Outcome of the Porirua Chamber of Commerce’s future

Porirua Chamber of Commerce

Monday 23rd July 2018

Porirua Chamber of Commerce has announced that, following a review into its future sustainability, it has approached Wellington Chamber of Commerce to provide interim support and to administer back-office operations while longer-term options between the two organisations are recommended to members.

“This is an incredibly positive outcome for the Porirua Chamber and our members,” says Euon Murrell, Chair of the Porirua Chamber of Commerce.

“Over the past few months, the Porirua Chamber has been undertaking a review, consulting with our members, on the organisation’s future. The reality was that we were unable to continue to operate as we have done in the past.

“What was clear from our members, and from the wider Porirua Community, is that they want to see the Porirua Chamber continue.

“As a result, the Porirua Chamber’s Board has invited the Wellington Chamber to look at how the two organisations can work closer going forward and how this might best be achieved for our members.

“Both Chambers are strongly committed to the principle of ‘local chamber, local voice, and local presence’, while ensuring ongoing sustainability and delivering for members. Make no mistake – we don’t want the Porirua Chamber to go anywhere. We’re here to stay.

“We’re delighted that the Wellington Chamber has agreed to support us in an administrative capacity in the short term while we seek support from our members.

“We will be asking our members to support the Board’s recommendation to formalise the relationship with the Wellington Chamber through a formal transfer, so they can continue to support, operate and manage the Porirua Chamber.

“Without Wellington stepping in, Porirua would be without a Chamber service. The Board believes this is the best thing for the Porirua business community now and heading into the future, and we’re hopeful our members will endorse this as a permanent change and continue to support the local chamber network.

“This presents us with a real opportunity to do and deliver more for our members. In the interim it will be ‘business as usual’ while we work through the process to support the longer term.

“As an accredited Chamber of the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce, the Porirua Chamber falls under the purview of the Wellington Hub, which is managed by the Wellington Chamber. This makes sense for us to have approached the Wellington Chamber, and it means Porirua Chamber is able to continue, backed by our larger regional hub Chamber.

“As part of the interim arrangements, Porirua Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tracy Johnson has stepped down.

“Throughout her tenure, Tracy has shown real commitment to the Porirua Chamber and its members. Our profile has increased, as has our voice on the issues that matter to business. We know our members value the role we play locally to champion the business community.

“The Chamber Board acknowledges Tracy’s contribution to the Chamber, its members, and the wider business community,” Mr Murrell says.

ENDS

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