Chamber starts year with community support
With 127 member,s the Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce is starting its new year with strong support from the community and equally strong, experienced leadership.
At its annual meeting on Monday August 13 three committee members resigned — Joy Raffaeilli, David Curtis and Barbara Gillham.
They were thanked for their service.
The remaining committee members were re-elected and Bec Adie came on as a newcomer.
The Chamber celebrated a busy year. It has hosted a variety of After Five functions throughout the year, with companies providing insights into the workings of their businesses.
Events have ranged from an evening at Mitre 10 with its business clients speaking, an evening bus trip to Tararua Alliance premises at Oringi Business Park, an informative evening with CEDA and the Council, Christmas drinks at the Mangatera, a barbecue at Wack A Back, and a Business Breakfast recently with Lee Bettles of Scanpower.
“Such events are not merely educational — they provide very good social and networking opportunities for our business community,” Chairperson Sue Berry says.
The Chamber of Commerce has liaised with Central Government politicians, Horizons Regional Council and Tararua District Council, promoting the needs of the district as well as the business community.
Its Christmas Parade was very successful with 54 floats plus a bigger crowd than for many years and the Keep Calm and Shop In Dannevirke campaign was well supported.
Sue says in her annual report that the Chamber is hugely reliant on volunteers.
“None of our activities throughout the year would be possible without those volunteers who form the committee, and I would like to thank each of you for your cheerful and enthusiastic ongoing support.”
She would also like to see an increase in membership, which is open to anyone interested in business. Membership costs $80 plus GST.