Chamber increases emphasis on advocacy

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IN A year that includes the council elections, the completion of a regional economic development plan, progressing the Air New Zealand initiative and continuing discussions about revitalising the CBD, Gisborne Chamber of Commerce says it will be a strong independent voice for the business community.

At the annual meeting last week, president Gavin Murphy said the chamber’s three pillars were advocacy, networking, business training and support.

In 2016 the chamber would ask members for their opinions more regularly and continue to advocate on their behalf on the “hot button” issues facing the region.

Last year, the chamber’s advocacy included lobbying central government on behalf of the Wa165 steam train, submitting on the council’s long-term plan, and supporting the region’s engagement with Rocket Lab. It also gave $20,000 to Activate Tairawhiti to help develop key regional economic initiatives.

“On the networking front, the Eastland Group Speaker Series attracted a wider audience than ever before, with four inspiring speakers: Dame Susan Devoy, Dame Wendy Pye, Vodafone CEO Russell Stanners and the head of Spark, Simon Moutter. Several BA5s (Business After Five) networking events achieved record numbers, including ones hosted by Air New Zealand and Heart of Gisborne,” Mr Murphy said.

Accessible business training was delivered by the chamber in the form of the business mentors programme, lunchtime learning sessions, the Learn Fast Day which engaged 40 businesses in a series of one-hour learning sessions, and the Co.Starters business and entrepreneur programme.

At the start of 2016, the Regional Business Partner contract was moved to Activate Tairawhiti, having previously been with the chamber. Mid last year, the chamber relocated to shared office space with Activate, to create the Tairawhiti Business Hub, a one-stop-shop for businesses.

2016 break-even expectedChamber treasurer Chris Tyerman said the organisation’s finances remained in good shape, with a small profit made in 2015 and break-even expected in 2016.

As at the end of 2015, the chamber had 171 business members and through them many hundreds of employees. This was slightly up on the previous two years.

“Increasing our membership is crucial for the continuing effectiveness and viability of the chamber,” Mr Murphy said.

Added benefits for members this year would include new membership cards, with savings on business expenses, and a new chamber website.

The speaker series lineup includes The Icehouse’s Michaela Vodanovich, Maori Tourism CEO Pania Tyson Nathan, and Minister Paula Bennett.

The Co.Starters programmes continue this year, with the second one under way. Upcoming workshops include Health and Safety, Facebook and another Learn Fast Day. The chamber is also delivering the Young Enterprise Scheme, with ECT sponsorship.

“The chamber consulted on the regional economic development plan delivered to government and is continuing to work with Activate, Tourism Eastland, GDC and other stakeholders on Air New Zealand regional initiative,” Mr Murphy said.

The chamber’s thanks were given to the sponsors, past president Trevor Helson, and marketing and communications manager Suzanne Winterflood, who has stepped down from this role but now sits on the executive.

Mr Murphy proposed a special motion to accept all the nominees to the committee, which was unanimously passed. Sector reps will be appointed separately.

“The existing executive all stood again for another year, and we had some excellent new nominations, particularly from the retail sector. We also welcome Paul Naske as vice-president alongside Brent Mitchell.

This level of engagement reflects the strength, relevance, independence and business-led expertise of the chamber, and will help us continue providing real value for our members.”

The 2016 Gisborne Chamber of Commerce executive: Gavin Murphy (president), Brent Mitchell (vice president), Paul Naske (vice president), Chris Tyerman (treasurer), Kirsten Searle, Joe Martin, Ross Revington, Jeremy Muir, Suzanne Winterflood, Natasja Paulson and Larry Foster.