Click on the links for the latest news from the Chamber

WHK Chamber Luncheon – Launch of the Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards

Sir Eion Edgar, member of the selection panel, and past winner Andrew Hamilton CEO of Icehouse launched the Awards at the WHK Chamber luncheon on 4 March.

In his address Sir Eion (recently awarded the inaugural 2010 Senior New Zealander of the Year and chair of Forsyth Barr) shared his tips on appointing and supporting business leaders and being successful in business.

When making key appointments:
1. Make bold selections
2. Research the field for potential candidates
3. Back the person you appoint to build teams, be innovative and keep control of the costs

To be successful in business:
1. Choose a career you are passionate about and enjoy
2. Go straight to the top
3. Remember – the harder you work, the luckier you get
4. Make sure every decision you make you would be happy to read about it in the front page of the local paper
5. Smile
6. Say thank you

Andrew Hamilton, past winner of the Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leaders Award shared his experience and encouraged entries into the Awards. The process of entering provides an opportunity for self-reflection which is critical to your personal and professional development. Just being nominated was a clear highlight for Andrew.

The Chamber was delighted to host the launch of the Awards in our region and encourages nominations from the region. We have talented young leaders and it would be great for them to get the recognition being nominated for such an Award will bring.

Nominations close 25 April 2010. To find out more about the Awards visit http://www.sirpeterblaketrust.org/leadership/awards/

Chair of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Board in Nelson

Jon Mayson, Chair of the Board of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is the guest speaker at the first of a series of breakfasts aimed at providing opportunities for exporters in our region to build connections with each other and maximize opportunities.

The Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and Port of Nelson have combined to host this breakfast series with the support of the Nelson Regional Economic Development Agency.

The first breakfast is being held at the Village Hall, Monaco from 7.30am on Tuesday 9 March.

While subsequent breakfasts will focus on particular sectors or areas (including potential in both China and USA) this first breakfast provides an opportunity to hear about the government’s plans in the export area.

Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Dot Kettle said “The Government recognises just how important the export sector is to New Zealand’s economic future. The Prime Minister in his recent Statement to Parliament said that the government’s economic policies are aimed at shifting the economy more towards exports and productive investment. Businesses in our region are keen to hear the government’s plans to achieve that and how we as a region can make the most of our potential.

“We are delighted that the head of the agency in New Zealand charged with leading our country’s export efforts has agreed to speak at the first of the Exporters Breakfasts.

“Our region’s current and future prosperity relies on a strong export sector. Port Nelson and the regional office of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise have played a significant and positive role in developing our export base and the Chamber is delighted to have the support of the Port and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise in hosting these breakfasts.

“Leading business people Martin Bryne, Paul Steere and John McCliskie will provide a local perspective on the challenges and opportunities exporters face.

“This breakfast provides the ideal opportunity for all business people – whether currently exporting or not – to hear from both the top and grassroots on what the future may hold.

“All are welcome to attend the breakfast and hear how our region can play its part in achieving what this government has called a ‘step change in the New Zealand economy” said Dot Kettle.

To register online for the breakfast visit www.commerce.org.nz (cost $10+GST pp).

ENDS

Contact Dot Kettle Chief Executive Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce 03 548 1363; 021 719447 or a/h 03 5433809

Chamber Applauds Nelson Tasman Business Trust - 24 February 2010

Dot Kettle, Chief Executive of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce has hailed the success of the Nelson Tasman Business Trust, recognised as the best Mentors Service in New Zealand. Dot Kettle said today “The Mentors Service provided by the Nelson Tasman Business Trust is simply outstanding and this recognition is well deserved. Mentors can provide invaluable ongoing support and assistance to a business – regardless of what stage the business is at. Mentors are able to guide new business owners and provide the wisdom of an ‘outside eye’ to more experienced business people as well. The quality of the service provided by the Nelson Tasman Business Trust has been recognised as the best and businesses in our region have benefited from that. Congratulations to the dedicated staff, trustees and the mentors involved.”

Click here for more information.

Chamber applauds Cycleway plan - 14 February 2010

The Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce applauds the inclusion of our region in the government’s cycleway plans as it recognises the potential economic benefits cycle ways can bring. “Our tourism industry and the wider business community have much to gain from a well developed tourist cycle way that meets the needs of local, national and international visitors” Dot Kettle, Chief Executive of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce said today.

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Minimum wage increase not the answer to economic recovery - 27 January 2010

As New Zealand heads out of the recession and challenges of 2009 it is vital that businesses are able to create the wealth needed to put New Zealand on a sustainable economic growth pathway.

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Council decides not to proceed with the proposal for the Performing Arts and Conference Centre - 10 December 2009

The urgency for the development of a Conference Centre remains despite the decision by the Nelson City Council not to proceed with the proposal for the development of a Performing Arts and Conference Centre" Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Dot Kettle said today.

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Chamber encourages business to make own risk assessments- 7 December 2009

Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Dot Kettle attended the launch of the Cawthron Report on the Effects of Climate Change on the Nelson Tasman Region on 7 December 2009.

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Shoplifters beware- 2 December 2009

Nelson retailers shared top tips on reducing theft at a workshop hosted by the NelsonTasman Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday night.

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Chamber disappointed at government lack of progress on R&D incentives- 1 December 2009

The Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce today called on the government to focus on changes to the tax scheme that will deliver real benefit for businesses. Dot Kettle, Chief Executive said today “Businesses are the wealth creators and critical to New Zealand’s economic recovery.

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Chamber supports Staff Recognition Programme- 30 November 2009

"Local businesses are up to the challenge" Dot Kettle, Chief Executive of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce said today in response to the Nelson Centre of Service Excellence Staff Recognition Programme.

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Good Business Group - Brainstorming Opera in the Park - 13 October 2009

Nearly 40 local business people attended the first open meeting yesterday to explore possibilities for Nelson and Tasman businesses to get involved around this summer’s Nelson Opera in the Park. Click here for more.

Click here to see meeting notes

Chamber Backs Convention Centre

Further to The Nelson Mail brief item today regarding the Council decision to consult over the performing arts centre please see a press release from the Chamber in support – we understand that the consultation will include the Performing Arts Centre and Convention Centre.

Click here

Long Lunch 9 September

Volunteering to help at the long lunch - click here

Contact Pat Curry on 03 546 3014

Chamber update July 2009

Chamber South 2009 - click here

14 August 2009

Business Leaders Back Rugby World Cup Bid - click here

13 August 2009

Long Lunch is a sell out! - click here

29 July 2009

Review of Local Government Arrangements - click here

2 July 2009

Last Week for Top Shop Nominations - Motueka - click here
George Hickton, CEO Tourism New Zealand to visit Nelson & Motueka 14 July - click here
Nelson's Rugby World Cup Planning underway - click here

Last Week for Top Shop Nominations - Nelson - click here

16 June 2009

Top Shop Launched today in Motueka - click here

15 May 2009

Resilience, Flexibility and Innovation - click here

15 April 2009

Chamber gives Cycleway full support - click here

15 April 2009

The Chamber proudly supports the Upcoming Economic Summit - click here to register your interest

7 April 2009

Chamber agrees Rugby World Cup will provide a huge boost to the region - click here

6 April 2009

Latest Figures Show Healthy Spend in Nelson - click here

30 March 2009

SME's Encouraged to Seek Advice - click here

17 March 2009

Chamber welcomes boost for tourism promotion in Australia - click here

13 March 2009

Chamber set to develop Nelson’s Business Opportunities; Guide to the Rugby World Cup - click here

12 March 2009

Congratulations Nelson - Rugby World Cup - click here

20 February 2009

Chamber Support Solar City Pilot - click here

Job Summit Update - 27th February 2009

Businesses in the Nelson Tasman region were asked to submit ideas to the Chamber on how best to grow and retain jobs in the current economic climate. Thank you to all the businesses who made a submission. To view our submission to the Prime Ministers Job Summit Click here.