Outgoing Cambridge Chamber of Commerce chair Tracey Olivier has urged the organisation’s board to listen, collaborate and innovate.
Past and current: Cambridge Chamber of Commerce board members, from left: Blair Paterson, Jim Goddin, Tammee Wilson, David Natzke, outgoing chair Tracey Olivier, Monique Medley-Rush, Debbie Simes, Jo-anne Jogia and Jason Tiller. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
“There’s nothing we cannot achieve together,” she told the chamber’s annual meeting last week.
“The best days are still ahead and I’m excited to continue supporting this community, albeit from a different vantage point.”
Olivier has been chair since January 2022 and a new chair will be selected next week at a special meeting.
Homebrew’s Blair Paterson and Lewis Law’s Joanne Jogia were elected onto the board, replacing Jason Tiller and Olivier who retired by rotation.
Board member David Natzke presents chief executive Kelly Bouzaid with a gift of acknowledgement. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Chief executive Kelly Bouzaid said the year was a positive and productive one for the chamber.
“Like the wider business community, we are not immune to the pressures of rising operational costs.
“We have also observed with great interest, drive and forward-thinking strategies – developed during periods of underutilised capacity – testament to the resilience and adaptability of our business community,” she said in her report to the meeting.
Chamber highlights including the Hautapu Industrial Precinct, work on the Newcombe Rd quarry submission, dairy payout, the recovery of the real estate market and local tradie hook ups.
Bouzaid warned of challenges ahead including traffic congestion, infrastructural needs, workforce shortages and the “ever-evolving” business environment that requires chamber members to stay agile and responsive.
“Addressing these challenges will require strategy and planning. The road ahead will still require patience and perseverance,” she said.
The chamber’s membership is 380 organisations – 79 new ones were added during the year. Membership and events manager Aroha Croft said the chamber created and hosted 56 events attended by 1736 people.
“Networking remains one of the most visible and impactful aspects of the chamber’s activities,” she said.
Life membership was awarded to Cambridge architect Antanas Procuta during the year.
Outgoing Cambridge Chamber of Commerce chair Tracey Olivier. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
