I didn’t bring you a viewpoint last month.  Our entire two page Chamber edition was dedicated to promoting entry to the business awards and the tangible benefits of Chamber membership.  Chamber has several new members; I welcome you, make the most of networking opportunities to meet like minded people, promote your business and carry a voice on the issues that affect your business.  As the economy enters recovery mode, membership to Chamber is a small but worthwhile investment.   For a while now I have supported an idea to allow members to pay their membership fees in monthly instalments.  If this type of plan would help your business, call me and let’s make it happen.

Well, the judges have scrutinized the business awards entries and have completed visits to the businesses that entered.  All will be revealed on Saturday 31st October at the gala awards dinner when the Category and Supreme winners will be announced.    It takes considerable time and effort to put an entry together and to all the businesses that entered, I wish you every success.   The prestigious awards have become the highlight of the business calendar and promise to be another outstanding evening with a stunning line-up of entertainment, fine food, music and celebration!  It’s been a tough year for many so glamour up and don’t miss your opportunity to be part of this glittering event.  

Announcement made by ACC will impact New Zealanders and business if the proposed legislation is passed.  Business will face 10%-plus increase in premiums.  The timing and rate hike is grossly unfair when businesses are still working their way out of a recession.   Everyone will be affected; worst off will be vehicle owners in particular anyone purchasing a bike, everyone will pay the increased tax on petrol.  Some entitlements will cease to qualify if legislation is accepted.  We will be paying more for less.  ACC like any responsible business model must look internally at their management and structures to deliver a more productive, cost effective system.  The problem with ACC is the compulsory nature of the beast and the penalty implications of non-compliance.   Accountability is needed, flexibility for people to pay for the cover they want, a system that doesn’t support a huge corporate structure – perhaps the time has come for some privatisation options to be considered as a solution.

Ian Ross, the Chamber of Commerce Trade Facilitator has worked hard learning from neighbouring regions, finding out what trade initiatives does and doesn’t work for them and bringing back successful examples to Wanganui.   One of these examples is what Mayor Dale Williams has achieved in Otorohanga, of particular relevance are zero registered unemployed under 25year olds in that town for 5years in a row.  Chamber of Commerce has invited Mayor Dale to help facilitate a trade’s workshop in Wanganui on November 9th with invited Schools, PTI’s ITO’s, Industry Presidents, larger industry employers, Government Agencies and other interested groups to create a practical 5-10year path aimed at increasing Apprentice numbers.   The workshop will encourage dialogue and work towards understanding all the issues critical to developing a combined course of action.  Our success will depend on a similar commitment to work collectively toward a positive outcome.   Its flow on effect will provide support for our Youth, School Leavers, Educators and Business.  If this is of interest to you register with Chamber.

Quote: ‘Experience is the most expensive teacher’ – George Washington

Have a wonderful month
Bronwyn Paul