Yesterday seemed like January, and now it’s almost Christmas. Hopefully time to spend some valuable hours with those who are close to you. Sit back, relax and prepare for another successful Northland year. If you can do something for someone who is less fortunate then yourself go for it?Our Region is up there ahead of the best. I was at the NZ Chamber of Commerce Conference in November and the majority of the people there commented to me on the positive direction Northland was enjoying. We are, and are seen as a region to be part of at the moment.
When appraising the economic and community value of Northland it’s hard to comprehend that this is the same region that was seriously affected by the reforms in the eighties and the following soft recession years.
Today, it is obvious that Northland is a region that is well on its way to realising its potential in the new Millennium and has gone to great lengths to ensure that its residents and businesses will continue to prosper for years to come. Through the hard work and dedication of its business community, Development Agencies, elected leaders and hard working employees Northland is continuing to Stamp its mark within New Zealand.
2007 has been an incredibly exciting year. All districts in Northland voted for a change to the leadership by voting in new mayors. We were hit , not once, but twice by adverse weather causing widespread flooding through the region. The Northland Chamber of Commerce continues to grow in membership and in influence; The 2007 Bayleys Northland Business Excellence Awards was the best one ever yet with another sold out venue and some worthwhile winners emerging.
Business Confidence Surveys in the North reflected a slight decrease of optimism to one of businesses reflecting a cautious approach as external factors such as Exchange Rates, Interest Rates began to bite. Another factors identified the lack of people with technical skills across all sectors, which is now regarded as a major obstacle to some businesses being able to grow.
2007 has also been a watershed year as the Government continues to self cull members through controversy; impose new unbelievable regulation such as anti smacking, electoral finance act and flexible working hour bills. The Chamber of Commerce continues to look after our ‘bottom lines ‘by fighting hard to have proposed legislation either overturned or watered down.
In 2008 The Chamber will be committed to the following goals as mandated by its Board of Directors:
To develop existing business and industry
To secure new industry suitable to the area in cooperation with local authorities
To create new jobs and new income
To build greater pride and self-esteem in the community
To maintain a repository and referral service for professional business information.
To respond to inquiries about the Region to help to unify business and industry into a strong, respected community force
To lobby on behalf of legislative issues that effect this business community
To promote good policy, good projects and initiatives
Membership in the Northland Chamber of Commerce is open to any business or individual providing employment or services in the Region. If you are not yet a member, please call us for details. If you are a member, please let us know what we can do to serve you better
Have an excellent family fun filled Christmas
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