Continuing to provide ongoing support to the local private sector, the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce is particularly pleased with the turnout for its latest free business workshop, held a week ago in the Air Rarotonga Training Room.

Supported by the International Labour Organization, the Chamber’s ‘Business Reimagined’ workshop was designed to help business owners and managers in the Cook Islands take a step back and think more creatively about how they run their businesses.

With a near-capacity class of more than 20 participants attending, the workshop also included a networking session and was followed by a complimentary buffet lunch at The Islander Hotel.

RaroWatt co-owner Vania Kenning-Kauraka, who became a Chamber member last year, said the workshop gave her “more to think about in terms of thinking outside the box” when it comes to running her electrical services business.

“Because there’s a lot of conventional things that we can do, but with Covid you really have to think of different ways to adapt your business – just to kind of survive really.”

Long-time Chamber member Robert Skews, managing director of Turama Pacific Travel Group, has attended several other Chamber workshops before and says he always finds them worthwhile.

“Some people might say they don’t need to go along to things like this – well, I think they’re taking the wrong attitude, because it is important to listen to other people all the time,” said Skews.

“The day you stop learning you might as well lie down and rest, because that to me is how you get on in this life.”

Feedback from the other workshop participants was very much in keeping with this outlook, with all those responding saying they would recommend it to others.

Workshop facilitator Richard Spackman said he was really pleased not only with the turnout but also with the level of engagement from all those who attended.

“Overall we felt it was a successful workshop, with lots of ideas shared and people questioning what they thought they knew about their business,” he said.

“I think workshops of this nature are very beneficial to developing a strong business culture within the Cook Islands. They complement the traditional instructional seminars the Chamber runs such as their bookkeeping and marketing courses.

“Having access to free workshops such as this is one of the tangible benefits Chamber members receive and I really hope as many as possible take advantage of these workshops to grow their business knowledge and their business.”

In a statement, the Chamber said they would like to thank all those who attended on the day, our guest facilitator Spackman, Air Rarotonga for the use of their training room, and of course the International Labour Organization for their support of the workshop.

If you’re interested in becoming a Chamber member and accessing their free workshops as well as the various other benefits that come with membership, just give them a call on 20925, email chamber@commerce.co.ck, or pop into their office on Tutakimoa Road in Avarua.

Annual subscription fees start at $20 for sole traders and increase from there depending on the number of workers your business employs.