The Eastern Bay of Plenty Chamber of Commerce was constituted in the early 1990s and covers the three local body districts of Opotiki, Whakatane and Kawerau under the presidency of Peter Patterson. When Peter retired about 1996, Graeme Steenson filled the position for two years, followed by Nelson Rangi who resigned because of ill health in 2004.

At this point Helen Stewart stepped in to the vacancy resigning in July 2007, followed by Bronwen Foxx who resigned in July 2008.  Gerard Casey took over as Chamber President in July 2008.

In 2009 Gerard Casey was appointed CEO as there has been an increased need for a widening to the role of the Executive Officer, with more project based responsibilities and high level of Membership interactions.

The Chamber Executive Committee have spent considerable time and energy determining the best strategy for delivering good value to its Members, meeting our current and future commitments and ensuring that we are lobbying Local, Regional and Central Government on issues that are facing businesses in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

The Chamber Executive Committee believes that Gerard has the strength, drive and commitment to lead the Chamber forward and we have seen significant gains in networking, membership numbers and our ability to speak on behalf of our members.  Gerard is the main contact for all media.

Bronwen Foxx, CEO of Disabilities Resource Centre Trust stepped back into the role of president for 2011/12 and in the 2012/13 year we welcomed Chris Power in as President, and as the Business Development Manager for Nova Energy, our Foundation Sponsor, we know Chris will fufil his role well.