I encourage anyone who is in business to be part of the Chamber and its working committees. It is a very rewarding experience and provides the stimulus of  involvement with other positive people who are keen to help Wanganui to progress and grow. Of course if you don’t get involved in your community then  you will never see the opportunities that pass you by.

Please show support for your  Chamber and Executive by turning up for the AGM on the 18th. We are looking forward to welcoming a large number of members at the Cooks Function Centre Cooks Gardens at 5.30pm. Our special guest Jason Barrell is an inspirational speaker sponsored by ING Life(NZ) Ltd who will talk about his personal life changing experiences and what has motivated him in times of overwhelming adversity. Jason is a well known speaker nationally and comes with the strong recommendation of ex Wanganui Chamber personality Jeff Smith, now CEO of the Northland Chamber. Also worth a mention of course; the customary white bait fritters.

I wish the incoming President every success and commend members to the task of giving the new incumbent your full support that I have found to be vital in doing justice to the position whilst also trying to keep up with running your own business.

Continuing the theme on health issues in my last ViewPoint, I must compliment Memo Musa on the professional way he has handled the current hospital situation. With the personal attacks and negative press he has had thrown at him, a lesser person would have given it away. As in the past the hospital and its staff continue to perform at a high level of professionalism and dedicated service to this community.

Good Health’s present mission to attract more specialised people from a world shortage of medical professionals has brought out what Wanganui is good at; addressing the key issues with passion and commitment without  thought of any personal gain but the satisfaction of helping to maintain and enhance the city as the great place it is to live in.

Driven by Mayor Laws, the bringing together of the major influential factions in the city, including the Chamber is an excellent initiative. Attracting people with entrepreneurial and specialist skills against national and international competition is a challenging task. Our  growing economy, world class sporting and educational facilities, niche industries and investor friendly real estate market are all assets that can provide us with the competitive edge needed. It may be harder to initially persuade  people to consider Wanganui as their home over other cities of the world, but we have the unique and superb attractions that can be the clincher and when they come here and become part of the community  they very rarely want to leave. 

And continuing on the positive note, recent commercial business successes are underscored by the major Government contract secured by Q West  Boats for building the new Police Launch. This is an excellent example of a Wanganui company that not only talks about it, but also just does it. Burnt to the ground, they have rebuilt and have quietly got on with producing the superbly  finished craft that sail  around the globe promoting Wanganui industry. Well done Myles and your team. A prime example of Wanganui courage and ingenuity.

Another iconic business in the city  The Wanganui Chronicle has now been serving its readers with up to the minute news items, reports and articles for  150 years - well done you good and faithful servant of the local press. The Chron has been a positive influence in the community and has been a major supporter of the Chamber. Even in recent years having Andy Jarden as a Chamber President.

On my only negative note, I am a bit sick of the carry on of our members of parliament; get back to what you were elected for; you really are an embarrassment to most Kiwi’s. We need our country run by a professional group of people, if you can’t get back on track, give it away, and try something new.

Finally back on a positive note. The city’s business talent will again be on show  as the Chamber celebrates a “positive Wanganui” at the ABN AMRO Craigs Wanganui  Business Awards rapidly coming up on  28th October. A capacity audience of 380 tickets sold out weeks ago. To those entered, good luck. To the winners, savour the moment with your staff, spread the good news and most of all celebrate the success with your staff and supporters. It is true that everybody likes being part of a success story so in sharing your recognition with the world promote Wanganui as well – after all we need to grow our city together in every way we can.

Warren Ruscoe
President.