New Southland Business Chamber board members elected
Two vacant board positions were contested by 16 candidates, which was a record number of nominees, along with a record number of votes received.
Two new board members have been elected to the Southland Business Chamber leadership.
Two vacant board positions were contested by 16 candidates, which was a record number of nominees, along with a record number of votes received.
Kate French, co-owner of The Batch Café and Melissa Dykes, co-owner of Fi Innovations were the successful candidates and will be formally inducted at the Chamber AGM on 4th April.
The Southland Business Chamber was established by likeminded local business leaders 160 years ago. Today, the Chamber is more relevant than ever. The Chamber is led by an enthusiastic board of directors, each with a proven track record in business across a range of sectors and a hands-on understanding of the regional business environment.
President Neil McAra said: “It was good to see the high level of interest from a wide range of candidates representing different industries for the vacancies this year, and we welcome Kate and Melissa to the board.”
Chamber CEO Sheree Carey said: “With Kate and Melissa both being business owners, it means our SME business owners have strong representation from a board that understands the challenges of having to make tough decision with their own money, and the support required by the Chamber, especially in the economic environment we’re currently facing.”
2023/2024 Elected Board Members: Neil McAra, (Findex) (President) Reece McDonald, (Good Tech Team), Simon Owen, The Orange Sheep Helen Robinson (Hawthorndale Care Village), Chris Hughes, McLeay Precision Engineering Kate French (The Batch Cafe), Melissa Dykes (Fi Innovations).
Resigned: Rod Sinclair (Focus Technologies) Carla Harper (FMG).
2023/2024 Appointed Board Members: Nigel Gear (South Port), Mark McLean (SBS Bank), Richard Gray (Fonterra) Chris Blenkiron (NZAS), Bronnie Chamberlain (Fiordland Business Ass).
Resigned: Carla Forbes (Naked Creative).