It’s hard to miss the sense of spring in the air – the opportunity to spend more time in the sun, maybe a little al fresco dinning and it’s certainly much lighter when we walk in the morning (until daylight saving changes that). I also notice the sense of purpose, the lift in motivation that comes from a period of semi hibernation.
A great time to take stock of who we are, what we are doing and why. Like many organisations we at the Chamber have just completed the Strategic Plan process and look forward to working with our Vision; ‘Champions of Waikato Business’ to become even more relevant to the wider business sector.
For those of you who completed the Business Confidence survey last week, I say ‘Thank you’. Your insights are important in a local and national sense. We topped the number of responses for the Northern region (I am not competitive) excluding Auckland – a great record that we have had for more than two years of surveys.
One of the discussions we had as part of the strategic plan process was the identification of a feedback loop for members to ensure we are advocating in the right area. Things like the rates review Hamilton City Council are now looking for consultation on are easier to advocate for because the current system sees businesses charged double rates because they are a business. We are keen to see this change even though personally this will impact on my rates. The message Hamilton sends to existing businesses and potential businesses is that we value you and the part you play in the commercial wheel that enables the lifestyle we all enjoy.
Then there is the Home of Cycling, another valuable opportunity for Waikato, not only for the value of the build but the connection with other key infrastructure. With the possibility of BikeNZ moving its New Zealand team to Cambridge and the marketing of the state of the art Velodrome to New Zealand and the world – our patch will be great thanks. The growth in Commercial value to the region is huge plus the healthy benefits for the public alongside the elite cyclist are positive stories adding to our diversity and attraction.
What would the feedback loop look like for you – What would make it easier for you to communicate with us to ensure your voice is counted? We currently have a wide range of events where we get to talk with many of you, we have a presence on facebok, we have a blog, http://wktowayne.workpress.com/, email wayne@waikatochamber.co.nz and our good old fashioned telephone system for those who want to chat or find out more about how regional initiatives will impact the whole region.
If there is another form of communication that you would prefer please let me know through any of the above options.
We appreciate your feedback – Thank you!
