Yesterday marked the end of an era, as retiring Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce chief executive Murray Douglas addressed a crowded room at Hawke's Bay Opera House, Hastings.
Members of the business community gathered to bid him farewell after five years in the role. As he stepped down to dedicate more time to the family figgery, Mr Douglas recalled the good times and the bad - milling over his regrets, successes and potential for change.
He was proud to have been involved with the Chamber of Commerce during the launch of Business HB, but his fondest memory was seeing the business community band together in times of hardship.
While he was walking away, Mr Douglas hoped to keep his finger on the pulse.
"I can guarantee I won't be disappearing.
"There are still things that I am passionate about - I still have a lot to say."
Mr Douglas felt Hawke's Bay was heading for a time of positive change.
"I regret that I have to leave at all.
"Business HB is doing a lot of good things and they have a lot of great things in the pipeline."
