just as important for the long term viability of our local economy as the larger ones, according to Latrobe City Council’s economic development team, Invest Latrobe.

By Latrobe City - 24th January 2003 - Back to News

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Investment Manager, Leo Billington, said the message clearly coming from the Latrobe City Micro and Home Based Business Network, established just six months ago, is that while each member business may be considered small on its own, collectively they are powerful force in the region’s economy.

"There is an enormous amount of skill based experience, entrepreneurial ability and initiative flowing between members of the network, that can be tapped into by other members and used to enrich their own businesses," Mr Billington said.

The Latrobe City Micro and Home Based Business Network is now well established, with over 150 local businesses. Network consultant, Ms Gail Robertson has now drawn a wide range of small businesses from across Latrobe City to join together so they are able to learn from each other and share many of their business lessons. The key thing is that this networking has a multiplying effect. Success breeds success," Mr Billington said.

Mr Billington cited examples of some of the micro businesses contributing to and benefiting from the network.

Long established Morwell business, JT and PM Keenan and Sons Pty Ltd, which joined the network last year was established 37 years ago. This family business now has a major share of the Victorian market preparing and selling monuments and memorials.

Working in a lesser known industry has not been a disadvantage for Peter Keenan, who has managed the business for over 22 years. "Our business attracts and retains customers through quality work. Most of our work is therefore obtained from word-of-mouth recommendations, and being part of Gail’s business network helps us even more to educate people about our skills and expertise," Mr Keenan explained.

Just on two years ago, Wendy Schlipalius and Filomena Colarusso, commenced their home based business, Wedding Words.

"Wedding Words produces a range of exclusive, hand-made wedding stationery, individually designed and created by Wendy and Filomena," Mr Billington explained.

"Being an active participant in Latrobe City’s Micro and Home Based Business Network will give Wedding Words an excellent opportunity to further promote their range of hand-made stationery and learn from others who are more experienced in working from home."

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Tony Hanning, congratulated the initiatives of the business network, highlighting the value of businesses working together so they may share common ideals and business expertise. "We can all still learn, just like a long established business such as Peter Keenan’s, while encouraging new businesses such as Wedding Words," Cr Hanning said.

The Micro and Home Based Network is funded through the Victorian State Government Ministerial Taskforce and co-ordinated by Latrobe City’s Invest Latrobe. For further information, contact Leo Billington at Invest Latrobe, telephone 1300 367 700.

Photo: Micro and Home Based Network members with Gail Robertson.
(l-r) Wendy Schlipalius, Filomena Colarusso, Gail Robertson, Peter Keenan, Phil Clarkson and Pat Bartholomeusz.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

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