Kāpiti Chamber Sets New Direction

Kapiti, Friday 26 October 2018 - The Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce has announced a new partnership programme, as it evolves to meet the changing needs of local businesses.

The Kāpiti Chamber’s Annual General Meeting was held on Wednesday the 24th of October at Kapiti Landing, which saw Chair and Deputy Chair, Heather Hutchings and Julene Hope both re-elected to their positions, as were Brett Percival (Secretary) and Ian Fenwick (Treasurer).

The Kāpiti Chamber also revealed plans to introduce a new Key Partnership programme, aimed at spearheading business growth in the region and making the most of Kapiti’s unprecedented opportunities.

Heather Hutchings, Chair of the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce says significant investment in infrastructure, and predictions Kapiti’s population will grow by a further 20 per cent over the next 25 years will have a positive impact on the local economy.

“Our new Key Partnerships will enable the Chamber to work closely with businesses to encourage growth at a pivotal time. We want to attract and retain leading businesses in their field, enhance our advocacy by creating more meaningful relationships with our members, and grow our membership.

In developing the programme, Kapiti looked to similar work done by other successful New Zealand Chambers, including Taranaki. Key partners provide financial or in-kind support and are able to access a range of benefits

“In just a few short years, Taranaki has 26 key partners. Using their model, Kapiti’s key partners will; be known as the experts in their industry, receive personalised Chamber support, receive heightened brand awareness, and be able to connect directly with members. We’re excited about the opportunities this new direction provides us” says Heather Hutchings.

Coastlands Shoppingtown and Agar Fenwick Accountants are the first two partners to be announced.

Richard Mansell of Coastlands says they became a key partner to support the Chamber and the community.

“Coastlands receives a lot from the local community and as a large business, we wanted to give back. We also believe Kapit’s business community needs a strong voice, something the Chamber provides”.

Ian Fenwick of Agar Fenwick Accountants says supporting the Chamber’s work was an important factor for him.

“As a long-term member of the Board, I want to support the Chamber in what it's trying to achieve - in particular around advocacy”.

Heather Hutchings believes the Key Partnership programme recognises the traditional Chamber model is evolving.

“Chambers of Commerce around New Zealand are re-evaluating how they operate, to ensure they are responding to the needs of their members. Part of this work is assessing how we can help local businesses grow, and how businesses can help strengthen their local Chamber of Commerce, which the key partnerships will enable”.

The Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce exists to advance the economy by creating wealth and employment and solve local business issues by providing a collective voice for business in Kāpiti. Over 300 members in Kāpiti belong to the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce to stay connected, network and gain knowledge and support from our local membership.

ENDS

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