By Cecile Whelan
Employer Advocate at the Rotorua Business Chamber
The Rotorua Business Chamber turned 115 this year. This means 115 years of connecting, leading and partnering with organisations and agencies towards building a better business environment in Rotorua.
Established in 1908, the Chamber is the district’s leading business organisation and has evolved tremendously over the past century to offer members – and the wider business community – a wide variety of services, including:
Advocacy
By actively and constantly working behind the scenes towards positive change in the city, the Chamber is the voice and representation of employers, addressing issues that affect local business.
The Chamber brings an Employer’s perspective to the table on the critical issue of employment. The Employer Advocate leads a Leading Employers Group who pro-activates opportunities for youth and job seekers.
Networking
With over 50 events hosted annually, the Chamber connects and educates entrepreneurs and companies through a variety of networking, educational and informative events which include Business After 5s, Women in Business, Business Connection Breakfasts and ‘Focus on Business Speaker’ Series.
Tompkins Wake Rotorua Business Awards
The Rotorua Business Awards event is the highlight of the business year and gets delivered annually by the Chamber.
These high-profile awards celebrate excellence, innovation and creativity in the local business community and have been a highlight of Rotorua’s calendar for well over 20 years.
As well as offering recognition to organisations that enter, the awards also provide the opportunity to benchmark and gain expert advice on how businesses can continue to improve and prosper.
The glamorous events evening showcases Rotorua’s vibrant community, driving economic growth and creating a legacy of success for generations to come.
Patchell Group of Companies walked away as the Supreme Winner of the Tompkins Wake Rotorua Business Awards 2022. On how the win has affected them, CEO, Brent Whibley said: ”To be crowned Supreme Winner was beyond any expectations we had. We are so proud of our people, product and service to our customers. Rotorua is fortunate to have so many amazing businesses hiding in the wings so let’s start celebrating what we do here.”
Business support
With support ranging from a Business Start-Up Clinic that prepares and helps small enterprises get started – to their Regional Business Growth Advisor, the Chamber is all about supporting and preparing businesses to excel in ever-changing environments.
The Chamber’s Regional Growth Advisor assists companies in identifying needs and opportunities to realise their goals, experience sustainable growth, and increase employment. The growth advisor is all about guidance, information, referrals, and connections to help businesses thrive.
For more information on member benefits and joining the Chamber, please contact Jane Jennings on membership@rotoruachamber.co.nz
