Ka¯piti Chamber opens doors to Horowhenua businesses

The Ka¯piti Coast Chamber of Commerce is inviting the Horowhenua business community to join its membership and attend business and networking events. Its Horowhenua members reckons it’s worth it.

Monique Leith, chamber co-chair said a free Ka¯piti Chamber membership is included in the prize packets for the Electra Business and Innovation Awards and the Chamber already has several members based in Horowhenua.

“We welcome Horowhenua businesses to join us for the great benefits and to come along to an event in future. They’re a great chance to collaborate with local business owners, hear interesting speakers and make great connections from Ka¯piti and beyond.

“Recently we had over 250 people at our International Women’s Day event with inspiring speakers including our MC and Leadership Specialist, Sally Duxfield, who owns and runs Outdoor Pursuit Centre, Makahika OPC.

“As a business owner and resource management planner, I find it’s a great way to learn from others and to network,” said Leith.

Angela Buswell, of Levin’s Superminx, said the Ka¯piti Chamber offers important networking opportunities. “Networking is vital for any business. We can share experiences and ideas with others. Many of us are sole owners of a small busniess and that can be lonely at times. The Chamber represents us at local and regional and national levels and they connect business with other local groups as well as local government.

“They highlights our needs, strengths and issues. During Covid-19 the chamber rang me regularly as did the retailers association, of which I am also a member. Both also have a bit of a pastoral care function and provide help and advice when you need it. I recommend membership of the Ka¯piti Chamber.”

She said the chamber had also negotiated discounts for its members for power, banking and rental car services. “They help you with your woes and their workshops are very informative.

Lisa Horn, from Levin’s MyRide, said membership is worth it. “They are very supportive and accommodating and give us lots of good information.”

My Ride joined last year thanks to their Business Award win.

Lisa Brink, from the Baked Dane, said her expansion plans are so timeconsuming she hasn’t had time to enjoy the membership which was part of her business award win, “but I can see they offer great opportunities and they are also sending us information about what is going on regularly.”

Memberships costs $150 a year. Events including business after five, development sessions and budget analysis with Act leader David Seymour.