2008 November / December Tabloid

Congratulations Westpac Business of the Year is ...

At a glamorous Gala Presentation Dinner held at the Energy Events Centre on Friday 7 November, the Westpac Business of the Year was announced.

The winners of the six main business categories all go forward to the ultimate award. The winners for each category are:

• Lockwood Manufacturing and Trade Business Award - Zero to 100 Automotive;
• The Daily Post Retail Business Award - Firestone Old Taupo Road;
• Unison Service Provider Business Award - Gold's Health and Fitness;
• Pukeroa Oruawhata Holdings Hospitality and Attractions Business Award - NZ Riverjet
• Destination Rotorua Economic Development Emerging Business Award - Talent ID Recruitment Ltd;
• Newstalk ZB Community Organisation Business Award - Castlecorp.

In an amazing light, sound and laser show, a holographic laser image declared Zero to 100 as the overall winner to rapturous applause from the guests at the dinner.

Established in early 2005, Peter and Tania Davis bought the sole ownership of the business situated close to the Devon Street / Old Taupo Road oundabout. Zero to 100 Automotive is an automotive repair workshop for all vehicle makes and models offering warrant of fitness inspections. Part of Peter and Tania's philosophy is a commitment to open 7 days and their team works very hard to keep that level of commitment so that their customers are offered the very best service. Zero to 100 Automotive is still 100% unique because of this.

The judges commented that Peter and Tania are fantastic role models to young people aspiring to be successful in business. They are both passionate and committed to ensuring Zero to 100 Automotive is an excellent business is enviable. Zero to 100 Automotive has gone from strength to strength and consistently provides their customers with excellent service. The robust systems and processes are the foundation of Zero to 100 Automotive's business success, along with the drive and passion of the business owners and their committed team. Peter and Tania have a vision to be the most trusted automotive workshop in Rotorua

Two years ago, Zero to 100 Automotive won the Destinat ion Rotorua Economic Development Emerging Business Award which had an immediate impact on their business. This was part of their motivation to reassess their goals. Part of that business plan was to re-enter the business awards to benchmark themselves against their peers in the business community. They were very surprised when they were declared the Westpac Business of the Year 2008.

They very readily place a lot of their success on the team they have around them. All of the staff have different skills and experience and when brought together, make up the structure of their operation. The staff have helped build the procedures manual and Peter and Tania always encourage everyone to put forward ideas about the systems. By doing this they have fully committed staff who strive to produce a better customer relationship and service. They were pleased to be able to have their staff with them on stage to receive the award and to help them celebrate for what was, for them, a night to remember.

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The Rotorua Chamber of Commerce was very proud to be able to host the organisation's national conference in Rotorua. With the Distinction Rotorua Hotel as the venue, the gathering was able to have most events under the one roof.

The exception was the first night when, after a raucous coach ride, an exhilarating ride down the luge, delegates found themselves in the Redwoods at Skyline Skyrides for their first nights shindig, A Touch of Irish.

The theme for the conference was set by Fran O'Sullivan, well known political commentator, who reported on her trip to APEC in Peru, and her opinion of the new political climate that we now find ourselves in.

Most delegates were up and about early as they were entertained by a very inspiring Ngahi Bidois. Well established on the international speakers circuit, Ngahi had a very special story to tell.

A highlight of the second day of conference was a presentation by Brendon O'Donovan, Chief Economist for the Westpac Bank. His easy style, warped sense of humour and incredible knowledge of the economic environment kept everyone enthralled. Although a picture of sustained economic softness, Brendon did identify some positive features on the horizon.

The main celebration of the conference on Thursday evening allowed Rotorua to showcase some of its formidable talent. The 'Off Broadway' Show, well known to many Rotorua residents, had the delegates declaring that this was the best evening function they had ever experienced at a Chamber conference.

Most of the business sessions of conference focused on identifying the role that the Chambers of Commerce should fullfil during the next period of economic pressure. As an organisation that covers the country and has an influence in most business communities, the Chamber's contribution will be considerable.

The final day of the conference featured an address by the Hon Bill English, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Minister for Infrastructure. This was one of the first public addresses made by the new government since coming to office. The Minister identified the first 100 day programme that will see a number of new initiatives put in place to help stimulate the economy.

At the end of his address, the Minister presented the annual New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Achievement Awards. Rotorua Chamber of Commerce received the plaque as winner of the Best Membership Project Award, and a runners-up placque for the Best Networking Project Award.

The Rotorua Chamber of Commerce was assisted tremendously in its convening of this conference by a number of Rotorua Chamber of Commerce members. Thank you to all involved.

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Enterprise Training Program - What's it all about?

Free Business Training
Up skill yourself to improve your business results!

Okay, so your company is going ahead by leaps and bounds, but there is no way you can keep up with all the business management skills demanded of modern day business owners.

You know you could do with some guidance on planning for expansion, for example, managing staff or commercialising that new concept.

But you don't know where to turn for quality advice that won't eat up your time and wallet.

Vicki Macfarlane and Jenni Stevens have the solution, and it's free paid for by the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) Enterprise Training Programme.

As Bay of Plenty wide contractor for NZTE, they organise sessions designed to upskill the owners and operators of small and medium enterprises to help them develop and grow their businesses. Vicki and Jenni are directors of Empower Team Limited and they have already helped hundreds of local company owners get to grips with problems they once thought were insurmountable.

The NZTE programme is fully funded for owners, operators and managers of businesses employing fewer than 50 people, anywhere in the Bay.

“It's a three-step process,” explains Vicki. “There's a capability assessment to identify the management skills you require and determine how we can help, then workshops of no more than 20 people, and further oneon- one coaching from the person who conducted the workshop.”

“It's all practical information that can be implemented straight away in your company.” She stresses that the programme is not a staff training exercise. The attendees have to be owners, operators or managers.” “The courses are tailored to specific industry groups, such as tourism, horticulture or manufacturing.”

Empower has held the NZTE contract for 2½ years and have already helped more than 3000 Bay of Plenty region clients. The NZTE programme has been running for about seven years nationwide.

Lean Manufacturing

Recently we ran a series of Lean Manufacturing workshops which drew particpants from companies in the wider Rotorua region. This series is held over three full days, is a very interactive type of training and includes on site follow up coaching from the presenter Glenn Manahi, in the factories to ensure that what is learn in the training is implemented in to the workplace, again all fully funded. The benefits include gaining knowledge in a specific area of business management, increasing motivation, boosting confidence, reaffirming business strategies and processes. “Assistance is also available to businesses and entrepreneurs who want to learn about investment capital for expansion, exporting, diversifying, or commercialising a new concept”

Maori Trustee Training

Specific training in Maori Trustee Training is also available to existing trustees and managers of Maori trusts and other Maori organisations managing Maori assets in multiple ownership.” Attendees should be existing trustees or managers of Maori Trusts and incorporations managed under Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993, or existing trustees or managers of Maori Trusts and similar organisations managing Maori assets under multiple ownership

Exporter Education Training

Empower has secured the contract to deliver Exporter Education Training in the Bay Region, this programme is also fully Funded by NZTE and depending on the level of interest from the Rotorua Export Companies, Empower plan to deliver Exporter Education Training in Rotorua in the new year.

The eligibility for export workshops is slightly broader that the standard programme eligibility. Attendees can be from companies with more than 50 FTE's and they can be any staff member that will be directly involved with the export activity of that business (i.e they don't have to be the owner or manager). Clients attending these workshops should be from businesses that are either exporting or are committed to exporting within the next 12 months. They have to have an exportable product / service.

Companies are encouraged to bring several members of staff to these workshops.

Fully Funded Export workshops may cover any of the following areas:

1. Getting Started in Exporting Critical Success Factors
2. Winning Market Entry Strategies & Effective Partner Relationships
3. Planning for Export Success
4. Effective Tendering and Proposal Writing
5. Exporting Online
6. Effective Market Research
7. Intellectual Property
8. Critical Success Factors for Trade Fairs
9. International Sales and Negotiation

If you are interested in finding out more about these training workshops please either contact

Empower Team Limited on
0800 4387267 or
Email: etpbop@xtra.co.nz or
Visit our web site: www.empowerteam.net.nz.

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Local business Event Impressions were caught off guard at the recent Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards when a special (unscripted) announcement called them to the stage to accept a unique Award for Excellence. Co-Directors, Jeff Alexander and Jacqui Smith were there to accept the award on behalf of their team, half of whom were not able to attend due to another event taking place in Auckland for 450 pax on the same night, testament to the strength and systems in place.

“We are delighted about the recognition. Our team have always been disappointed we were not allowed to enter so this acknowledgement is really appreciated”. Event Impressions, a Rotorua based event company have been a sponsor of the Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards since 2003. “We have seen many changes from those first years. In 2003 numbers barely hit 250 attendance, the Energy Events Centre didn't exist and gold stars were the décor of choice!” says Jacqui Smith Co-Director of Event Impressions.

Working with the Chamber of Commerce Event Impressions pushed to move the event to the larger but less attractive Sportsdrome in 2004. 'Some in the community thought we were mad, but fortunately the Chamber backed us and it was a huge success' says Jeff Alexander, co- Director of Event Impressions.

Since then, there's been no looking back Westpac came on board in 2005, the EEC was built and numbers now sit comfortably between the 600-700 for attendance. “It was our intention to grow this function into something to sit on the social calendar and we have done that. And each year our challenge is to create something new and unique for the Chamber and guests to enjoy” say Jeff and Jacqui.

There are many months of planning that go into just this one event from prelim meetings in February to commencement of ticketing, script writing, entertainment, timings, liaisons with finalists and sponsors, creation and print of menus, tickets and more. “The Chamber of Commerce were delighted to reward Event Impressions for their contribution and commitment and look forward to more successful years working together” commented CEO, Roger Gordon.

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The Problem

Unfortunately Rotorua city's location, contained in a caldera with little wind, when combined with large numbers of open and old technology steel box fireplaces used to heat homes causes a serious health hazard to its residents. To a lesser extent motor vehicles and industry also add to poor Rotorua air quality.

The problem is that these open and inefficient steel box fireplaces are spewing huge amounts of very dangerous fine particles into the air. Particles so fine that they remain suspended, floating in the air for long periods of time to be breathed in by residents.

The particles are easily inhaled into our lungs and bronchial tubes and once inhaled tend to stay put causing residents serious health problems in particular for our elderly, very young and people who already have conditions which affect their respiratory system, such as asthmatics.

On 45 days during the 2008 winter the quantities of these dangerous particles in our air exceeded government-set standards.

In 2004 the Government introduced standards for ambient air fine particulates and designed standards for domestic woodburning appliances, both designed to improve New Zealand's air quality.

Under the Resource Management Act the Regional Council is responsible for controlling the contaminants released into the region's air, and has rules to regulate this and the District Council is responsible for ensuring new wood burners installed meet government determined environmental standards.

The Regional Council is required to ensure that by 1 September 2013 Rotorua's air quality complies with the Government standards.

Action Plan to Improve Rotorua's Air Quality

To improve the situation and meet the government's requirements effectively around 7,000 Rotorua homes, being homes with open fireplaces and older designed steel box fireplaces, need to be upgraded to environmentally acceptable heating systems.

There is a wide range of heating systems that comply; modern designed steel fire box fireplaces which burn dry firewood, wood pellet fireplaces and heat pumps.

The Regional and District Council's are working together to put in place a mix of incentives and rules to help homeowners upgrade their heating system, such as:

• Loans able to be paid back through your rates
• Loans that are able to be paid back only after a set period of time or when the property is sold
• Government provided grants available to low-income homeowners
• Government provided interest free loans for middle income homeowners' payable through their rates
• A requirement to upgrade your heating system when a house is sold
• Ensuring that new houses install only complying solid fuel burners
• Ensuring that existing houses install only complying solid fuel burners
• Ensuring that dry firewood is available f rom suppl i e r s to homeowne r s throughout winter
• Ensuring that homeowners are able to store firewood out of the rain
• A ban on backyard burning of rubbish
• Working with Rotorua industry to identify ways they can reduce particulate emissions from their factories
• Making the community aware of the facts around the problem and the available solutions and support available to upgrade their heating systems
• Investigate the possible use of geothermal energy to heat wider areas of the city
• Both Councils are keen to provide support and incentives that minimise the burden on homeowners to upgrade their heating system to ensure that Rotorua air is safe to breathe.

Neil Oppatt
Chairman Rotorua Air Quality Committee and
Bay of Plenty Regional Councillor

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Infrastructural projects like the CBD Revitalisation, Lakefront Redevelopment and the Airport Expansion (to an International status) will all act as catalysts for growth in Rotorua and the Economic Development Unit and the Bright Economy Board are right in behind these projects for the betterment of Rotorua. Lower exchange rates will enhance export and tourism prospects, and reduced taxes and interest rates will increase the propensity to spend in the economy.

The EDU is very aware and clear on ensuring iwi participation and will play an ever increasing role in economic development with particular emphasis on endogenous development.

We need to ensure that the platform for growth and the pathway to higher learning (or up skilling) for our resident population is both strong and wide to mitigate the skill gaps in our workforce. To this end the EDU has developed and led a strong working relationship with local schools (through the Young Enterprise Scheme), Waiariki Institute of Technology and Central Govt Agencies that will enable opportunities to grow into capability from the grass roots in Rotorua.

The EDU is also looking further afield to develop prescriptive solutions for businesses skilled workforce gaps. The production of the Destination Rotorua Immigration DVD and attendance and presentations in London, Leeds, Liverpool and Coventry in November this year to over 2000 skilled migrants and investors wishing to relocate will be expanded in 09 to other markets. The EDU will assist in fulfilling the skill gaps that exist with the focus on quality rather than quantity.

The EDU's Settlement Support function will play a very important role in ensuring newcomers are both welcomed, informed and integrated into our community.

The traditional big three industry sectors of forestry and wood processing, tourism and agriculture must be expanded to include high end manufacturing through added value (for both the national and international market), retail and the service economy in Rotorua.

The EDU's first bite is the 'Shop Rotorua' function that focuses on retail activity, promotion and connectivity with tourism and events to ensure both a vibrant and appealing retail offering for the visitor market.

2009 will see us turning our comparative advantage into competitive advantage. Utilising what is our natural competitive advantage will be key to growth in industries like 'film' and 'spa' and the EDU will ensure these areas are focused on in 09 and beyond.

With the conceptualisation of the Bay of Plenty Economic Developments long term strategy, the EDU's role as part of the development and management team will be to ensure that regional projects are also identified and implemented.

The EDU alone cannot make a difference to the local economy this is dependent on community involvement too. Business competency, building competency and competitiveness, specialisation, competitive advantage and entrepreneurship are all areas in which we will get involved along with the Chamber of Commerce, education, central and local government and Iwi.

This is our opportunity to 'grow through recession' as I opened, let's make change and together Rotorua will be the place where people want to work, invest, live and play.

Grant Kilby
General Manager
Economic Development Unit
Rotorua District Council

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Opportunities to Reduce Energy Costs

As the global financial challenges begin to impact on various aspects of the New Zealand economy, many business owners will be taking a closer look at ways to save money within their operations. Savings made in energy can be projected directly to the bottom line and can be achieved in a number of ways.

Energy spend is made from a combination of cost and consumption. A reduction in either of these will achieve a reduction in expenditure. The first step is simple and involves purchasing energy at the most competitive rates that can be negotiated. The second step requires detailed focus on your individual operations. This will determine what measures and opportunities exist to help improve the efficiency and reduce energy consumption. But how do you achieve this?

The energy market allows for any user to purchase energy domestically or commercially from a large number of energy retailers, therefore it is well worthwhile canvassing the market to ensure you are purchasing energy at the most competitive rates available at the time. The process of changing retailers is generally simple and can effect substantial savings in your energy spend.

If you believe you are not a large energy user, you may still be able to achieve a more competitive tariff than you are currently on. It may also be beneficial to cluster several associate businesses together and go to the market with a higher energy portfolio. This could possibly attract more competitive rates. Energy procurement companies are available to carry this work out so that your valuable time can be better utilised within your business. Professionals have the advantage of constantly engaging with the energy market and are able to package smaller and larger business contracts together to conduct bulk tendering. Their fees are soon recovered through reductions in energy costs.

Managing a reduction in energy consumption generally requires a more detailed, structured and often technical approach. It also involves basic management principles such as; measuring and monitoring, policy and planning and developing action plans etc. Many companies who have adopted an energy management focus reap the benefits of long term energy savings achieved through immediate savings initiatives and a change of culture within the business.

An Energy Audit is a significant first step in the energy management process and can provide much of the base information and opportunities for future planning towards the goal of reducing energy expenditure. There are several levels of Energy Audits that range in complexity and level of scrutiny and are specified in a NZ Standard. For further details you may view the Rotorua Energy Champion website at www.energychampion.co.nz or the Energy Management Association at www.ema.org.nz.

Energy management guidance should be sought to determine the level of audit that may best suit your business or if a tailored service would be preferred. The smaller energy user may suit specific advice or possibly a Level 1 Energy Audit that will provide an overview of energy consumption and benchmarks, a guide as to the level of efficiency of the use and suggested measures to improve. The Level 2 Audit is a much more detailed process that reviews historical energy use and cost, provides an energy balance of all energy forms used, and specifies savings initiatives with the level of investment, the projected saving and financial return. For larger businesses wishing to conduct a level 2 Audit, funding assistance may be available through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority. A Level 3 Audit is a more detailed investigation again and will generally be conducted on a specific energy project requiring reasonable investment so that the financial aspects can be projected more accurately.

The locally based Energy Management company; Power Solutions Ltd, are happy to discuss these options that may be available to reduce your energy consumption and costs to maximise profit to your business. To find out more phone 07 3498349.

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A Guide For Businesses In Challenging Times

Westpac New Zealand Ltd has just produced a booklet for its business customers, 10 Smart Money Tips, a guide, says GM Business Banking Ian Blair, for businesses in these challenging times.

“We've got two messages for our business customers,” he says. “One: Westpac is a strong, robust bank that they can depend on, and we're open for business. Two: Westpac is here to help its business customers in these challenging times, and this booklet is part of that help.”

The 10 tips are as follows:

• Think cash flow
• Revamp your receivables strategy
• Understand your costs and control them
• Consider banking in one place
• Get the right loan type for the right purpose
• Keep communicating your business point of difference
• Delight all your profitable customers
• Get as much advice from experts as you can
• Work smarter, not harder
• Review your business insurance

Mr Blair says confidence is important for business success, and the booklet will hopefully imbue Westpac's business customers with confidence.

Mr Blair says Westpac wants to ensure that where there are growth opportunities with customers, the bank supports them in those opportunities, “and where there are difficulties, we work with them.” He added that the bank is also open to new business where those businesses have a good solid history.

“We've been supporting New Zealand businesses and New Zealanders for 140 years, and it's important we continue to do that in a consistent manner.”

He says communication is vital for both the bank and customers. “It's our responsibility to communicate with our customers, but it's also in their best interests to communicate with us.”

Westpac's 10 Smart Money Tips are available in branches throughout New Zealand. The bank has also produced 8 Smart Money Tips for consumer customers, which answers such tricky questions as: Can I still trust banks with my money? How do I get the best deal on my savings? Is it wise to always chase high interest rate offers? How can I get better at budgeting? Are there benefits with having my banking in one place? Is there an investment expert I can speak to who will help me make decisions? I'm stretched by making too many monthly repayments what can I do? How can I make my home loan repayments more manageable?

These tips are:

• Stay calm and know the facts
• Review your accounts to ensure you have the right account to meet your needs
• Weigh up your short term deals by more than just their rate
• Use Westpac's range of comprehensive tools to help you with your budgeting they're free and online
• Bank in one place and ask your banker to take an integrated look at your banking
• Invest with confidence
• Consolidating your debts could help you save on interest
• Talk to a Westpac Home Loan expert about a lending review both booklets are available at any Westpac branch, or on the website

http://www.westpac.co.nz/

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Rotorua Chamber's Employment Choices

The Rotorua Chamber's Employment Choices “Free Recruitment Service” has been operational for almost two and a half years now, having commenced in July 2006.

Originating in Auckland some 18 months prior to that, the programme was the brainchild of Auckland Chamber management team, who along with business owners recognised a huge shortage of skilled administrative employees in Auckland.

In order to provide a stop gap, a programme was developed that would source women who had been out of work for some time but who possessed the very skill base that was lacking in the labour market. Work and Income were approached to source these women and to provide funding to train and place them through the Chambers' database of existing businesses, and the rest as they say… is history.

Rotorua was the first of the regions to roll out the programme, and although initially it was administration based, the programme was diversified to recognise Rotorua's local labour market (Administration, Hospitality and Retail).

Over the past two and a half years, we have seen many people go on to become successful managers, consultants, writers, case managers and so on, and it is with great pride the Chamber recognises their and its own achievements.

The programme is the Chamber's way of giving back to Rotorua business through providing free recruitment and in work support for 6 months from commencement date, with the Programme itself being an intensive five days of training and assessment in the areas of Computing, Communication, Organisation and Planning along with personal presentation, motivation, CV and interview skills workshops.

Our next programme commences on Monday 13 February 2009, and as such, the Chamber are now sourcing employment for more motivated and skilled people ranging in experience and qualifications, from Universities graduates, to those with a lifetime of experience in the administration, hospitality and service industries.

Contents

Congratulations Westpac Business of the Year

The 2008 New Zealand Chambers of Commerce Annual Conference

Enterprise Training Program - What's it all about?

Special Acknowledgement For Long Term Contributor

A Problem with Rotorua Air

09 Focus for Destination Rotorua Economic Development Unit

Opportunities to Reduce Energy Costs

A Guide For Businesses In Challenging Times

Rotorua Chamber's Employment Choices

Celebrating a Good Year

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2008 November / December Tabloid.pdf