Chamber News December 2014 by Cambridge Chamber of Commerce

DECEMBER 2013 - FEBRUARY 2014

news

KEEPING YOU UP-TO-DATE WITH CAMBRIDGE EVENTS | OCT - DEC ‘14

what’s inside pg 4

Ensuring Business Growth from the Cambridge/Waikato Expressway

pg 5

A Dream Come True

change pg 7

Change…. It’s the ever constant and the pace at which change is occurring, I am sure is increasing (mind you that could have something to do with age). Change can have a significant impact on each of us and that which surrounds us. Managing change can be a science all of its own and so too our attitude to change will impact outcomes. When it comes to change we have a choice as to how we work with change, adapt, embrace, resist or challenge change . Around our stunning Cambridge townscape and countryside, the abundance of activity is obvious, the place is humming with new builds, enhancements and improvements. It’s exciting and adds to the vibrant energy in Cambridge. The Avantidrome and the other high performance sport have come to Cambridge to make it their home, bringing with them a

new and different dimension to our region. I was at Avantidrome recently, and was inspired by the multiplicity of this facility and the depth of touch points across the community, from the “yummy mummies”, to the senior citizen, to the high performance sports person, to corporate activity on and off track. This facility brings together a vast cross section of our community and is demonstrative of positive change, and that the effort to get there was worth it. One of the most significant changes that is in play, is the build of the new north/south arterial route. The entire landscape has changed dramatically in a short time. Cambridge will be more accessible and yet a conscious decision to take the exit to Cambridge means we need to ensure we leverage this opportunity, by having a compelling story and proposition that we can back up and ensure we are really open for business.

Why Chamber? Your Local Business Support

pg 8

Conference Take Outs

pg 9

Sustainability in Business

pg 10

It’s Time to Make a Change

pg 11 Change: Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should

ceo and editor Tania Witheford M: 021 636 536 P: 07 823 3460

chamber team PRESIDENT Mel Engelbrecht Body and Motion Gym Motion.mel@gmail.com M: 021 044 2022 P: 07 827 0847

presidents corner

VICE-PRESIDENT Brent Nielsen NZ Institute of Rural Health E: us.three@xtra.co.nz M: 021 576 136 P: 07 823 7551 VICE-PRESIDENT Christine Stevenson Accounted4 E: chris.s@accounted4.co.nz M: 027 635 9708 P: 07 827 5192 TREASURER Janine Peters Ag Technology NZ Ltd E: janinepeters@agtechnz.com M: 021 957 418 P: 07 827 9295 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE LesleyAnn Thomas People In Mind E: info@peopleinmind.co.nz M: 021 537 539 P: 07 823 3250 David Sloane CSC Buying Group E: davids@csc.org.nz M: 021 976 291 P: 07 823 7979 Lesley Nielsen Lewis’ Barristers & Solicitors E: lesleyn@lewislaw.co.nz M: 021 524 824 P: 07 827 5147 Philip Coles Cambridge Real Estate E: philip@cambridgerealestate.co.nz M: 021 432 767 P: 07 823 1945 Emma Sinclair Emma’s Food Bag E: emma@emmasfoodbag.co.nz M: 022 0474 800 Phil Mackay Rouge Cafe E: phil@rougeempire.co.nz M: 021 337 255 P. 07 823 9178 Debbie Sutherland Gold Medal Performance E: debbie@marksutherland.co.nz P: 827 7180 CEO Tania Witheford E: ceo@cambridgechamber.co.nz M: 021 636 536 P: 07 823 3460 EVENTS COORDINATOR Aimee Forrest E: info@cambridgechamber.co.nz P: 07 823 3460

DISCLAIMER: The information in this publication is of general nature only and readers are cautioned not to act or rely on it without first seeking professional advice. Similarly, any opinions expressed in this publication should not be construed as official policy of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.

chamber news / OCT - DEC 2014 / 2

have you seen have you been have you heard have you tried These are all questions regularly asked when you are living in a growing community, like Cambridge. According to the dictionary; change is to make the form, nature, content and/or future course of (something) different, from what it would be, if left alone. In Cambridge, we don’t leave alone... we strive for better. With the high level bridge’s wider footpath, the low level bridge’s roundabout and the new Cambridge Section of the Waikato Expressway, change has brought an easier access to the beautiful destination that Cambridge is. Remember the Shakespeare Street traffic while the high level bridge was under construction? It was very hard to keep calm and breath. But we did it. We wanted better and were willing to sacrifice to get better. The Retailers Group are finding its feet. We are looking forward to a super event filled with fun, laughter and shopping bags full of Cambridge bought goodies. The Retailers Group is currently discussing the thought of change and its impact on them. How can we attract visitors to Cambridge? Which ideas do our retailers have to encourage local shopping? Should shopping hours be extended on weekends? What about parking? The invitation is open to all retailers, come and have your say at

the monthly meetings and help steer the change. Our Young Professional’s Networking Group, the First IV, has changed the way young professionals in the first 15 years of their careers, do their networking. Whether it is by visiting the Cambridge Community Gardens to discuss sustainability or debating with local MP’s and local Council Representatives on key issues such as; housing and employment. This Young Networking Group is serious about professional development, social interaction and community involvement. And just to change things up a bit, a seriously fun Quiz Night, fundraising for Cambridge Lifeskills. To all young professionals, in the first 15 years of your careers: “Change your busy schedule and fit in a First IV meeting”. I leave you with a good thought, given to me by one of my awesome staff members, when I asked what change meant to her: “If we were meant to stay the same we would grow roots, not have feet”.

Mel

Mel Engelbrecht President - Cambridge Chamber of Commerce

sustainability champion of the month

team prof ile AIMEE FORREST EVENTS COORDINATOR My husband and I moved to Cambridge at the end of 2013 as we were drawn to the wonderful atmosphere and friendly faces. On acceptance of this role, I was incredibly excited to take part in contributing to our community by helping to create a more vibrant Cambridge. After growing up in Napier, I completed a Bachelor in Performing Arts in Christchurch in 2008. This led me to many roles in the Performing Arts industry including educational theatre and most recently as a Television Presenter for our local station tvCentral. In my new role, I am looking forward to meeting those friendly faces we saw on arrival and feeling a strong part of this community.

We are delighted to be partnering with the Waikato Regional Council to deliver a programme focused on recognising excellence in sustainability in our business community. As well as providing our members with resources, workshops and advice, we are thrilled to be delivering the Sustainability Champion Award to be announced each month from February 2015. We will be providing businesses with training, advice and resources to help you become more sustainable. If you are using a great idea for sustainable business, we want to know about it. To take part, please complete the entry form on our website: www.cambridgechamber.co.nz/page/Sustainability/

important dates calendar CAMBRIDGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Fusiness after

Retailers’ cambridge chamber of commerce

Kive

FEB MAR

APR

group

Tuesday 10th Accounted4 10:00am - 11:00am

Wednesday 18th Compuhub 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Tuesday 24th Body and Motion 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Thursday 26th ‘Mystery’ Bus Tour

Tuesday 3rd Carricks 10:00am - 11:00am

Wednesday 11th Rocketspark 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Thursday 19th Business Awards Workshop 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Thursday 26th Maadi Cup / Cambridge Autumn Festival

Friday 27th

Tuesday 28th Cambridge Safer Communities 10:00am - 11:00am

Thursday 23rd MTF Vehicle Finance 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Tuesday 21st Business Awards Workshop 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Thursday 30th Professional Development Networking Skills

Friday 24th

Friday 27th

chamber news / OCT - DEC 2014 / 3

ensuring business growth from the cambridge/waikato expressway A collaborative project led by Tania Witheford (Chamber), Steve Tritt (Waipa Economic Development), and Dr Nick Marsh (NEXT Corporation) with the goal to help local business leaders identify how to leverage the opening of the Expressway to help achieve their business goals over the next three years, and to mitigate business risk. A Briefing Workshop was held on November 19th with the key findings thus far: • Whilst the expressway will be generally beneficial for Cambridge businesses, it is possible that those dependent on through traffic could lose trade. • Why should I drive into Cambridge versus just keep on the expressway? chamber news / OCT - DEC 2014 / 4

We need to communicate a compelling brand or story for Cambridge that marks it as unique and special, and reflects the exciting reality of the multi-sport events, recreation and education hub that it has become, as well as the trees and heritage. We are already ‘quaint’ but perhaps we also need to be ‘cool’. •

We need to move quickly on a shared view on our brand and position among business in order to not miss the opportunity of the expressway. Early in the New Year we will work with a reference group of business leaders, develop strategies, and move into implementation so that a significant shift is achieved by mid year.

• For those who would like to add their ideas to the project please contact: Tania Witheford - ceo@cambridgechamber.co.nz.

a dream come true ... SPECIAL OLYMPICS WAIKATO ATHLETE MATTHEW SLONE TO COMPETE AT THE LOS ANGELES WORLD SUMMER GAMES Special Olympics Waikato athlete Matthew Slone is a 21-year-old swimmer who has been training with Special Olympics since the age of eight. Matthew’s sole sport focus is aquatics and he takes it very seriously training weekly under the careful watch of his father and coach David Slone. According to Special Olympics Waikato Coordinator Alistair Higgins, “Matthew is a very keen and competitive swimmer and always swims his best. He will do us all proud in LA.” Obviously this is the pinnacle competition for Special Olympics but it will also be a once in a life time opportunity for Matthew.

While not receiving the same publicity as The Olympics or Para-Olympics, Special Olympics is a truly international sporting movement. In 2015, there will be over 7,000 athletes from 177 countries competing in 26 different sports at the World Games. The opening ceremony will have 80,000 people watching in the Los Angeles Colosseum and the Games will be the biggest sporting event hosted by Los Angeles since the 1984 Summer Olympics Matthew is a gregarious athlete and loves meeting new people, making new friends, and keeping in touch with fellow athletes and teammates. Matthew has just made the big step of leaving home and going flatting with friends in Hamilton. While swimming is his main interest he is an avid follower of football (notably the Phoenix Football team), rugby (favourite teams: the Hurricanes and the Chiefs), and hockey (Black Sticks). He also enjoys hot air ballooning, drumming, trains and cars.

Keep up with Matthew at: www.facebook.com/pages/ Matthew-Slone-at-the-WorldGames-2015/579480802174952

chamber news / OCT - DEC 2014 / 5

6 4 5 9 8 7 12 11 10

bseen

1. 1st XV Quiz night- The Pumpkin Heads Team 2. Waiterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Race Winner - Victor of Paddock 3. 1st XV Quiz night at St Andrews Church 4. Girls Day Out Goodie Bag table 5. FIFA U-20 World Cup workshop 6. Girls Day Out waiters race 7. Girls Day out joint winners Holmes and Co 8. Girls Day Out joint winners Loulous Hair Design 9. At the finish line Girls Day Out waiters race 10. Seamus Marten, Tania Witheford and Josh Easby. FIFA U-20 World Cup Workshop. 11. Chamber Christmas at the Boatshed 12. Girls Day Out Fashion- Val Harman and Christine Verrion-Clarke chamber news / OCT - DEC 2014 / 6

why chamber your local business support JOINING THE CHAMBER Joining the Chamber can yield a return to your organisation far in excess of the investment in the annual membership fee.

various educational and training opportunities across the Waikato and beyond, as well as our very own Seminars after Five (Sa5) here in Cambridge.

GROW YOUR BUSINESS Grow your contacts with networking and promotional opportunities, and expand overseas with our support for international trade.

REDUCE RISK IN YOUR BUSINESS Stay better informed about HR, employment law and compliance issue with our free business advisory service and library of business resources. Just phone 0800 CHAMBER.

CONNECT WITH YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY Unparalleled networking opportunities. Over 40 events for you to choose from. Build relationships and share ideas with like-minded people. INFORMATION, EDUCATION AND TRAINING Enhance your skills and your team with our business training workshops, seminars and business breakfasts. The Chamber provides links with

IMPROVE YOUR BOTTOM LINE Chamber membership is more than paid for with the petrol, office supplies, telecommunications, and many other Chamber member discounts. CHAMBER GIVES YOU A VOICE As a group, we can be heard. Chamber has a strong role in advocacy at both a local and national level.

RETAILERS’ GROUP

Retailers’ cambridge chamber of commerce

group

A proactive group designed for retail and hospitality businesses aimed at leveraging opportunities to promote Cambridge as a great place to visit and shop. CHAMBERS’ 1ST XV

Leading the way for young professionals the 1st XV is aimed specifically at those in the first fifteen years of their career, this dynamic group offers a range of social, professional and personal development opportunities. chamber news / OCT - DEC 2014 / 7

conference take outs In October, I attended the New Zealand Chambers Of Commerce Conference in Nelson. There was an outstanding collection of speakers of international calibre and recognition. My key take outs from two of these presentations were: Rod Oram provided an economic overview where he emphasised the need for change - fundamental and urgent change. He posed valid questions about how to address the New Zealand challenge of how to increase the value chain proposition, how do we create value and unique products and how to best capture the value? Rod also asked: How do we implement change before disaster or catastrophe forces change? And what type of change? Is it process driven or perspective? One of the key drivers is sustainability and innovation is critical in these areas which will move us toward revolutionary change. Rod referred to Comvita’s example of the value chain proposition. A clear demonstration of a raw product that through the value add process has an incredible value in price but also perception. chamber news / OCT - DEC 2014 / 8

John Palmer (former Chair of Air New Zealand and Solid Energy), presented on Why Governance Matters. He summed this up very quickly by saying the “The Buck Stops Somewhere! Boards fail management regularly and he recommended reading “A Fish Rots from the Head” by Bob Garratt. John emphasised the importance of the division of duties: • Directors to provide and give direction • Management to develop the framework of strategy to be shared and aired around the table with regular review and involvement. • Managers must manage and be allowed to manage • Managers must know they have the authority to manage and are supported. Getting the mix around the table is critical. 1. Talent 2. Resources to utilise the talent 3. Leadership 4. Clarity 5. Wisdom 6. Courage The question to ask: Are we making the right decision? The answer will be based on wisdom and the age old – DOES IT FEEL Right?

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

LEADING THE WAY FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE FIRST 15 YEARS OF THEIR CAREER

sustainability in business The Cambridge Community Garden hosted the first seasons bbq as part of the First XV Networking Group’s event “Conscious Consumers and Sustainability in Business”.

Several local business are already accredited by Conscious Consumers, including The Lily Pad, Gourmet Delicious, Emma’s Food Bag, and winner of the Waipa Business Award for Excellence in Sustainability – Rouge.

It was a barbeque with a difference, the sausages were free range and the salads were made from ingredients grown in the garden.

Anna D’Arcy from Waikato Regional Council is hugely experienced in the field of sustainability, and introduced several inspiring initiatives in the UK before making the move to New Zealand. Her role as Business and Corporate Sustainability Advisor at the Regional Council will see her bring that knowledge to our community. As well as providing resources, workshops and advice, the Waikato Regional Council has partnered with the Cambridge and Te Awamutu Chambers of Commerce to launch a new Sustainability Champions programme to encourage more sustainability in our businesses. Conscious Consumers is an organisation that helps customers make informed decisions about which businesses they support through a simple “badge” system for ethical and sustainable practices. They now have an app to make it even easier to support the “good guys”, you can download the new #CCapp now: IPhone:goo.gl/LgSzKa / Android: goo.gl/ uN8hJ2

Photo supplied by Cambridge Edition

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important, both in aligning our personal and business practices and leading the way to a cleaner, smarter future. Waipa aims to be the most sustainable region in New Zealand, and we’re off to a great start with many businesses and organisations already doing their part. We heard how several businesses and groups are tackling the issue.

The First XV held a successful Quiz Night on 31 October, raising $1700 for Cambridge Lifeskills. This was a great night, coordinated by the 1st XV. Amy Banks and Richard Wright were the Quiz Masters on the night, providing great entertainment and challenging questions to test the eager 100 plus participants, keen to claim the crown as the inaugural quiz champions. Cambridge Lifeskills is a not-for-profit agency offering free counselling for children and young people between 5 and 15 years in the Cambridge district. They deal with an increasing range of issues which include bullying, abuse and family issues as well as offering support to school communities affected by trauma. chamber news / OCT - DEC 2014 / 9

WHEN BUSINESS GETS TOUGH AND YOU ARE STRUGGLING

it’s time to make a change

We only get one chance to have a life – yet so many people don’t live the life they really want. They are held back by fear, not knowing where to start, afraid of not achieving their goals or they are stuck in a job that supports their lifestyle yet they don’t like their job. The 4R’s are a starting point. I learned about these through personal experience when I was diagnosed with burnout. Burnout is no fun – it was debilitating. I was always tired, had a foggy head, lacked motivation to do my work, suffered serious anxiety when it came to doing presentations and speeches. Something had to change. The change literally came down to the 4R’s REVIEW – I was encouraged by a couple of professionals to look back at my life over the preceding 20 years. I was able to identify the pressure points in my life. These were the times when I was under real pressure. They had built up over time and something had to give. I was asked what I would do differently if I had my time over. It was easy to imagine what would be different. I didn’t realise it at the time but this was a learning exercise. It worked – I knew exactly what I would do differently and what I would do going forward from that point. Key activities were not stressing about what I can’t control. Be fitter and healthier. Be more organised and structured in my business. Talk about my stress or pressure with my wife – she can always calm things down. Of real significance was my choice to be the real me – the authentic me. No suits and ties, no political correctness and no corporate speak. That was a relief – take me as I am – there is no other me. REFRESH – I had to refresh my life by getting fitter, losing weight, eating healthier and sleeping better. I had to make chamber news / OCT - DEC 2014 / 10

time for these things – because if I didn’t my life would not change – it would not be the life I wanted to live. REFOCUS – I had to look into my life and decide what is really important to me and my family. I had three choices to make. 1. What was I prepared to live with in my life – what was important that could never be compromised. 2. What did I need to change – this included habits and mind-sets. 3. What did I need to eliminate from my life – this was a big decluttering exercise that allowed me to make life simpler both mentally and physically. I also had to focus on what I really wanted – which was easy I wanted a good income that would allow me and my family to live comfortably , work from home and do the work I loved which is coaching. By applying these 3 choices I was able to see a clear path for myself and how I wanted to live. RE-ENERGISE – By reviewing, refreshing and refocussing I was already re-energising. For me energy came from simplifying my life. I started doing meditation regularly, writing in my journal, doing work that excited me and creating experiences for us as a family. It wasn’t all smooth sailing – it took some work, trial and error and support from my wife and my friends to get there. After a while I was free of burnout and doing the work I wanted and living a life I love.

By Mark Sutherland www.marksutherland.co.nz

20 years coaching executives, managers, self-employed and business owners. 28 years coaching elite athletes including Olympic and World Champions.

change:

just because you can - doesn’t mean you should

5 acid test questions to ask

The “if it ain’t broken don’t fix it” rule applies. This can be hard to adhere to - especially when you’re being told you need to adopt the latest “it” (whatever that “it” may be: technology, methodology, psychology, sociology). So how do you know when to change and when to stay the same? Are there any acid test questions that give you the correct answer? Here are the five first-up questions to run when you feel the urge to change or are told you need to: The first is why? What is behind the requirement to change? Every now and again I come across a business owner (or manager) who’s changed something because they were bored. Excuse me?? Whatever the answer to this first “WHY?” is - with that answer in mind, ask WHY? again. And again. And again. Until you reach the real reason why!

What will happen if the status quo remains? Will: • something stop working? • someone get hurt? • your customers go somewhere else? • you get left behind? Does everything need to change or just one thing? Too often carte blanche changes are made to entire systems or procedures when only one tweak was required. What is the minimum (not necessarily the easiest or the cheapest) change necessary? How will you measure the success (or not) of the change? What metric will you use? • Sales? • Productivity? • Profit? • Safety/Accidents? • Something else – what? Coupled with this is how long will you allow before you deem the

change a success (or not)? What is Plan B? Are the changes you’re going to make irrevocable? Is it possible to do a complete U-turn and return to how things were or are all bridges burnt? Then what?

As always - if you’d like to discuss this further then let’s chat: julie@halobiz.co.nz or call on 07 854 7191 during business hours. Julie South has recently changed the focus of HaloBiz to specialise in showing businesses and salespeople how to network with panache and flair and how to turn Linkedin into a sharp lead-generating sales tool check her out at www.linkedin.com/in/halobizjuliesouth

chamber news / OCT - DEC 2014 / 11

we can confidently say 2014 has been a successful year Our success though, could not be achieved without your valuable support and your active participation. 2014 - REFLECTION An eventful year for the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, which included participation in an iconic and historical event, when we welcomed Prince William, Princess Kate and Prince George to Cambridge officially opening of the Avantidrome. We have been active in many parts of the business community to ensure a strong and vital business environment and that we take full advantage of the new opportunities.

Retailers’ cambridge chamber of commerce

group

The First XV – young professionals network has been a resounding success. The Retailers Group is gathering momentum following a successful “Girls Day Out” promotion with participation levels indicating a strong appetite and the need for a collaborative retail approach. From our daily travels in and around Cambridge we are witness to constant change and growth signals, new stores including McDonalds opening, expansion of Countdown and a shuffle of location for a number as there is repositioning along in the Agriculture “zone”. We have welcomed and continue to welcome new retail and watch businesses grow and establish themselves as successful fixtures on our landscape and as part of our community. chamber news / OCT - DEC 2014 / 12

YOUR CHAMBER TEAM We have welcomed a new team to the Chamber. I joined the Chamber in mid-August and with recent departure of Leanne Cronin, who was offered a job she just could not refuse, we welcomed Aimee Forrest to the Chamber Team. Both Aimee and I are fortunate to have come into such a supportive environment with the Chamber in great shape. Our AGM in September, saw us also welcome a new President, Mel Engelbrecht, with LesleyAnn Thomas stepping down after 3 years. Around the table our executive team is made up of: Mel Englebrecht (P), Christine Stevenson (VP), Brent Nielsen (VP), Janine Peters (Treasurer), David Sloane, Emma Sinclair, LesleyAnn Thomas, Lesley Nielsen, Philip Coles , Philip MacKay, and Debbie Sutherland. BUSINESS AWARDS We had another successful year with the Waipa Business Awards highlighting outstanding businesses and business leaders in the Cambridge and Waipa region. Congratulations goes to all entrants and especially to those recognised as winners. YOUR FEEDBACK PLEASE The Chamber Board, Aimee and I are constantly looking for ways to better improve our engagement with you and welcome your feedback, ideas and comments. We are looking forward to working with you in 2015 which promises to be filled with significant growth and opportunity.

Tania

CEO - Cambridge Chamber of Commerce

We run the things that run your business

RICOH

imagine. change.

The reputation Ricoh copiers and printers have earned in the past represents only one aspect of who we are today. We still supply document solutions, with a range of smart, intuitive devices designed to improve efficiency, productivity and reduce costs in your office, but also deliver a broad range of IT services, business solutions and consultancy. Today, we run the things that run your business. To find out what Ricoh can do for your business call 07-957 4500 or visit www.ricoh.co.nz

chamber news / OCT - DEC 2014 / 13

new member profiles ZEST

HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSULTANTS Branded merchandise can be a powerful way to promote your business. From client or staff gifts and branded apparel, to conference items and promotional campaigns, there are thousands of ways you can use branded products to get your company noticed. Andrea Kewish is the Director of Zest Promotions and is an expert in branded merchandise, having worked in the industry for 12 years. “At Zest Promotions I provide a complete service, from concept through to delivery. I enjoy working with you to understand your business’ particular needs to help find the perfect solution, whilst making the whole process hassle free”. I pride myself on creative ideas, competitive pricing, attention to detail and quick turnaround. I am able to mock up samples electronically so you can visualise each product with your logo on it prior to ordering.

for some ideas I’ve put together or email through a brief and I will provide you a no obligation quote.

CONTACT Andrea Kewish PO Box 1002, Cambridge 3450 P 07 823 7962 M 021 558 086 E enquiries@zestpromotions.co.nz www.zestpromotions.co.nz www.facebook.com/ zestpromotionsnz

With Christmas fast approaching, now is a good time to start thinking about your corporate gift requirements for your staff and/or clients. Have a look at the website below

TO AND FRO EVERY JOURNEY A PLEASURE In 2012, after 22 years of working in the public and private health sectors, I decided it was time for a career change, something with a better lifestyle option for a busy mum and wife. A year later, after the death of a close friend, I finally worked up the courage to venture out on my own. To & Fro came about after witnessing the difficulty some people experience on a daily basis to travel to their appointments, visit friends and shop for groceries. It was obvious that Cambridge and local areas desperately needed a driving service that catered to transport needs on an individual basis. Moving from a healthcare background into the world of small business has been quite a steep learning curve, but having a bit of medical knowledge is useful for assisting some clients, and doing the Te Wananga O Aotearoa small business course which has helped immensely. chamber news / OCT - DEC 2014 / 14

Since the service started in August 2013, it has expanded to include airport transfers, corporate events, tourist destinations, ACC transfers and social event transport. I really enjoy the satisfaction gained from providing a valuable service for my local community, and making peoples’ lives a bit easier. If you need help with transport needs for yourself or your loved ones, please don’t hesitate to contact me .

CONTACT Connie P 07 839 4222 E toandfro.waikato@gmail.com www.toandfro.co.nz

NEXT Corporation is a specialist in Strategic Foresight- looking into the future to identify new business opportunities requiring change in the business model, as well as the risks of not doing anything different. Nick Marsh has published three books on management including ‘Strategic Foresight- The Power of Standing in the Future’. NEXT has worked with many of the major corporates in New Zealand and Australia to assist with Board and CEO strategic planning. In recent years he has worked on a wide variety of assignments from geothermal energy in New Zealand, the globalisation of education, new approaches to managing the patient journey for melanoma, and the global market fitness market. NEXT has also worked with a number of cities and towns in New Zealand, Australia, and the Caribbean to identify growth and innovation opportunities and galvanise the community to get organised to advance the brand and implement important projects that take the town forward.

Nick Marsh hails from the UK originally and has recently made the decision to leave Auckland and run his business from Cambridge. He is working with towns across the Bay of Plenty and the Waikato to help them plan a prosperous future when faced with some of the challenges of regional NZ. He is also interested in the special issues of medium sized companies in agribusiness and farming, including the challenge facing many family businesses of planning an exit strategy.

CONTACT Nick E nick.marsh@nextcorporation.net www.nextcorporation.net www.linkedin.com/pub/nick-marsh-phd

new member profiles

NEXT CORPORATION

cambridge retail lights competition The retail sector of Cambridge was brought to life in the lead up to Christmas with a stunning array of Christmas lights decorating shop frontages. Inspired by the Cambridge Edition’s Lesley Wyatt Christmas Lights competition, the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce kick started a Retail Lights competition via Facebook encouraging the community to support their favourite Christmas lights display. We are pleased to announce the following winners:

MediaWorks: Challenge/ Little Flower Shop Chamber Choice Award- wine and chocolates: Mystyle This was the first year the Chamber have conducted the competition through Facebook, and we are pleased with the response and support by the local Cambridge community.

People’s Choice Award - $1000 advertising with

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE

CONTACT TANIA OR AIMEE TODAY ON 823 3460 chamber news / OCT - DEC 2014 / 15

A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR

SPONSORS KEYSTONE SPONSOR

new members Zest Andrea Kewish - M. 021 558 086 E. enquiries@zestpromotions.co.nz To and Fro Connie - M. 07 839 4222 E. toandfro.waikato@gmail.com NEXT Corporation Nick Marsh - M. 021 617 267 E. nick.marsh@nextcorporation.net

CORNERSTONE SPONSORS SHORT STORY COMPETITION Barristers & Solicitors

FIRST PRIZE

$1000

THEME: Heroes WORD LIMIT: 2500 words ENTRIES CLOSE: 31 January 2015

PRODUCT SPONSORS