By Emily Norman
Marketing guru Catherine Rossiter-Stead is the new general manager of the Wairarapa Chamber of Commerce.
Her role was confirmed at the Chamber’s business breakfast yesterday morning at which gold medallist and world record holder Liam Malone was the keynote speaker.
Mrs Rossiter-Stead, who takes up the role in mid-January, said she was looking forward to the challenge.
“The Wairarapa Chamber has an enormous amount to offer our business community and many of its activities are not as well utilised as they could be,” she said.
“I look forward to meeting with members and prospective members to understand how the Chamber can support their business.”
The appointment comes after a change to the Chamber’s structure in September, meaning the role of chief executive was to be replaced with a part-time role of general manager.
Wairarapa Chamber of Commerce chairman Sean Stafford said Mrs Rossiter-Stead was the “perfect person to take the Chamber forward”.
“She brings a wealth of experience in business, marketing and events, as well as the ability to engage with and network effectively across all sections of the community,” he said.
“Catherine’s expertise in event management will certainly be an asset as we develop a series of high quality events.
“Her strong marketing background will also be a huge bonus as we continue to build the Chamber’s relevance as an advocate for Wairarapa business.”
He said the Chamber was looking at “refreshing” the perks for members.
“One area of focus is to take our business breakfast series to the next level and will be inviting leading keynote speakers who will appeal to a wide cross-section of the community, following on from today’s event starring gold medallist and world record holder Liam Malone,” he said.
Mrs Rossiter-Stead is known in Wairarapa for her involvement in promoting sport, education and the environment, and for managing events such as Pukaha Mount Bruce’s BioBlitz and Huri Huri – Wairarapa’s Bike Festival.
