On 30 November 2017 I end my association with the
Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber) after 21.5 years of
rewarding and sometimes challenging times. Over those 21.5 years I have seen
our city transformed, our region go through a period of unprecedented economic
development and our Island establish itself as one of the world’s best kept
secrets.
My role at the Chamber has allowed me to get a very
clear understanding of what makes this economy tick and the significant
contribution made to the welfare of our community by our hardworking business
sector.
Of course, the earthquakes of 2010/2011 changed
everything - from a generally conservative, inward looking, slightly old-fashioned
community - Christchurch has been through unprecedented upheaval and is now
positioned to be a modern, forward looking, entrepreneurial, multi-cultural
city and well equipped to face its future. I will always be proud of the role
the Chamber played in the post-earthquake environment. Together with other
agencies, we operated as a safe pair of hands for business and through being
involved in driving various interventions. I believe we had a material impact
on business survival in extremely challenging times.
One of my proudest moments was the appointment of
Leeann Watson as my successor. Leeann and I have worked together at the Chamber
for 20 years and she has been involved as General Manager for the last eight of
those years. She is the right person, in the right position, at the right time
to assume leadership at the Chamber.
Peter Townsend
Chief Executive
Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce
15 November 2017
