At our recent Annual General Meeting, outgoing Chair, Sarah Kershaw, reviewed her last three years in the role, and spoke of her pride in leading a team who had worked so hard to provide support to local businesses throughout the difficult months of lockdowns. Communication was key during this time and we were able to offer opportunities for online networking, business referrals and signposting to much needed business support.
In the last 12 months, Chamber had finally been able to launch the Pop up Office, hosted two face to face fund-raising events enabling a donation to the Kenilworth Centre, and on behalf of Kenilworth Town Council’s Tourism Working Group, hosted the launch event of Kenilworth’s membership of Shakespeare’s England. We ran a social media Christmas campaign and delivered a range of regular online and face to face networking and learning opportunities. All of this was alongside our ongoing commitments to stakeholder meetings.
As Chairperson, Sarah Kershaw, had reached the end of her 3 year term of office, Chamber wanted to thank her for her dedicated leadership over a particularly challenging period. Kate Hunter, Vice Chair said "Sarah’s commitment to championing the businesses of Kenilworth, representing at a council level and identifying ways to support businesses within the town, has not faltered. Sarah cares deeply and passionately about the town of Kenilworth, its community and its businesses".
Sarah thanked all the Committee members who were taking the opportunity to step down - Karen Heap, Kim Hulse, Priya Pandit, Gina Reinge, Julia Mitchell and Adam Gill, together with Vice Chair, Kate Hunter. Sarah said: ‘All our committee members are volunteers, giving freely of their time whilst using their business skills and expertise; working hard to ensure we deliver to our members and the wider business community. Kate, particularly, has been a vital member of the team supporting the Chair and committee in a variety of key roles. I want to thank Kate for her unwavering 3 years of commitment to Chamber, giving so much of her time, energy and counsel.’
We would all like to extend a very warm welcome to our new Committee members, especially new Chair Nadine Hummert, supported by co-Chair, Alison Phillips (Secretary), Tracey McAtamney (Membership) and Lilian Skinner (Committee Support). Continuing Committee members are Ruby Rai (Events), Katie Symmons (Treasurer), and Sarah Kershaw (Immediate Past Chair).
Outgoing Chair, Sarah, wished Nadine, Alison and the new team every success.
‘By building relationships and supporting others in our community over the last 3 years, we have given Chamber a more visible face within our community. I really hope this has given the new committee a strong base to build on. I wish them all every success – it’s great that Nadine has taken this role and will be ably supported by Alison, together making a great team. Nadine is committed to our local community and will bring energy and enthusiasm to her role as Chair whilst advocating for our valued local businesses.’
We’re looking forward to planning the next 12 months for Kenilworth Chamber of Trade. In the meantime, you can meet our new Chair and her team at our next networking session at The Green Man on Thursday 20th October at 12.30. If you’d like to find out more about the work of the Chamber, joining the Committee or to find out more about becoming a Member, visit our membership page.
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