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Presidents Viewpoint February 2010 |
My first viewpoint for the year and I know a lot of people were pleased to farewell the economic ills of 2009 and look forward to a healthy 2010. I hope you all managed to spend some quality time to with your families, recharge your batteries and enjoy the Wanganui sunshine.
Tonight, Wednesday 24th Chamber is holding a Business After 5 at Wanganui Security premises hosted by Otago Polytechnic. Any person who has gained a broad knowledge and skill base during their working life would benefit by attending to learn how you can use recognition of prior learning and progress towards a formal qualification from diploma to degree level. This is a journey I took in 2009 for my MBA and cannot speak highly enough of the accreditation processes and facilitators at Otago Polytechnic. Take the plunge and reap the rewards of your life’s work.
Like any good business, NZ Chambers of Commerce are required to undergo an external accreditation process. It is essential to the credibility of the Chamber movement as a whole and in its relationship with its membership, other stakeholders, and government that Chambers which can demonstrate a consistently high quality standard of service should be subject to accreditation. To me, one of the most important criteria of the accreditation is the ability to articulate the views of our members individually and collectively to Local and Central Government and other relevant entities that influence the environment in which business operates.
There is stunning developments on the Chamber of Commerce front that will progress it to be the singular most powerful and inclusive business organisation in New Zealand. It will provide a huge range of benefits, services, training, seminars, events and representation to all members locally, regionally and nationally. It is a concept that I tried to introduce at local level in Wanganui a couple of years ago that for reasons beyond my control fizzled out, now this is to be realised on a nationwide scale and I am very excited. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you all about this development today, the details are embargoed until tomorrow when you will hear it first on national news.
Last weekend I was part of a group that travelled to Napier hosted by the Vintage Car Club Rally 2012 to sample Art Deco Festival and how we can create a similar experience in our city when the VCC 2012 Rally is hosted in Wanganui. This week there is the Cycleway Community Consultation Meeting, a path that holds promising tourism opportunities for our city. Heads Road Business Group continues to meet on a regular basis to further business prospects and overcome obstacles. There is a powerhouse of business acumen within this group and I am always inspired by the creative thought that reveals itself each meeting. The Chamber BA5 Wednesday then the Whanganui River Institute will be hosting their annual conference on Friday and I have been asked to speak about ‘Prospects’. On Friday, the Chamber also hosts the annual business golf tournament, please let the weather be kind this year.
Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another. Walter Elliott
Bronwyn Paul
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