I think this is what you call hitting the ground running, a few days in the position as President of Chamber and the task of writing my first viewpoint. 

There was an excellent turnout for the AGM with business over quickly for the whitebait fritters and networking before listening to guest speaker, Jason Barrell.  Jason’s presentation demonstrated no matter what life deals us all things are surmountable with determination and a positive attitude, having dreams and goals and focusing on the good things in our lives. 

Welcome to the new team at Chamber and congratulations to those who have been re-elected, we have a good cross section of the business community to represent you.   I personally acknowledge the work past president, Warren Ruscoe has done for Chamber of Commerce the past two years, dedicating a lot of time and energy to furthering commerce in Wanganui, Warren led with motivation, humour and an absolute passion for the city. 

Every president comes in with a vision of what they want to achieve.  I’m no different.  Two things drive me; 1) Chamber needs more members as a representation of business in Wanganui, and 2) Wanganui needs more businesses.   That’s not possible by the efforts of one person but as a Chamber and city collective, results happen.  I am currently on three sub-committees for the Child Health Taskforce and am inspired by the innovative ideas that have developed to make Wanganui an attractive city to relocate to. 

Retention of Child Health Services is critical to attracting and keeping families in Wanganui.  Recruitment of Paediatricians and Obstetricians encompasses the whole family, how do we support partner employment, education for children, and the more simplistic things in life like introduction into the community, hobbies and interests?  It’s the aim of the Taskforce to streamline all the functions of relocation and send out a positive message that Wanganui really is the place to be.

ABN AMRO Craigs Wanganui Business Awards, the highlight of the business year were an out of this world experience for the 400 people gathered to celebrate innovation, achievement and excellence.  A substantial amount of time and effort goes into entering the awards that are independently judged to a recognised national criterion.  This keeps the standard of the awards high and winners can truly be proud of achieving business excellence.  This year Mike Bates Plumbers scooped the ABN Amro Craig Supreme Award, ACC Thinksafe Workplace Safety Award and Whanganui UCOL Service Business & Importing Excellence Award; other category winners were Multiplex-Whanganui Community Foundation Contribution for the Community Award, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise Leisure & Tourism Award and Genesis Innovative Award, Petrosell - Group of 3 Retail Excellence Award, St Georges School - Telecom Public Sector, Non-Government & Community Organisation Award, Land Based Training - Horsley Christie Primary Industry , Manufacturing & Exporting Excellence Award, Cracked Pepper Cafe - Meteor & OPD Hospitality Award and Doyle & Associates - CentrePort Wellington Best Emerging Business Award.  Congratulations to all the winners!
 

Bronwyn Paul