Johnson settles in at the chamber

‘‘Business was what built this city and people are still attracted to Porirua.’’ Tracy Johnson

There was a changing of the guard at the Porirua Chamber of Commerce, with Tracy Johnson taking up the reins in April. She replaced Holly Thompson.

Johnson said there were some really good businesses in, or coming to, Porirua, and they were getting good results.

She has set herself the goal of continuing the momentum of businesses in Porirua next year.

‘‘Business was what built this city and people are still attracted to Porirua,’’ Johnson said. ‘‘Really good stuff happens in Porirua, but we want to speed up the process and help businesses grow.’’

A standout company of 2015 was contact centre Connect Global, which won the medium business, professional services, innovation categories and supreme awards at the Westpac Porirua Business Awards.

Johnson said though Connect Global was often asked to move to Wellington or Auckland, it had decided to stay in Porirua.

Other top businesses this year were Reds Hairdressing, winner of the small business and health and beauty sections at the awards, and Stella Creations, which picked up an award in retail.

One of Porirua’s best known and most established businesses, Whittaker’s, had another productive year.