15 Nov - 21 Nov
LOCALLY OWNED SINCE FOREVER
No 877
LAKES WEEKLY BULLETIN
JO
BS
24 IN 7 S ID
E
Cultivating our collective
Kia ora, this is week one of my new role at the Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce. The task ahead is to drive business growth by building capability, innovation and collaboration. I’m here to help identify and dismantle common barriers that get in the way of our businesses maximising their potential. ‘Economic gardening’ is a term I learnt in my previous advisory role in the Economic Development Unit at QLDC. It essentially means to build a thriving and resilient economy by supporting and growing businesses we have now. I’m ready to get my hands dirty. We’re a town of mostly small businesses. Businesses that are currently very busy managing a myriad of challenges, everything from the all-consuming staff conundrum, immigration, complex employment law and a lack of housing for staff (if you can find them). These puzzles make the road cone issue small potatoes – we know there’s an end in sight for that. All these issues our businesses have in common. But we also have in common the fact that despite hurdles for those who choose to live here (yep – we know it’s expensive), we all had the faith that we have the mental toughness, innovative ideas, resilience and connections to make it in one of the greatest places in the world. So how do we keep pushing forward? My personal opinion is we’re not going to get anywhere (fast) by complaining. While the current business environment challenges aren’t unique to Queenstown, what is solely ours is our passion, drive and love for this place. We’ve got where we are via a long line of battlers – the miners, the ski field operators (with nothing but a few ropes) and the tourism operators who innovated to offer new adventures to new markets all from the bottom of the planet. We can work together to proactively find solutions and come back better than before. And we can do it while looking after our best assets – our people and environment. Because that is good for business. How can I help? If you’re not already a member, join the Chamber. If you think the Chamber is ‘not for you’ think again. Get involved! I can guarantee there is a talented team working on behalf of YOU! When labour’s tight, we could all do with an advocate and extension of our team right? Get in the arena, connect with other businesses that (I can also guarantee) are facing most of the same challenges you are. Take advantage of the professional development and training we offer – use it to motivate and retain your precious people. Let’s work together to find solutions – because with so many talented leaders and passionate business owners that love this town – our key strength is our united front. Get in touch, I’m keen to hear your ideas. Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini Our strength is not as individuals, but as a collective Sharon Fifield (your committed gardener)
+64 3 442 4600
NOW OPEN job positions available/enquire within info@barcentral.nz
The Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Carmel Sepuloni opening the Queenstown Writers Festival on Friday evening at Te Atamira in front of guests, organisers and volunteers.