Cambridge Chamber of Commerce board and staff.
The Cambridge Business Chamber has reported it ended the year 440 members strong, firmly positioned to champion local business into the future.
Aroha Croft, left, and Kelly Bouzaid at the Cambridge Business Chamber annual meeting. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Both chief executive Kelly Bouzaid and acting chair David Natzke delivered reports to the annual meeting last week highlighting a year of growth, advocacy, and consolidation.
It underscored the chamber’s role as a respected voice for the community, they said.
Advocacy remained central, with calls for Tīrau Road on/off ramps, mitigation of quarry traffic, submissions to Waipā’s Long‑Term Plan, and representation on safety, homelessness, and CBD vitality.
The chamber also engaged on environmental concerns around increased truck movements.
Record engagement came through the chamber’s events’ calendar, led by the business awards and initiatives such as the Women’s Business Network, Digital Capability series, Leaders Lunch, HIP events, and Cambridge Young Professionals.
Preparations are underway for LinkedIn Local Cambridge and a business bootcamp series for small enterprises.
“Our job is to ensure the programme is relevant to ensure engagement. The calendar has never been stronger, providing touchpoints for learning, collaboration, and inspiration.”
July marked a milestone as the chamber became the official destination marketing organisation for Cambridge.
Chief executive Kelly Bouzaid speaks at the annual meeting where she highlighted advocacy, events, and digital transformation. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
“We are focused on making digital gold by refreshing cambridge.co.nz with improved functionality and focus on events to stand Cambridge tall for visitor numbers and unlock economic contribution,” she said.
“Events and networking continue to be our signature service, with nearly 90 percent of members citing them as top value.”
Following chair Tannee Wilson’s resignation in May, governance processes were strengthened with new position descriptions, an updated skills matrix, and induction procedures.
“The reality is that the chamber is in good hands,” Natzke said.
“Rotating leadership is healthy, and the Cambridge Business Chamber certainly punches well above its weight.”
He praised Bouzaid and Membership and Events manager Aroha Croft for their dedication.
Next year’s direction will focus on stronger advocacy on infrastructure and policy, innovative events, digital transformation, and financial resilience.
“For the Cambridge Business Chamber, it is always about what we can do for our members,” said Natzke.
Cambridge Chamber of Commerce AGM
Cambridge Chamber of Commerce AGM – Back row, from left Cristal Montgomery, Janine Peters, Aroha Croft, Joanne Jogia, Kelly Bouzaid; front row: Monique Medley-Rush, David Natzke, Jim Goddin. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
