Finance feast

By Lia Bichel
EARLY birds from local businesses and organisations gathered at the Settlement Hotel on Tuesday for the 16th annual Cranbourne Rotary Club business breakfast.
About 180 breakfast-goers enjoyed light entertainment from a world-renowned magician, Barry Govan, and economic advice from guest speaker Professor Neville Norman.
“The guest speaker was absolutely phenomenal,” club president Peter Scollo said.
“He spoke in a language that we could understand, gave useful practical advice, and provided a sort of antidote for lessening the impact of the financial crisis on small businesses.”
Professor Norman gave his thoughts on the cause of the current economic crisis, his prediction on what the future holds for the Australian economy and advice on how local businesses can be “rebound ready, not slump-sick.”
“I think there will be an economic rebound in 2010, a significant risk of interest rate increases, and confidence reviving and even driving the coming economic uplift in Australia,” Professor Norman said.
Mr Scollo said he was also pleased with the support shown by local businesses and hoped more residents and business owners become involved with the Cranbourne Rotary Club.
“We have meetings every Tuesday and anyone interested is more than welcome to attend,” he said.
“We have a lot of fun. It’s not purely about business and charity work.
“We also have functions, car rallies and theme nights. It’s a social club.”
Anyone wanting more information can contact Mr Scollo on 0407 358 823.