“It feels like Gladstone is coming into a positive period again” and “Gladstone is an expanding region with loads of opportunities”
These were just two of the many positive comments made by participating businesses at this year’s GEA Supply Chain Expo.
Over 370 people visited the Expo which was attended by 140 representatives from 72 businesses who showcased their products and services on the day.
The key to the success of the event was the networking carried out between the stallholders and the attendance of staff from many of Gladstone’s large manufacturing and energy industries to took advantage of the opportunity to meet with the supply chain exhibitors.
GEA General Manager Chantale Lane said the Expo was a unique event, which brought supply chain businesses and industry together in the one location.
“It provides businesses in the Central Queensland manufacturing, construction, industry and energy sectors with a forum to make connections, develop networks, create commercial opportunities and conduct face-to-face business.
“Talking to many of the stallholders, there was a lot of business done on the day and future opportunities created. For some, doors to some of the larger industries were also opened.
“This is what the Expo is all about,” Ms Lane said.
One of the highlights of this year’s Expo was the panel discussion.
Business leaders including Bob McCosker from McCosker Contracting, Doug Deakin from Aestec Services, Col Walz from Walz Group, Scott Harrington from Xtreme Engineering and Shannon Jansen from Berg Engineering provided a frank and honest dialogue on some of the issues facing businesses working in the manufacturing, construction and energy sectors.
Led by facilitator Mick Elliott from CQ Manufacturing Hubs they spoke about the struggle with attracting and retaining skilled labour, the push with the education system towards university study as opposed to careers in the trades, diversification away from being reliant on big industry, why business sustainability includes employee, community and environmental welfare, and how Gladstone can capitalise on the transition to renewable energy.
A video of the panel discussion and event photos can be viewed on GEA’s Expo website.
