New Look Chamber Fired Up

A meeting with ‘Vision Manawatu’ and a speaker with a strong message about re-igniting small towns has spurred the Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce back into action.

The ‘chamber’ had been in recess but is now kickstarted again by an enthusiastic group of Dannevirke business people keen to see their town prosper in the wake of the High St refurbishment.

Although the associated roadworks have hampered trade and retailer spirits have been flagging lately the new committee is looking ahead.

“We are focussing on the next five years, goal setting and taking a fresh look at our businesses,” committee member Deirdre Stephens said.

Ideas are being tossed around. These include revamping the business awards, attracting new businesses to town and supporting them.

Work has started on assembling a database of businesses to ensure access to information.

There is talk of a night patrol.

Hand in hand with this enthusiasm will be working with associated organisations like Dannevirke Promotions and Mainstreet including having their representatives on the Chamber of Commerce committee.

Its chairman, longstanding business identity Shuresh Patel, regards the existing Chamber of Commerce as the basis for getting started again but doesn’t rule out a name change in the future.

The council is also backing the initiative spearheaded by manager for community development Troy Gerbich.

He sees the organisation as the “collective voice for Dannevirke business people” with the vision of implementing innovative ideas and providing positive leadership.

The annual general meeting for the Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce will be held on August 14.