Adelaide property sector leader Steve Maras is now at the helm of the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) Board, with plans to bolster business activity and support CBD precincts across Adelaide.
Mr Maras, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of East End-based company Maras Group, takes the reins from businesswoman Nikki Govan following her four-year tenure.
Effective January 20, he now leads a skills-based Board of seven members that strives to support the city business community and make Adelaide a great place to live, work and play.
Mr Maras says Adelaide’s business community is flourishing, thanks to the support of AEDA, its programs, and the funding available to advance various goals and initiatives.
“Adelaide's business landscape is thriving, marked by strong foot traffic, increased consumer spending, and a growing number of businesses setting up shop in the city,” Mr Maras says.
“Confidence is increasing and the numbers speak for themselves. Last year, citywide visitation hit more than 141.8 million people, citywide spending was more than $4.1 billion, and the city welcomed at least 518 new businesses.
“With the Board all committed to driving economic growth and, in association with businesses, industry groups, state government agencies, and other key organisations, we can continue to show that Adelaide is the best place in the country to be.”
In Short:
- Steve Maras is now the Adelaide Economic Development Agency Chair
- He aims to attract more businesses to Adelaide, as well as support different precincts across the city.
- Among other priorities include making the city the ultimate family destination where children and their parents can create new memories.
Among Mr Maras’ priorities is giving precincts across the city an “identity”, similar to the reputation he and the East End Co-ordination Group have brought to the East End.
“The East End has its own identity which has been moulded over the years, and it is known for its vibrant atmosphere,” Mr Maras says.
“But we have to look at what is happening across all our City precincts — how do we bring some of the learnings of the East End and apply them elsewhere?
“We need to make sure every precinct is operating to its strengths and what it is known for, so people can identify with it.”
He says one small plan, among many others, is to encourage anchor and significant businesses in buildings to showcase their brand in lights to show the extent of large businesses now calling Adelaide home.
“I’d like to see more building owners encourage their tenants to have prominent signage on buildings — it is a way to attract other businesses and people to the city and make it look even more vibrant because perception is everything today,” Mr Maras says.
New business and investment attraction will also be among his key priorities.
“We definitely need to keep attracting those big businesses, not just reshuffle what we already have here, but look for new interstate and international businesses that will make a big impact,” Mr Maras says.
“Don’t forget those big retail brands are also important to keep the city a premier shopping destination and ahead of the curve.”
A sentimentalist at heart, Mr Maras has ambitions to make the city the ultimate family-friendly destination, drawing on his experiences visiting the CBD as a child.
AEDA’s See For Yourself campaign, which is currently in market, is among many ways the Agency is attracting more families to the city.
He said the opening of Archie Brothers Rundle Place arcade in Rundle Place has been a win but wants to see even more entertainment venues open their doors.
“We want to see more young children with their parents, and teenagers, visiting and enjoying our great city offerings and creating new memories - meaningfully connecting with our city,” Mr Maras says.
“Give them fun and exciting places to go and parents will bring them.
“AEDA’s latest consumer marketing campaign, See for Yourself is one of the many ways we are uncovering hidden gems for families to visit”.
Mr Maras is the inaugural Honorary Consul of Uruguay in South Australia and co-founder and chair of children’s charity, Living Without Limits Foundation.
He is a past president of the Property Council of Australia (SA Division), past chairman of Renew Adelaide, and past deputy chair of the Australia Day Council and Mainstreet SA.
Mr Maras is the son of Maras Group, formerly Mancorp, founder Theo Maras, who is the chair of Adelaide Central Market Authority.