WELLINGTON: Taranaki Chamber of Commerce’s new chairperson Sophie Braggins is up for the challenge.
The Taranaki Chamber of Commerce has announced its new chairperson as Macfarlanes Assist managing director Sophie Braggins.
The 32-year-old has taken on the role after being on the board for just shy of a year and said she was aware of the challenges that came with it.
“I’m there to help offer a level of leadership, guidance and help facilitate decision making,” Braggins said.
She is replacing outgoing chairperson Arun Chaudhari, who had resigned the position after around six months as his business interests were taking him to Timaru.
Braggins said she was aware to keep the Chamber’s key focus of supporting local businesses in mind and to make sure that this was being done.
“Well done is better than well said. This is certainly a philosophy I live by and will endeavour to achieve for the business community,” she said.
Braggins said she was very humbled to be given the opportunity by the board and chief executive but, after she met with them a few times, had been expecting the be elected to the position.
“There had been some consultation, but there were a few other interested candidates,” she said.
Braggins said she would bring a fresh perspective to the role, and noticed the importance of making sure the Chamber was active.
“We need to remain active across all forums, whether technology, social media or networking groups,” she said.
“The value of being a Chamber member comes from engagement, participation and referrals, without a massive time investment.”
Chamber of Commerce chief executive Richard Williams said Braggins was the ideal candidate to lead the Chamber into the next phase of growth into the future.
“Sophie represents the next generation who are so active in the business community and I’m sure she will be just the person to lead the organisation during a time of rapid technological change,” he said.
