These are the people who know that equal attention must be given to "growing people" as is given to creating the stimulating environment for economic growth to occur.
If only the new CCO would consider the successful approach I saw in America - "increasing economic growth and activity through community input".
I suspect not. This tagline doesn't resonate with business leaders because most don't understand what community input entails.
It's not their area of expertise. The word "community" often causes anxiety amongst business leaders. It's as if it's a dirty word but from my experience, community champions/leaders, who have business knowledge, experience and the "people touch", bring a passion to deliver. They know what's at stake.
The long-term economic viability of Rotorua will depend on a growth and development strategy that requires every sector of the community to be involved.
The vision that the CCO develops must be meaningful to everyone in Rotorua. We must all want to be part of making the CCO a success.
I know the solutions for economic growth and development is not the sole domain of business leaders. I have seen them falter before, hence my reason for putting myself forward as a director.
In 2003 I attended the Knowledge Wave Leadership Forum and the two follow-up meetings.
New Zealand's well known and recognised business leaders attended and you got a real sense that things were now going to happen, get moving. The Prime Minister had asked everyone to take part and share ideas for growing New Zealand's sluggish economy.
The overseas presenters each contributed their success strategies. Excellent research papers were prepared and distributed prior to the meetings so everyone came ready to discuss, debate and contribute.
I am looking at these papers now. Most of the ideas are still relevant today and although meant to stimulate the national economy, they could equally apply to our local economy.
For 12 months the momentum was maintained and then, just as suddenly, it all disappeared.
It wasn't that the need had disappeared. The ideas just fell into a big black hole - no one picked up on the work required to be undertaken, so nothing further developed. That was it.
These were successful business leaders who said they were committed to making a positive difference to New Zealand's future.
I'm sure when the CCO's directors are finally known, they'll also make the same statement regarding Rotorua's future.
Sometimes it requires in-depth community understanding to make the difference. I can name the 30 men I spent 2 days with this week.
They are unemployed, aged between 20-30 years. If the business leaders who attended the Knowledge Wave Leadership Forum in 2003 had remained committed to undertaking the required work, these young men would more than likely be in work today.
They were probably still at school or just leaving college back then. They had every right to expect that when business leaders band together to shake things up, they will actually deliver.
Growing the economy wasn't going to be easy 10 years ago and it certainly isn't today. How lucky for our CCO I'll be here to follow their progress and cheer them on.
