Key factors favour success

You hear it said so often, ‘Dalby is a great place to do business’ but what is the secret behind the town’s ongoing commercial success?

Longstanding members of the Dalby business community believe it can be sourced to three key factors – a diversity of industries, central location, and supportive business network.

Winners of the 2004 Heritage/Dalby Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards’ Business of the Year, Yvonne and Arthur Martin, cite location and a solid business culture as reasons behind the town’s business strength.

Yvonne says, “Dalby’s physical location has been a benefit to us because from here we can service all areas of the Darling Downs and southwest Queensland. We’re currently expanding into Kingaroy but plan to keep Dalby as head office.”

As a former Chamber management committee member Yvonne believes the organisation has been a contributing factor in promoting business achievement.

“The Chamber encourages business excellence through a well-supported awards program as well as providing a forum for presenting a united voice to local government, industry groups and the community at large.

“It is successful because we have committed people who are passionate about Dalby’s future and want to see it prosper.”

Local business owner Carl Milford is optimistic about the town’s growth and considers economic diversity and location as key factors behind the town’s strength.

“Dalby’s strength has always been its location and its diversity. It is one of the best agricultural areas in Australia and has a solid manufacturing sector.

“Now the energy industry is driving further economic growth in the south east corner and Dalby is at the centre of it.”

As a member of the Dalby Chamber of Commerce and chair of the industry sub-committee and local town councillor, Carl has taken an active role in supporting local business and industry.

“Some time ago the sub-committee began focusing on ways to address the rising skills shortage and with the support of DEET, developed a skills formation strategy.

“The strategy identifies the region’s employment needs and how these can be met. As a result, TAFE has provided additional skills training courses in Dalby that cater to local industry needs.”