Excellent to hear Treasury has officially announced the end of the recession, despite international fears there may have been a W recessional effect. There’s no doubt that New Zealand’s stable
banking system has helped our recovery and there has been a continued upwards growth trend, buoyant Christmas retail sales, coupled with rising business confidence. And we need this positive news. It has certainly been a year of challenges from all fronts for business and many will be
happy to farewell 2009.

For Chamber of Commerce it marks a year to be proud of our achievements. 2009 has been jam packed with measurable savings to members and in fact every single business in Wanganui has benefited whether the business belongs to Chamber or not, as a direct result of our Annual Plan Submission. Chamber aimed to bring you savings, keep you informed, entertained, benchmark businesses and introduce you to vital business networks. We have achieved all this and more by
delivering informative breakfast meetings, trade initiatives, not to be missed Business After 5 Networking functions, the golf tournament and the prestigious Wanganui Business Excellence Awards.

This is an opportune time to acknowledge in appreciation those who have made our progress possible. A sincere thank you to all the businesses and organisations that have so generously provided valued sponsorship this past year, to the businesses who continue to support Chamber and a big welcome to the new businesses who have joined our dynamic group. I have always believed – business doesn’t do business with business – people do business with people and often it’s as simple as knowing just one person who represents a business that signifies the advantage of networks in our lives.

But now as the year draws to an end we not only look back at our achievements over the past year, it’s also a time to be thankful and count all our blessings. This season is a time to share with family and friends, to take time out to unwind and enjoy summer. If you are travelling away
this holiday break, take care and be safe. For those staying near home,Wanganui is host to a feast of exhilarating events based around speed, but then... there are the beaches, the lake, the parks, our river, the arts, cafes, Opera Week... enjoy!

Every best wish for a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! Catch up with you in 2010.