Inward investment to help grow region's economy
Former Manawatu Standard General Manager Craig Nash is focused firmly on building jobs opportunity as part of a new collaborative plan to attract and grow business, industry and employment in the region.
Mr Nash will lead an inward investment project – a joint initiative of the Palmerston North City Council, Manawatu District Council, Destination Manawatu and Vision Manawatu – to liaise with industry, companies and organisations to target attraction and retention of regional businesses.
Vision Manawatu Chief Executive Elaine Reilly says the project is an assertive step to bring the Regional Development Strategy into action, and its success relies on strong and sound collaboration from the four organisations supporting it.
“The process of building the Regional Development Strategy has empowered groups across the region to participate in defining and identifying not only what is special and unique to our region, but also where we want to be positioned in the future,” Mrs Reilly says.
“This is a bold new approach to addressing common goals to ultimately grow employment in our region. Mr Nash will be working with all four partners to achieve those goals where we have identified strong regional opportunities.
“It is a significant role which has enormous potential to add real value to our region as we focus long-term on the shape of our region and its communities.”
Mr Nash has spent 30 years working in Produce, Engineering, Print Media and Group Home Construction industries with 12 years of general management experience.
He is also Chairman of the regional Ginger Group – a collection of Manawatu Business leaders who provide accountability and a strategic sounding board for major regional goals.
Event Spotlight!
Ecowars Awards Night
Skank Palace crowned winners of the 2011 Student City Ecowars Competition
View Photos
Upcoming Events
We're proud to support...
Manawatu Chamber of Commerce
Any business community needs a strong voice to speak on their behalf and this is what the Chamber offers in the Manawatu.
Vision Manawatu has enjoyed a strong working relationship with the Chamber and looks forward to continuing to work together for the benefit of local businesses.
Westpac Manawatu Business Awards
There's no doubting we are an enterprising bunch.
Our region is packed with creative, innovative businesses and individuals whose imagination and determination to succeed make Manawatu the fantastic region that it is. The Westpac Manawatu Business Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of our region's outstanding business people.
Trades Connection
Trade Connections inspires people under 25 to consider training and employment in the trades and applied technology sectors.
There are over 130 recognised trade and technology qualifications in New Zealand, but few are well known to people seeking trade careers. By working in partnership with industry, Vision Manawatu aims to increase young people's awareness of trade opportunities to the benefit of local employers.
Defence Hub
Vision Manawatu provides staff and administrative support to the Manawatu Defence Hub.
Defence is a key sector for our region and will become even more so in future.
The Defence Hub provides businesses that wish to engage with defence forces a membership based organisation to provide assistance.
Student City
The Student City Awards recognise Palmerston North's most vibrant, talented and dedicated students.
The awards celebrate student success and involvement in clubs, societies, student events and the arts, be it theatre, dance, music or visual.
The awards ceremony acknowledges students for their artistic and cultural contributions to student life in Palmerston North.
