New Business Entity a Step Closer
A new business entity is closer to being formed following members of the Employers and Manufacturers Assn, Central, (EMA
Central) overwhelmingly endorsing a proposed amalgamation with the Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce (WRCC) and
then with other autonomous chambers in the wider central region who share the same vision.
“The unanimous vote of support for the merger at our Special General Meeting was very pleasing. The vision of a larger
and stronger association offering a better range of services and a ‘one stop shop’ was clearly welcomed by members,”
said EMA Central President, Peter McKee.
“This support mirrors a members’ survey we undertook prior to the meeting which showed 94 percent favour a merger.”
It is proposed that from 1 July 2010, members of merging organisations will be able to maintain their current membership
and services, or they can opt for a combined membership, accessing greater services at a lower fee than the current cost
for membership.
Mr McKee said the survey also revealed a large number of EMA Central members, who are not currently members of a
chamber, are interested in learning more about a joint membership.
“Following the WRCC members endorsing the concept of amalgamation and giving the green light for the continuation of
negotiations at their recent AGM, we are looking forward to working through the finer detail of the new merged entity
with them and five of the other regional chambers who have already indicated they want to be included as quickly as
possible.
“The Chambers and EMA have complementary strengths. We are set up to pursue similar objectives, but we each support
business through different programmes and services.
“As a combined group we can ensure that through well resourced skills, we’ll be in a position to preserve the best of
the past, and provide a wider membership the very best assistance, advice and representation in the future,” said Mr
McKee.
ENDS