Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce

Connecting local businesses with the support, advocacy, and opportunities they need to thrive.

The Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce has been operating in its current form since 1995. Prior to that it was known as the Whakatāne Chamber of Commerce.

The Whakatāne Chamber of Commerce under the guidance of William Sullivan became an incorporated society on 27 May 1941 and remained in place until 26 January 1993. Its headquarters started at Boon & Sullivan Builders premises, 41 Commerce Street, Whakatāne.

The Chamber increased its coverage and was officially renamed to the East Bay of Plenty Chamber of Commerce and Industry Incorporated in the early 1990’s under the presidency of Peter Patterson. The society now covers the three local body districts of Opotiki, Whakatāne and Kawerau.

Today we are situated in the heart of the Whakatāne CBD making us more accessible to our members and the public. We’re only a small team but retain the same passion for supporting our membership that William Sullivan started all those years ago.

In addition to our regular networking events connecting business leaders from across the region, we run regular courses on various aspects of business management. Business owners wanting to upgrade their skills can contact our Regional Growth Advisor who is part of the Regional Business Partnership. The Regional Business Partnership is run in conjunction with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

The purpose of this initiative is to assist business leaders to develop the skills they need to grow their business. Training topics cover many aspects of running a small business and attendees may qualify for limited financial assistance to attend this training.

Any business owner that is interested in learning more about growing their business to the next level should consider registering with RBP.

Joining a Chamber of Commerce can offer numerous benefits for businesses and professionals. Here are five key reasons:

• Networking Opportunities: Chambers of Commerce regularly host events, workshops, and meetings where members can connect with other business owners, potential clients, and industry leaders. This networking can lead to new business partnerships, referrals, and valuable connections.
• Increased Visibility and Credibility: Membership in the Chamber of Commerce can enhance your business’s reputation. Being associated with a respected organisation can boost your credibility with customers, partners, and the community. Through our communication channels, Chamber members also benefit from marketing opportunities, like listings in directories and features in newsletters.
• Participating in our bi-annual Business Excellence Awards can give entrants great feedback on their business and highlight their achievements amongst the business community.
• Advocacy and Support: We advocate for our members at both local and national levels. We work with agencies to influence policies and regulations that affect businesses, providing a collective voice that individual businesses may not have on their own.
• Access to Resources and Information: The Eastern Bay Chamber provides access to valuable resources, business tools, educational seminars, and training programs. This can help you stay informed about industry trends, business strategies, and legal requirements.
• Community Involvement and Giving Back: Being part of the Chamber of Commerce allows you to be more involved in your local business community, giving your business a chance to contribute to the community and enhance its social responsibility profile.