Kapiti Chamber of Commerce Past Events

Past Events

Otaki Clean Technology Centre BA5 – Wednesday 09 November 2011

The Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Otaki Business After 5, (BA5) on Wednesday 09 November at the Clean Technology Centre, Miro Street in Otaki.

Over 70 Chamber members and guests, including Nathan Guy, MP for Otaki, Grow Wellington’s Dr Steven Finlay and Professor George Baird from Victoria University enjoyed the hospitality of Stuart and Mary Pritchard and representatives of the 14 or so businesses based at the Centre.

Stuart Pritchard and Dr. Steven Finlay outlined that the businesses at the Centre offer products and services that improve performance, productivity, and efficiency while reducing costs, raw materials, energy consumption and waste along with sustainable resources and solutions.

The Centre has enjoyed huge growth in it’s first year and having14 businesses operating in a collaborative cluster allows to work closely together as they develop their products and services.

Businesses based at the centre include: Astara Technologies, Blended Fuel Solutions, Critchlow Ltd, EnviroManage, ESG Green Energy, Greenkepper Systems, SpectioNZ, Splice Group Ltd Zero Emissions and Zero Emission Vehicles. For more information on the Clean Technology Centre and the businesses based there go to:

www.cleantechnz.co.nz

REVIEW – WOMEN IN BUSINESS – AUGUST 2011

Women in business learn the power of an elevator pitch while speed networking

The Women in Business network had another highly successful and vibrant evening on 31 August where 50 women met to network and to hear from Heather Hutchings about the importance of having a well prepared one minute elevator speech as a marketing tool.

Those attending were then given the opportunity to put Heather’s great advice into practice with a speed networking session, where each participant talked to another for one minute, before changing speaker (and chair) to repeat the cycle with a different partner.

Women in Business Chair Jane Stevenson said, “the noise levels were a great reflection of just how much talking and marketing was going on. Speed networking is a fantastic way to raise your profile and to gather great leads on other business women that we can potentially refer to others or use ourselves.”

The Women in Business Network is fully supported by the Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce and Nature Coast Enterprise and is open to all women in the Kapiti and Horowhenua region, who have their own business, or are either contractors or employed.

Comments by a participant

We were fortunate to have Heather Hutchings Business Coach from Profitable Teams to introduce the concept of the 'elevator speech'. So now we needed to learn to explain our business to another person in the time it takes for the elevator to go from ground floor to the top floor (hopefully of a New York type building). The outline of an elevator speech is below and it is well worth giving it a go.

The last time we did speed networking we discovered that a lot of women close together makes a lot of noise. I applaud the WIB committee who reflected on that experience and this time we had a bigger room and lots of separate tables making it a fabulous opportunity to meet a number of business women with enough space between us to enable us to hear and share.

I also must commend Jeanette Manson from Loaded Gunn for the fabulous catering.

It is always exciting to meet other women who are passionate about their businesses. My only disappointment was that there wasn't time to meet with all the women present. I guess I have to be at the next Women in Business Event.

Susan Handisides Sea Change Solutions

Elevator Speech - Heather Hutchings Profitable Teams

It's a skill every businessperson needs. How to create it, rehearse it, and tailor it for a specific audience
• Being able to sum up unique aspects of your service or product in a way that excites others should be a fundamental skill.
• It's one of the most effective methods available to reach new buyers and clients with a winning message
• Every business grows and changes, and your pitch needs to grow and change with it. You can have the most creative logo, the slickest slogan, the most dazzling brochures, and the most cutting-edge Web site, but if your elevator pitch is out of date, you're missing one of your most important opportunities to "brand."

We work with [insert customer description here]
that want to [insert problem-in-search-of-a-solution here].
What makes us different from our competition is [insert three distinguishing features here].
As a result, our customers [insert benefit here].

"Lucky recipients of prize draws with Heather Hutchings"

Midwinter Luncheon

On Wednesday, 29 June more than 100 guests attended the Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce midwinter luncheon to hear Hon Bill English talk about the 2011 Budget and the economic challenges we face as a nation.

A key message was that New Zealand is currently one of the most indebted countries in the western world and Mr English explained that this must be rebalanced by having more people and more capital employed in our tradable sector. The objective is to achieve 170,000 new jobs over the next four years.

At the same time the challenge for the Public Service is to maintain the level of services but at less cost. Mr English highlighted that no additional jobs were created in our earning capacity over the past decade; the growth has been in our non tradable businesses, such as the public sector.

The good news is that a large part of our debt is consumer (private sector) debt rather than public debt. But to be credible in the world market our debt needs to remain below 30% of GDP.

And the message does seem to be getting through to Kiwis as the economy did not pick up as expected over the past 12 months, largely because consumers became more cautious about taking on more debt and curbed their spending as a result.

In the short to medium term Mr English says New Zealand’s growth will be linked to the benefits from rebuilding Christchurch, and from achieving high export prices. The peak deficit this year has been driven by a major commitment to invest in infrastructure, including the Christchurch rebuild.

However, our future growth in income and savings will have to come from our earnings rather than from further borrowing. The changes announced to Kiwisaver in the last budget are an example of this with the Government set to put in slightly less and the taxpayer slightly more to achieve the same end result (i.e. around $60b by 2021).

With these changes the Government is forecasting a surplus by 2015.

Mr English said there is much to be positive about:

Our terms of trade now are back to the same level the country enjoyed in the 1960s;
We are dealing with the new wave of countries whose incomes are doubling every 7-8 years (and whose growth rates far exceeds ours);
We currently have free trade agreements in place with over half the world and will have agreements in place with all of the fastest growing economies by the end of 2012;
Key economies for New Zealand are going to be China and India – China wants to expand their level of trade with us over the next decade by $10-20b; and,
The fear about Australia moving forward faster than us is unfounded - if they do well, so will we as we can service their boom.

Photos courtesy of Lee Frampton, Sixteen Nine Commercial.

MAY BA5 FUNCTION HOSTED BY VINCE & TRICIA INDO MITRE 10 MEGA KAPITI

BIG IS GOOD – a big turnout of over 100 people for the May BA5 function were treated to an entertaining evening including brain teasers and enthusiastic hosts in Tricia & Vince Indo.

In fact, Chamber members and guests came away with the knowledge that, for Mitre 10 MEGA Kapiti, BIG IS GOOD. GOOD for customers, employees and businesses.

Mitre 10 MEGA Kapiti not only looks GOOD, it is GOOD. The design of the new store focussed a major effort on long term sustainability. Features include a fully automated building management system that monitors energy consumption by regulating temperature and lighting levels. There is a 25,000 litres rain harvesting tank used to irrigate the garden centre and feed the ablutions as well as solar panels to heat the water for amenities and the cafe.

When they say they are 100% local, Vince and Tricia Indo mean local. They, along with all Team Members (over 70), are local residents. The store also contains an increased range for customers – Mitre MEGA 10 Kapiti is committed to providing the best range and lowest price of home improvements within Kapiti….End of Story! The garden shop also contains the largest range of timber, garden supplies and plants in Kapiti.

Mitre 10 MEGA Kapiti does not cater solely to home improvement customers – they also cater to the commercial and trade businesses and aim to be the best at providing products, knowledge and inspiration that improve homes and environments. And all Kapiti businesses are well catered for their needs, with a wide range of cleaning and other maintenance and consumable products available for business customers. Vince Indo is emphatic that “businesses need products we sell.”

Business customers are able to set up an account and there are exclusive offers for members of Kapiti Chamber of Commerce, which Tricia & Vince Indo encourage you to take advantage of. We encourage you to check out how Mitre 10 MEGA Kapiti can support you with your business needs. For more details, please contact their Trade & Commercial Operations Manager, Ross Syman on 04 296-6444 or ross.syman@mitre10.co.nz. They also invite you to book your next business function at their MEGA Café by contacting their Café Operations Manager, Fiona Porteous , on 04 296-6449.

Vince Indo Mitre 10 MEGA & Mark Ternent Chamber President

Photos courtesy of Tim Beere.

Women in Business consider ACC v Income Protection Insurance

Women in Business raised $450 on Wednesday 27 April towards the Christchurch Earthquake Recovery Fund. This event was proudly sponsored by Tracey Jones of Thomson Jones Mortgages and Insurance Ltd who spoke about the opportunities for self-employed people to reduce their ACC levies and in-turn, afford income protection insurance. Tracey provided a list of compelling insurance odds that really hit home for many listeners; for example, your home will be damaged by fire (1 in 200), you will be in a motor accident causing injury or death (1 in 100), your home will be burgled (1 in 25), you will die before the age of 65 (1 in 5), you will suffer a major medical illness before the age of 65 (3 in 10) and you will be unable to work for 6 months or more due to disablement (1 in 3).

We were also fortunate to hear a very funny yet serious story from one of Tracey’s clients about his personal experience while undertaking a plastering job. Lucky for him ACC accepted his claim and in addition he had income protection insurance so he and his family were well cared for during a long and difficult recovery period.

Tracey believes that each client has different circumstances and much of her job is about working closely with people to set-up an insurance structure that works for them. Tracey is a registered adviser with ACC.

Women in Business Chair, Jane Stevenson said “the evening was well received by those that attended and we were delighted to be able to donate the full door charge to the Christchurch Earthquake Recovery Fund.”

The next Women in Business event will be Wednesday 29 June that will feature local business women who will discuss their success factors. The Women in Business Network is fully supported by the Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce and Nature Coast Enterprise. The Network is open to all women who have their own business, or are either contractors or employed.
Tracey Jones

MARCH BA5 FUNCTION HOSTED BY ANZ BANK

Approximately 70 business people attended the first BA5 function for 2011, hosted by Nick Ashford and the team at ANZ Bank in Paraparaumu. ANZ partners with Crombie Lockwood to offer insurance products to their customers. The balmy Indian summer evening of the function was in stark contrast to the presentation on the impacts of the Christchurch earthquake given by Matt of Crombie Lockwood. In showing photos of the destruction they have had to deal with, Matt advised that these “do not show the reality; it is literally as if you are walking through Beirut.”

And Christchurch has shown us what the reality of surviving a disaster is on a number of levels. Watching television and reading media reports have made us all aware of the importance to plan to be able to “make do” for ourselves for much longer than the three or four days that we all had as a standard. The ANZ/Crombie Lockwood presentation brought it home to us that we also have to plan and be prepared for our businesses too.

Matt’s overview illustrated that most businesses are underinsured for buildings, contents and plant and that the old norms of having a 3, 6 or 12 month indemnity period for Business Interruption insurance (loss of profits, employees wages etc) will not see a business through a major event. Realistically, we should have a minimum of 12 months indemnity for our Business Interruption cover.

The other sobering fact for us all in New Zealand is that we are lucky to be able to secure earthquake insurance cover. In Japan, you can only obtain cover for up to 20% of the loss due to earthquake. After the February earthquake in Christchurch, we were facing the very real risk of not being able to have earthquake cover at all from global reinsurers. This cover has now been secured, but at a cost. Renewal premiums will be more expensive, but the cost of not being able to have cover does not bear thinking about.

Whilst our hearts and thoughts are with Cantabrians, we should also be taking the time to focus on the position of our own businesses. We strongly recommend you review your insurance covers with your insurance broker, even if you are not at your annual renewal time. If you don’t have a personal insurance broker or agent, you can contact Nick Ashford at ANZ or Matt from Crombie Lockwood at matt.want@crombielockwood.co.nz

Thank you to the team at ANZ for hosting a very informative and timely BA5 function.

Photos courtesy of Helen Little, ANZ Bank.

Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce Summer Luncheon

What does it take to run an organization with some 14,570 employees, an operating budget of $2.3 billion and assets worth in excess of $5 billion? Just like winning a rugby match, it only takes three things: position, possession and pace!

Those who attended the Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce summer luncheon at Southwards Museum Restaurant on 25 February 2011 were treated to a master-class in quiet but effective leadership from guest speaker, Lt General Jeremiah (Jerry) Mateparae.

The New Zealand Defence Force is, in all respects, a significant business, and it takes someone with exceptional leadership and political abilities to run such a massive government organization, where agility and dependability are required in equal measures. Jerry Mateparae, who only recently stepped down from his role as Chief of Defence Force for New Zealand, set out the successful strategies that he has employed to keep this vital part of the New Zealand government running and functioning effectively.

The Lt General’s important lesson for Kapiti was that the culture, ethos and values of an organization are fundamental to its future and prosperity. For an organization to achieve its goals, whether that be to provide security or to build an expressway, it is important for the leaders of the organization to “own it” as a project and to make it their own.

Those who attended the lunch were also given a great insight into the difficult and at times extremely dangerous job that the Defence Force very successfully does for New Zealand, not only in protecting New Zealand’s interests abroad but also by assisting with vital support and recovery work in the aftermath of an event like the recent earthquake in Christchurch. It is at times like these when the need is greatest that important strategic decisions and commitments made in the past to building an infrastructure and resource, whether that is highly trained people, military capabilities or ships, shows its true value. That is an important lesson for all of us in business.

The Chamber would like to thank Mr Mateparae for speaking at the lunch and for making it another successful Chamber event. The Chamber Committee would also like to acknowledge and thank all those who gave generously at the lunch in support of the Christchurch earthquake appeal.

Photos kindly supplied by Tim Beere.

MARCH BA5 FUNCTION HOSTED BY ANZ BANK

Photos courtesy of Helen Little, ANZ Bank.

Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce Summer Luncheon

Photos kindly supplied by Tim Beere.

Women in Business host entrepreneur Annah Stretton

An outstanding attendance of 130 women in business greeted the renowned Annah Stretton at the final network evening for 2010 on 8 December. Annah did not disappoint, boldly delivering her views for success in business and life. She believes that business is business and not to take it personally and to never ever doubt yourself and your ability to achieve.

Annah Stretton’s second book Wise Heart explains the values behind this entrepreneur’s drive for success. In this candid, engaging book she shares her 10 strategies for success and the tools that have taken her to the top and kept her there. From art student to accountant, entrepreneur to serial philanthropist and now industry leader, Annah Stretton’s story is one of passion, colour, generosity and extreme business success

Annah Stretton’s hugely influential Stretton Group has grown to include a thriving fashion and publishing empire. Her success combined with an active involvement in a huge number of philanthropic endeavours made her a worthy recipient of the 2009 New Zealand Veuve Clicquot Award.

In 2009, Annah was also invited to serve as an advisory board member for New Zealand Global Women – a network of recognised and accomplished senior female leaders from a wide range of national and international disciplines and industries.

Annah believes that the three driving ingredients for business success are passion, integrity and heart, hence the name of her book Wise Heart, being premiered on the night.

The evening also featured a local food and beverage showcase, which generated brisk trade for tasty Christmas gifts and treats. The vendors included Soprano Limoncello, CoralTree Organic Juice, Kapiti Olive Oil, the Organic Chocolate Boutique, Te Horo Jams and Ohau Gravels Vineyard.

Women in Business Chair, Jane Stevenson said “the evening was an overwhelming success and that she was extremely grateful to her Committee for the ongoing successes the network has achieved in bringing like-minded business women together since inception in 2009”.

A Vendor’s Perspective

It was lovely to be at the Women in Business meeting and I was very impressed with the great number you had along. And I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Annah Stretton of course. What an inspired choice she was for an end of year function too. Well done.

From a vendor’s perspective it was an ideal opportunity to show case Kapiti Coast’s wonderful food products with good space provided to set up a stall and room for people to stand around. People I connected with were very interested in tasting the Best in Show Olive Oil and most seemed familiar with Kapiti Olive Oil but not always aware of where to purchase especially now the Lindale Olive Shop has closed. So, it was good to be able to let people know the oil is readily available in the local New Worlds and Pak n Save supermarkets as well as directly from me. So thank you for the invitation to be with you at your event.

Helen Walshaw
KAPITI OLIVES LTD

Photos kindly supplied by Faye Lougher.

Business After 5 Review November 2010

Over 90 people attended the Chamber-hosted end-of-year BA5, held at the Mediterranean Food Warehouse. Members and guests enjoyed Mediterranean’s sumptuous food and beverages while making the most of the networking opportunities provided.

Chamber Chair, Mark Ternent recapped some key areas of Chamber involvement during the year and wished everyone a safe and Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

A few participants’ comments follow:

By the time I arrived at 5.30 the fun being had could be heard throughout the car park. I was glad to be joining the group and not one of the people passing, wondering who was in there having a good time!

On entry we were given a playing card, which was put to great use later in the evening when we had to find suitable card partners. I thought this was a relaxed way to meet total strangers. There was such a crowd between the door and the drinks table it took me 20 minutes to get through the throng – meeting and greeting on the way.

The formal part of the evening was kept short and succinct, welcoming new members, encouraging commitment to the community through the youth employment scheme and basic housekeeping. Not too demanding on the attention span of people wanting to continue with the socializing.

It was clear there was business being done in an atmosphere of energy and fun. Thanks for the invitation.

Anne Wotton Thrive Chiropractic

I have attended most of the BA5 events this year and every month there seems to be more people attending. It is great to see so many local business people keen to talk about their business and to put the time aside to support an event hosted by another local business. I feel that it is a great way to learn about the host’s business and to experience a place that I hadn’t previously been to. The Mediterranean Food warehouse is a great central point for meeting business customers, and now that I know it is there I will sure use it more often.

Reon Leggett Orb Kapiti

What a great opportunity to meet some different business people last night at the BA5 event at the Mediterranean Warehouse and Pizzeria. It was a very well organised event and I was able to make a few good connections with people I had not met before. The food and wine were excellent and showcased the products available at this new Kapiti business. Thanks to the Chamber for making these events possible, they are well worth making the effort to attend.

Sheils Carnihan NumberWorks'nWords Kapiti

As a first time attendee at the recent BA5 meeting held at the Mediterranean Food Warehouse premises in Coastlands, I was impressed with the efficient and professional running of the evening.

It enabled the opportunity to meet with like-minded business people in a friendly social environment where you were able to discuss your business and theirs on a local and greater geographical basis. I found the speed networking innovative and supportive in creating the networking opportunities that the organisation promotes.

The host supplied us with a great venue and the passion he expressed in his business was a great example of what is required for anyone to succeed.

Merv Nicholl Linework and Stones Ltd

Photos kindly supplied by Tim Beere.

Women in Business Network – October 2010

I was delighted to be one of about 60 women who attended October’s Women in Business networking event at Lindale Lodge Conference Centre, not only because of a personal connection to one of the guest speakers but also for the chance to network with so many inspiring businesswomen.

The event, sponsored by AXA, was a fundraiser for the Sweet Louise charity for women with secondary breast cancer. The charity was set up by the family of Auckland woman Louise Perkins, who died at the age of 39 after battling breast cancer for 10 years. Wellington support coordinator Elva Phillips spoke of the charity’s work and was thrilled to hear $700 had been raised on the night.

The main presentation was by Marlene Solomon, a specialist breast care nurse and cancer survivor. I was lucky enough to meet Marlene in 1997 when writing a feature article for Next magazine on breast reconstruction surgery following a mastectomy. She was a huge help to me at the time and it was great to see her still motivating and helping women all those years later. Her talk was very emotional and financial adviser Robyn Putt wasn’t the only one with tears in her eyes! Robyn spoke of the many courageous women she had come into contact with and the benefits of having trauma cover in place should major illness like breast cancer strike. Marlene herself said not having to worry about finances was one of the things she was most grateful for during her illness.

We also heard from Kate Gibbs from Te Horo Foods Ltd, another breast cancer survivor. Kate said being diagnosed with breast cancer provided her with the opportunity to take stock of her life and introduce some balance. She no longer felt she had to ‘sweat the small stuff’ – and encouraged us not to either.

Three businesses had tables at the event; skin and beauty therapist Theresa Joyce from Heaven n Earth, Daphne from Clinic Eleven, and jewellery designer Eve Gilliland. Guests were also treated to food and drink with a pink theme – mini raspberry lamingtons, smoked salmon, pink cupcakes and pink bubbly.

Another great evening and another great chance to network with like-minded women – who could fail to be inspired! Faye Lougher

Photos kindly supplied by Faye Lougher.

Business After 5 Review – October 2010

Otaki turned on a lovely evening for the BA5 held at Otaki’s Clean Technology Centre where over 80 guests turned out to hear how the environmentally friendly technology used in the building and development was world-leading and innovative.

Representatives from Grow Wellington, a business incubation organisation who have been working with building owner Stuart Pritchard as he develops his green building concepts praised Stuart for his efforts and acknowledged that there is world-wide interest in the technology used.

Coincidentally, there were two Vietnamese businessmen from Clean Tech at the opening who are very interested in the technology for use in Vietnam; their comments heavily endorsed that energy efficient buildings are definitely the way of the future.

A Host's Perspective:

As a host of the Chamber BA5, it was a great pleasure to welcome to this new development a number of VIP guests including local Iwi, Mayors and Council representatives as well as Grow Wellington, who have worked hard to support this initiative and I am pleased to have had the opportunity to share this with Kapiti Chamber members and guests through the BA5.

Particularly for those who missed the Otaki BA5, Stuart Pritchard has summarized below some of the message he shared with those present.

“The development of Riverbank Estate Technology Park at Miro Street Otaki is exciting for our region and Nation “creating a sustainable business environment –for tomorrow” in conjunction with the Grow Wellington team - an Economic focus.

Global clean Technology is commanding massive investment according to USA consultancy Clean; global investment in clean energy alone is expected to reach $167billion by 2015.

Otaki industrial-commercial property market is changing, The Park at present has attractive building-land development with many fine features which are sustainable to our environment; ie Zero hydraulics’ for Storm water through the development which means all our storm water is disposed on site.

Construction materials, concrete, wood and glass, for warmth and coolness, good natural light along with natural sustainable energy. Also included are Otaki’s 1st fully planned and specified business Park with KCDC consent of 6.75 ha with smart streetscape, landscaping recreation park and a friendly place to conduct business in a nice environment. Security camera 24/7 CCD monitoring, which offers excellent security to the Technology Park and land covenants on each lot to ensure very good standards of development.

Creating sustainable design and building materials to turnkey premises to clients requirements; lease, purchase or to suit their needs are available, packages to suit. Location -Situated just off SH1 and with the new Express way on/off ramps located in close proximity, with many strong features water, natural resources, all services, central location landscape great location and community, recreation and of course lifestyle.

The Tech Park has a 42 lots development with the 1st stage 66% is sold and lots available to meet the demand, and a place for the modern business for tomorrow.

We have 2 units [160sqm] available now.” Enquiries Call Stuart Pritchard 021 877 142

Photos kindly supplied by Stuart Pritchard

Business After 5 Review – September 2010

Monteiths Kapiti Junction hosted around 65 members and guests for the September BA5.

Those attending had the opportunity to find out more about the services and spaces available for business and private functions. Many were surprised to learn about and experience first-hand their facilities and hospitality.

We also learned that Monteiths had been selected as a finalist for the Electra Business Awards (since announced that they won their category) and were also finalists in their industry awards. Congratulations Monteiths!

Participants’ comments:

Montieths was a very pleasant surprise to me. I had read the early media coverage and thought it was a younger person's place for partying.

So finding the excellent conference functions centre and having had a peek at the menus (and noted the large number of happy diners) I can certainly see where I was wrong.

Thank you for the great hospitality and a great find for both work and leisure in the future. You'll certainly see us there especially enjoying the weeknight specials.

Cheers! Norrey Simmons - FWC Communications

The Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce BA5 events are an ideal platform to mix and mingle with like-minded business people. A fantastic opportunity presents itself for the host business to show case their premises and allow others to capture something of their vision.

Every meeting I come away having met someone new as well as the stalwarts of the business community. It never ceases to astound me the diverse range of talented business people we have on the coast serving our community and beyond. Well done to the Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce on your part to facilitate business growth in our community.

Wendy Shipman - Veritas Computer Services

Women in Business Network celebrates one-year anniversary

More than 65 women attended the Women in Business Network on Wednesday 25 August 2010 to celebrate the first anniversary of the group, supported by the Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce and Nature Coast Enterprise.

Special guest speaker on the night was Karen Fifield, CEO of Wellington Zoo who was winner of ‘HER NZ Outstanding Business Leader 2010’. Karen inspired everyone with her message of following your dreams and passions and her insight on how she has run the zoo like a business since becoming CEO, to ensure its economic sustainability.

Founding members Lyn Barrow, Chamber of Commerce and Helene Judge, Nature Coast Enterprise cut the anniversary cake. Lyn said that “it was great seeing their vision for the network coming to fruition and the positive feedback from those attending was very gratifying. People notice and can feel the positive energy within the group and are very comfortable in the friendly environment”. Helene comments, “relaxed networking, business profiling and professional development are high on the radar of business women who attend the network”.

Comments below from a few attendees:

The Women in Business meeting is a great opportunity to meet with other like-minded women and to do networking. This is really important for women who are working on their own or in small businesses. I always come away from the meetings feeling uplifted from the positive atmosphere in the room

Liz Koh, Money Max

When you work from home and your only contact with many of your clients is by phone or email, the chance to network and meet some interesting and successful businesswomen cannot be underestimated.

The timing and length of the meetings suits me well and I think it helps to keep things interesting because so much is packed into the tight timeframe.

The August meeting was a celebration – not only of the group’s first birthday, but also of the amazing women who attended. Guest speaker Karen Fifield from Wellington Zoo was extremely inspiring and I couldn’t help but leave with renewed faith in my own ability – not to mention the door prize of a year’s free membership of the Kapiti Chamber of Commerce!

Faye Lougher, Writeability

The world is filled with inspirational people and Karen Fifield CEO Wellington Zoo Trust is one of those people. Karen spoke about her love for the Zoo and for the animals; she shared with us her inspirational Leadership of the people who work in the zoo and the pleasure and joy she receives from the people visiting the Zoo. Karen reminded us that opportunities in life are abundant; we just need to focus on what we love to do and follow through with things we believe in

Heather Hutchings, Profitable Teams

Photos kindly supplied by Janie Walker, photographer

Business After 5 Review - July 2010

Over 70 members and guests attended the July BA5 hosted by Westpac at their new, modern and very impressive premises at Coastlands, Paraparaumu.

A Host's Perspective:

Westpac Paraparaumu was very proud to be associated with the Kapiti Chamber of Commerce for its BA5 event on the 29th of July 2010. It was the perfect opportunity to showcase our new branch with state of the art technology and design. The event was great for building our profile amongst the business community.

Our financial market specialist timed his presentation well with the Reserve Bank OCR announcement that morning. The key message was that interest rate management is an ongoing 'smoothing and averaging' process rather than big one off decisions.

Thanks again to the Chamber for their support.

Comments below from a few attendees:

Being a fairly new member, I have attended three BA5 functions. I have enjoyed the BA5 forum of mixing with local business men and women in a social environment, and in particular the level of professionalism in conducting these functions, both by KCC and the host.

With their new premises, Westpac were provided with a good opportunity of hosting BA5, and they did so with an informative speaker and the introduction of the branch manager, and kindly supplemented with drinks and nibbles.

It is not surprising that the membership of KCC continues to grow.

Malcolm Robertson

Robertson Valuations Ltd

As owners of a local business we value every opportunity to meet with other business owners for exchange of ideas, information, and simply to get to know other business people. BA5 is an effective and enjoyable way of fostering growth through communication with other business operators in Kapiti.

Paul Densem, Bernard Parker, Pauline Parker

Principals, Quinovic Property Management

Although our clients are based around New Zealand I find the BA5 a very useful event for keeping in touch with the local business environment. As a company we also want to play an active part in business development on the Kapiti Coast and see the Chamber of Commerce and the BA5 meetings as one way to do this.

We are currently developing training products suitable for medium sized businesses and I hope that the BA5 group will be a valuable source of market feedback.

Tina Wilks Symbiont Ltd

Photos kindly supplied by Lyn Barrow.

Mid winter ‘Inspirational Leadership’ luncheon

Business on the Kapiti Coast is ‘alive and well’ as shown at a packed midwinter luncheon hosted by the Kapiti Chamber of Commerce with sponsors Ohau Vineyards, on June 30... Read more

Comments below from a few attendees:

We enjoyed another informative and motivating speaker at the Mid-Winter Chamber luncheon with John Allen’s energizing lessons in leadership! It’s excellent that Kapiti has such top class events ‘on-tap’ for local business-people to use as a regular business tool.

Mark Brosnahan - Brien Electrical

As a first timer at the Chamber Luncheon I found it very warming and inspiring. Who else would be speaking at a Leadership luncheon but John Allen who continues to inspire and motivate. I have seen him before and thoroughly enjoyed that as much as this time. One of the messages he raised was to ‘stand for something’ and he certainly does. Thank you.

Jill Burns – New Zealand Home Loans

As a new member I thoroughly enjoyed my first Chamber of Commerce event. Thank you for introducing me to Sarah McMurray, who in turn introduced me to lots of other members. It was clear to me that the Chamber members are at the very heart of our community and offer crucial support by working with other businesses, helping them to grow and develop by sharing opportunities and diverse knowledge. Everyone I spoke with had a real passion for their industry and it was an excellent opportunity for me to meet other members over a relaxed lunch, make new contacts and generate future business opportunities. The guest speaker ‘John Allen’ was excellent. His leadership address was right on point and by blending his sharp sense of humour with a series of proven strategies and tips for us all to develop personally and in business, John left us feeling motivated, inspired and hugely entertained. I look forward to the next event with anticipation.

Caroline Milligan – Milligan Marketing

Photos kindly supplied by Janie Walker.

Women in Business Network June 2010

Over 65 women turned out to the Women in Business June event held at Lindale Conference Centre. At each event new people are attending as well as an increasing number of ‘regulars’.

After the usual informal networking to begin with and opportunity to enjoy drinks and nibbles the evening moved into a structured format. The guest speakers were two local businesses: Tracey Jones of Thomson Jones Mortgages and Insurances and Sheils Carnihan of Number Works ‘n Words.

Tracey was the first woman to be inducted into the Hillary Group. The AMP Hillary Group membership is recognition of achievement, excellence in innovation and superior individual performance in the provision of financial services advice.

Sheils last year won the Staff Development Category in the Electra Business Awards as well as Emerging Business of the Year.

Both speakers shared highlights of their journeys, and their very successful businesses, sharing insights and ‘gems’ with those present.

Lindsey Griffith of Jewellery Collections provided the product display of her jewelry, which proved very popular amongst the group. There were three lucky winners of prizes supplied by Tracey, Sheils and Lindsey.

Building on the educative theme, Jane Stevenson, Chair gave some tips on developing an ‘Elevator Pitch’ and a novel icebreaker as a way of breaking into groups went down well. To complete the programme, everybody got the chance to share their Elevator Pitch and exchange business cards with the small group – of their ‘star sign’.

Comments from a new attendee:

It was my first time attending the women in business event. The room was humming with the din of laughter and conversation. I was amazed at the numbers in attendance. The speakers were members who had achieved success with their business, interesting and inspirational. I enjoyed the icebreaker as a fun way of mingling. The food was great and the product table provided an opportunity for a member to promote and sell, her product. Well-organised and fun.

- Jenni Williams, Oxford Finance, Levin

Photos kindly supplied by Lyn Barrow.

Business After 5 Review J L Accounting - May 2010

A Host’s Perspective:

As host of the 26 May 2010 Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce BA5 JL Accounting was provided a great opportunity to showcase our premises, highlight who we are, what we do and how our firm operates. Our staff were also given a chance to meet local business owners and get involved in the evening’s events. In doing so we received fantastic feedback complimenting our event, and we were pleased to raise the profile of our firm. Raising awareness of JL Accounting is crucial to our local branding and marketing efforts, and the BA5 event was an excellent media for this.

We were delighted to have our client, Mediterranean Food Warehouse, provide our catering. We also secured local producers Tuatara Beers and Ohau Gravels for beer and wine.

Our guest speakers for the evening were Hamish Edwards and Daren Riley from Xero, an on-line accounting software provider. JL Accounting has secured Xero to sponsor the Chamber for 12 months and we utilize this software in providing accounting services to the Chamber. Hamish (one of the co-founders of Xero) explained how the software evolved and plans currently underway both within NZ and internationally, whilst Daren gave a quick overview of the product for the evening’s attendees.

- Jenni Corrigan, JL Accounting Services Ltd

Comments from attendees:

" I found the BA5 at JL Accounting to be an enjoyable and informative event. It was a relaxed environment to meet new people and I found the presentation on Xero and where it’s going in the market place to be highly informative. Thanks to the Chamber and JL Accounting".

- Craig Pope, Business Manager, Westpac

I enjoyed the BA5 and found the Xero software interesting and something I will be certainly interested in setting up once my business has become more established. I enjoyed meeting other people in other businesses but would have liked the opportunity of meeting more people or being introduced to others.

On the whole it was a very successful evening it was unfortunate that there wasn't more time to network among people.

- Sheryl Welby, Kapiti Coast Financial Services

Photos courtesy of Tim Beere, Elizabeth Taylor Graphics.

Women In Business Network - April 2010

There was a great turn-out to the Women in Business April event held on 28 April, at Lindale Conference Centre. Jane Stevenson, Chair of the women in Business network was delighted to see more new faces, in addition to many who have been before attending again, and with the momentum the network is gathering after four bi-monthly events since its launch in July last year.

After half an hour of informal networking, providing the opportunity to indulge in the local catering and beverages from Ohau Gravels and CoralTree organic juices, the evening moved into a structured sequence. This began with an address from Kapiti Mayor Jenny Rowan encouraging women to consider putting themselves forward for Council. Kirsten Kilmister spoke about the Electra Business Awards and how to put your business forward to enter these and then there was a profile from Kate Gibbs of Stanmore Farms on her business, Te Horo Jams. This was followed by a profile from Justine Street of Colbert Cooper on her Horowhenua Accounting business, which was runner up in the 2009 Electra Business Awards. There were three lucky winners of prizes supplied by Kate and Justine and by Lyn Barrow who presented a product table, with Melaleuca Wellness Company products.

Feedback from a previous event has indicated participants want some educative direction from taking part in the network, in addition to the social side of the networking. Taking this into account the attendees divided into three groups to discuss one of three topics involved in daily running of a business, being employment issues; marketing tips; and cashflow and taxation management. Jane was pleased to see the open discussion that followed in each group, providing a great opportunity for those present to learn from each other’s experiences. This is exactly what we hoped to achieve and we acknowledge the continued support of Kapiti Chamber of Commerce and Nature Coast Enterprise to ensure this great initiative continues in our regions.

Comments from a few attendees follow:

" I found the networking event absolutely marvellous, and am eagerly awaiting the next meeting.".

- Kelly McKay, HMC Kapiti & Events

What a wonderful meeting and I look forward to attending every one from now on. - Denise Landow, Bayleys Real Estate

I came along this time to support a friend who was new in business and gently moving forward. However, I enjoyed myself there more than any other event previously. It was great seeing / meeting up again with familiar faces that one had associated with over several years. It was like a little plateau of confidence, that we had all come this far in our individual paths, and here we were still together celebrating our Kapiti business experiences.

It was one of those evenings, which are special in the way that women's events sometimes are. Beautifully but discretely organised, so that things unfolded with real connectedness. The little gifts, prizes and the wonderful cream and scones and Te Horo jam were a laugh and a real treat that we could all tuck into. Much high-energy conversation centred around that bountiful table.

Thank you: all of you, for organising the event.

By the end of the evening I felt truly heartened and supported with the meetings I had made with familiar professionals.

- Rosalind Derby, Dune Country Architecture

Photos courtesy of Helene Judge, Nature Coast Enterprise.

Business After 5 Review

March 2010

Trilogy Travel, Tours & Shuttles hosted members, visitors and guests to kick-off the Chamber BA5 networking events for 2010. Over 80 people turned out following a torrential late-afternoon downpour on 24th March – but the weather cleared and Trilogy’s new premises at Epiha Street Paraparaumu, proved to be a great venue.

As well as staff sharing about the wide range of services that Trilogy provides, they also introduced to the gathering Miss Trilogy Travel – Miss Horowhenua-Kapiti, Candace Trewhitt, who was going on to compete in Miss Universe. Attendees were also treated to a new array of products from the Windmill Quality Cake shop – on the launch of their new catering arm.

Mark Ternent, Chair, updated those present on projects that the Chamber sub-committees were currently involved with – including where the Chamber is advocating on behalf of the business community. He ‘tested’ on those present their support for the need for pushing for more appropriate interchanges on the proposed expressway – to include close proximity to Coastlands/Kapiti Road and Ihakara Street – also to connect with the airport.

The evening concluded with some ‘speed-networking’ – which many of the newer folk attending said they enjoyed and found it a beneficial way of getting to meet more people in one evening.

A couple of the new people’s comments follow:

" I found the speed dating whoops networking particularly fun - it got people mingling and it was a great way to practise your pitch plus generated some genuine connections for us leading to mutual opportunities - I would definitely play again".

- Jeanette Manson, Loaded Gunn Catering & Events

I really appreciated being invited to the Chamber BA5. I found it very good and I was excited to meet so many new people. It’s a great way to get to know more about the businesses around you and the people in them. There is nothing like getting business by word of mouth; it’s worth gold, so by getting to know more people this way you can’t go wrong.

I am looking forward to more of these events to come – and to seeing you all at the next meeting.

- Vivyann Winter, Mint Creations

Women in Business Network kicks-off in 2010

February 2010

The Women in Business Network has kicked-off again with another well-attended evening on Wednesday 10th February at the Lindale Conference Centre. “Around 25% of those attending were first timers, which is great to see” said Jane Stevenson, Chair of the Women in Business Network. “It is always interesting to observe like-minded women tapping-in to support, knowledge and the experience of other women in a networking environment. It can be quite difficult to gain their attention as the MC on the night as women like to chat and share with others, making them exceptional speed networkers!”

Christine Vendt, owner of Undercover Secrets and recent winner of the Electra Small Business of the Year Award profiled her business. She talked about the 22-year journey for her business and the importance of systemising and keeping in-touch with your customers.

CoralTree Organic Products was also invited to set-up a fantastic display and tasting of their products, which was much appreciated by all attending.

Comments from Participants follow:

The Women In Business networking evening is a great opportunity to liaise with business women in the Kapiti-Horowhenua region. It is valuable to meet owners of complementary businesses, bounce ideas off each other and build a network of business contacts. Speed networking gives you a chance to promote your own business, and forces you to think about what your business does (and what makes it different) so you can get the message across in a couple of minutes.

- Jenni Corrigan, JL Accounting

Women in Business is a great support network that is designed to inspire, encourage and lift the thinking of what women can do in business. For me personally it is a great opportunity to meet likeminded people where you can toss around general ideas regarding business and to realise that we aren’t the only ones having much the same issues; not to mention it is a good excuse to get out, have a nice glass of wine, with nice food and good company!

- Julie Wintle, Streamline Dictation Services

As a relatively new business the recent Women in Business Networking Event provided a fantastic opportunity to network with a wide selection of forward thinking, successful women. I look forward to the next event and growing my business through the personal connections made through this and other Chamber of Commerce events.

- Jamie Bigwood, Simple. Marketing Solutions

Photos kindly supplied by Lyn Barrow.