Testimonials

Mike Clements – Express Logistics

Not only are the networking opportunities in this environment tremendous, but all of a sudden you have a marketing department to plug into because you have access to the Chamber’s database. I have found (these) Chamber functions a great place to rub shoulders, meet people, share problems and start new business relationships.

I spoke to one guy at a Business After Five function and the next day I received an email from him and we are in business. The reality is, time would be better spent going to Chamber events than to a sales call. I recommend that any new business, including big businesses coming to town, join the Chamber.

Richard Hale – Insight Architecture

Chamber of Commerce to us has provided the vehicle for our business to strike up new alliances with similar sized businesses that circulate in different industries. This has enabled us to discuss the current economic environment with like minded owners and assess the effects over a wider range of different sized businesses.

Having a clearer understanding of the effects and opportunities along with the ability to step outside our own operation to assess where we are has enabled better clarity for the future of our business. The Chamber along with their networking and training opportunities has given us the support and focus one so often needs to stay on track.

Wendy Heyworth – Textiles Alive

We have been members for over 12 years while having various businesses. It can be isolated on your own. The Chamber has allowed us to be part of a larger business community, with the opportunity to network with like minded business people.

We have used the Business Mentors, attended ongoing learning seminars improving business skills for our management and staff, and been in the Westpac Business Awards. We have found the Chamber positive, uplifting and beneficial.

Gloria White – SupaClean

Murray and I have been in business for many years and a member of the Chamber of Commerce in Whangarei and also in Tauranga. When we joined the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce, the staff were very welcoming and supportive. We have attended various courses run by the Chamber, attended a new members’ networking evening, regularly attend the Business After 5 functions and recently started attending the Network Getwork events.

The business community and in particular the Chamber and their staff have been very friendly and we have enjoyed our business networking in a friendly, social environment. The speed networking concept of Network Getwork is a good system. The educational seminars have been extremely worthwhile and to sum it up joining the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce has been great value for money.

Alastair Carter – Tanco Holdings

Thanks for all the help the Chamber of Commerce have provided our business. We were new to Tauranga and new business owners as well, having purchased an existing business from Auckland and relocating it to Katikati. The Chamber of Commerce has provided us with a wealth of support and knowledge which has enabled us to both expand our business and make many new contacts within the business community.

We now have a business mentor who we meet with weekly. It is great to talk to someone with experience about our ideas, problems and questions. His understanding of how business works and his contacts in the community have also helped to improve sales and reduce our costs.

Attending the Business after 5 functions has been an exciting new experience for me. I have met a wide range of people from all sorts of businesses in the community. Through this I have not only met many new people but have been provided with leads for potential new customers and learnt a great deal about other businesses that can help me in the local area. I have had a couple of meetings with the Smart Economy Consultant. They gave me a lot of helpful advice and ideas on how we could improve our business.

All in all I have found being a member of the Chamber of Commerce to be an excellent way to become involved in the business community and I have truly benefited from all the advantages that being a member brings.