New president for Southland Business Chamber
“As a small business owner myself, I understand the daily challenges and opportunities that our Chamber members encounter."
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The Southland Business Chamber has unveiled its newly elected board for the 2024/25 term.
The Chamber - which represents the local business community - has welcomed Reece McDonald, owner of Good Tech Team, as its new President.
The Chamber says McDonald brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role and is poised to lead the Chamber with vision and determination.
“As a small business owner myself, I understand the daily challenges and opportunities that our Chamber members encounter. I am committed to leveraging my firsthand experience to advocate for practical solutions and drive positive outcomes for our local business community,” McDonald said.
Joining McDonald in steering the Chamber’s strategic direction are two newly elected board members Dr Keri Milne-Ihimaera - owner of Keri Mihi Consulting - and Adam Ronald, General Manager of Bonisch Consultants.
Existing board member Chris Hughes - McLeay Precision Engineering - was also re-elected.
Milne-Ihimaera and Ronald’s diverse backgrounds and proven track records in business leadership are viewed as valuable additions to the Chamber board.
Outgoing President Neil McAra will transition to the Immediate Past President role within the board.
Ina release the Chamber stated McAra’s tenure as President has been marked by exemplary dedication and service.
McDonald expressed gratitude for McAra’s “outstanding leadership” and said it had laid a foundation to build on.
McDonald also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing board member Simon Owen - Owner of The Orange Sheep - over the past three years.
“Simon’s fresh perspectives, diversity of thought and youthful zest enriched discussions around the board table, as the youngest ever member of the Chamber board, he will be missed.”
The full list of elected and appointed board members for the 2024/25 term is as follows:
Reece McDonald, Good Tech Team (President)
Neil McAra, Findex (Immediate Past President)
Chris Hughes, McLeay Precision Engineering
Helen Robinson, Hawthorndale Care Village
Melissa Dykes, Fi Innovations
Kate French, The Batch Cafe
Dr Keri Milne-Ihimaera, Keri Mihi Consulting
Adam Ronald, Bonisch Consultants
Appointed Board Members:
Nigel Gear, South Port
Mark McLean, SBS Bank
Richard Gray, Fonterra
Chris Blenkiron, NZAS
Bronnie Chamberlain, Fiordland Business Association
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