28 November 13

Hutt Valley Chamber poised for strong year

Hutt Valley Chamber is poised to grow its support for business through increased services and training opportunities, says President Helen Down.

Re-elected unopposed for her third term at the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce annual meeting, Helen Down says business growth in the valley is picking up creating an ongoing need to provide member training and support.

"Each month we continue to attract large numbers of new businesses and there is active involvement from our existing members.

“More than 80 per cent of our membership comprise small to medium-sized businesses and the Chamber plays an important role in facilitating business collaboration and learning,” she says.

The chamber also staged the successful Westpac Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards event at the Avalon Studios.

“More than 400 people attended the Business Excellence Awards which were the highlight of the year and demonstrated the depth and diversity of business success within the Hutt Valley,” she says.

"In the coming year we will be identifying new opportunities for engagement with the business community and offering new services,” she says.

"During the year we have been joined by a new Chief Executive, Mark Futter, who has already injected a new energy into the organisation reviewing our requirements for systems and equipment to serve the needs of our members," she says.

"We are in a great position as we move into the New Year," she says.

Hutt City Council was also commended by Helen Down together with Upper Hutt and Grow Wellington for being supportive of businesses in the valley.

Members successful in an election to fill four contestable vacancies on the Chamber board were Dr Caroline Seelig, Mark Skelly, Paddy Squibb and June Ranson. Neville Hyde was elected un-opposed as vice-President

ENDS

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