News

Greetings, Almost Spring!

As we approach the end of winter, I am delighted to share some exciting updates and successes within our community. The recent Business After 5 (BA5) events have been outstanding, with a record attendance of around 90 people at the Sanatana Minerals event in July. This remarkable turnout underscores the community's strong interest in the potential new gold mine and its impact on our region. Damian and his team did an exceptional job hosting this event, providing valuable insights and opportunities for local businesses.

Training and Advocacy Success

Our training programs have seen tremendous success over the past few months, with all sessions fully booked. We have also made significant strides in our advocacy efforts, submitting a comprehensive proposal to the CODC for the annual plan and recently presenting our long-term plan. We emphasized our desire to be involved from the outset, ensuring our community's voice is integral to the planning process.

Health Checks: Strengthening Connections

Your participation in the Health Checks has been invaluable. These checks are a crucial way for us to connect with you and understand your needs on a macro level, forming a significant part of our advocacy for regional businesses. We want to encourage you to complete these survey as often as possible that we can support you effectively.

Engaging with MBIE for Regional Growth

We recently met with senior leadership at MBIE to discuss the current roadblocks hindering growth in our region. These discussions was a starting point to build stronger relationships and better opportunities for local businesses. We are optimistic about the future as the economy begins to recover, despite some ongoing challenges. There are positive signs of progress and growth on the horizon.

Committee Outreach and Engagement

As a committee, we are dedicated to collaboration, connection, and helping you thrive in your business. To improve our efforts, we seek your feedback on how we can better connect with you and add value to your business. What training and support do you need? How can we serve you better?

Call for Committee Members 

We recognize a need for more representation in the Retail, Construction, Hospitality, and Rural sectors on our committee. If you are passionate about our community and share our vision for sustainable growth, we invite you to express your interest in joining us. We are a motivated, proactive group of leaders committed to making our region the best place to live, work, and play. If this sounds like you, please reach out to either myself or Amanda – we would love to hear from you!

Looking Ahead

We are excited about the future and the opportunities it holds. Thank you for your continued support and participation. Until next month or the next networking event, have a safe and prosperous August.

Kind regards,

Dewald de Beer

Chair, Business South Central Otago Committee Chair