A recently launched range of educational and networking events are the focus of Ignite Wanaka Chamber of Commerce’s new strategy to bolster local businesses.

The new events-led strategy, signed off by Ignite Wanaka’s board, will bring a range of events to the town, from a biennial expo to a six-week leadership event, plus regular workshops and a thought leadership series.

Board chair Andrew ‘Howie’ Howard said the strategy aims to support the local business community by empowering business owners and their teams through collaboration, inspiration, advocacy and recognition, and it was formulated to reflect the effect Covid-19 has had on local businesses.

“Our top priority is to assist with the recovery and rebuild of our local economy – and we see our focus on events as a positive way of enabling our businesses to get through this together, ultimately resulting in a stronger, more diversified economy.”

While dates and venues are yet to be confirmed, the proposed events are designed to connect, support and provide professional development and are a mix of free and paid fixtures.

They include previously popular and well supported events, such as the Ignite Wanaka Business Awards, the return of Speed Networking, and the Wanaka Women in Business series including an additional three lunches during the year.

The strategy will also expand to new initiatives as well such as a Leadership Academy designed to nurture future leaders through a five-week, one-day-per-week academy, with facilitation and mentoring from key regional leaders; a biennial expo and speaker event; and the introduction of a Thought Leadership breakfast series to inspire and connect business leaders.

Ignite also plans regular workshops and training to grow member capability and monthly listening events with board members to hear from members about their challenges and successes.

Judging by informal feedback from members, the new strategy has been “well received” and is already attracting “great support”, Ignite Wanaka executive officer Naomi Lindsay said. 

The focus on events coincides with the launch of Ignite’s new partnership programme, designed to help local members become more involved and connected with the business community.

“Based on feedback from members, the expanded partnership programme includes new opportunities, from volunteering of time to help with events or training, or sponsoring a membership, to becoming a workshop delivery partner or a naming sponsor of key events,” Naomi said.

Ignite Wanaka is seeking support from local businesses to get behind the programme which will help deliver the ambitious events-led strategy over the next year, she said.

PHOTO: Supplied