I had the pleasure of attending the Westpac Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce Business Awards at the Opera House in Hastings last night and what an occasion it was.
I enjoy attending events like this because they are showcases of success.
In the case of the Chamber of Commerce's Business
Awards, they are highlighting the good work a company has done, often in difficult trading conditions.
The Global Finance Crisis meant that all businesses - big or small - need to be strategic and innovative to survive. There are plenty of examples of business people and companies that are flourishing. Take a look at our own Rod Drury's Xero, which is taking the world by storm. The reason Xero is succeeding is because the company is dynamic, innovative and enterprising. It has found products the world wants and is selling them.
Even if other companies aren't on as grand a scale as Xero, we can still be very proud of their achievements.
