Whanganui Chamber of Commerce chief executive Susan Stuart stepping down

Whanganui Chamber of Commerce chief executive Susan Stuart is leaving her role at the end of the year. Photo / Logan Tutty

It has been a crazy two-year stint at the Whanganui Chamber of Commerce for chief executive Susan Stuart, who has announced her resignation.

Stuart took on the role in August 2019, and just six months later was tackling an issue that affected the entire world.

"It wasn't long until Covid-19 became the focus," Stuart said.

"It's been a challenge and a privilege as we worked with businesses to navigate what Covid would look like.

"The world didn't know what was happening. I have been inspired by our businesses, and that's why I feel this role is a really privileged one. You are just connecting with businesses all the time on different levels."

The Chamber made calls to all its members during the first lockdown, offering support through every channel it had.

While businesses had become acquainted with working in the Covid-19 environment, Stuart said they were finding the recent lockdown and continual changes in regulations very stressful and unsettling.

"People haven't known what's coming next or when things change. So that has been a real challenge for businesses."

In the 2020/2021 year, the Whanganui Chamber saw a 29 per cent increase in new members.

"We had a really significant jump in membership but we have also seen representation change, which is really important because it needs to be diverse."

Stuart said the increased membership highlighted that the Chamber was doing the right things, and the majority of new members were referrals from current ones.

"So that is hugely important for us, as our members are finding value then referring others.

"One of the great things about the Chamber is it is a great connector. Not just in our own business community but we connect nationally and internationally. They have all the expertise and support right there. I think that is a huge advantage for members."

Stuart announced her resignation at the Chamber's annual meeting last week and the organisation is now looking for her replacement, taking her advice to expand the position into a full-time role.

"It really needs a full-time role, and they have taken that recommendation and a leap of faith to make it full-time."

The Chamber's communications manager Glen Palamountain is also leaving at the end of 2021.

Stuart isn't sure what her next move is but said it was time to take a bit of a step back and catch a breath.

"I don't have a next, but it is time. It's been a challenging couple of years because of the environment, but it has also been very rewarding and I wouldn't miss a minute of it. But now is the time to have some space.

"I'm a real people person so whatever I do next will always involve people. But for now, I have a garden that is calling - and I want to learn to sew."

New board members Sam Monaghan and Jordan Davis were confirmed at the annual meeting.