Applications Close Friday for Rotorua Economic Development Board
 
ROTORUA 01.05.12: Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters is asking Rotorua business leaders to step up and make a real commitment to Rotorua’s economic future by making themselves available for a new economic development board.
 
Would be directors of Rotorua District Council’s (RDC) new council controlled organisation (CCO) to drive economic development for the district, have until the end of the week to submit applications for a place on the board.
 
The board will comprise an independent chairperson and six directors, and nominations close on Friday [4 May].
 
At a meeting today of the Rotorua District Council’s Economic & Regulatory Services Committee a formal statement of intent was adopted, finalising what is effectively a constitution and operational parameters for the CCO and its directors.
 
Mayor Kevin Winters said the key role of the CCO would be to drive implementation of the recently developed Rotorua Sustainable Economic Growth Strategy.
 
The growth strategy identifies four key outcomes for the board to focus on:
lifting the reputation of Rotorua as a leader in forestry and wood processing, tourism, geothermal and agricultural sectors;

achieving recognition for Rotorua as a preferred lifestyle destination;

recognition as an attractive and easy place to invest and do business; and

recognition as a district with an enabling regulatory environment. 
 
Mr Winters said while the board of directors would be expected to maintain close and effective relationships with RDC, the Chamber of Commerce, government agencies and a wide range of business organisations and operators it would operate at arms length from the council and employ its own CEO and staff.
 
“This development has my 100 % support and commitment and that of the council. It’s a bold and innovative partnership with the private sector and it signals  our clear intention to do everything in our power to achieve long term economic development and growth, and to ensure a strong sustainable future for Rotorua.
 
“The appointment of an independent chair and directors to the CCO board means we will be harnessing the skills, experiences and passion of some of our community's best business minds to help drive the economic growth strategy.”
 
“Now is the time for our community’s business leaders to step up and show they are committed to the future economic prosperity of our district.

“We want to hear from candidates with a genuine passion for Rotorua, a strong belief in our economic future, a mix of business and governance skills, and who are prepared to commit some of their time to help boost the city's economic performance,” said Mr Winters.

ENDS

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