John Cronin BOP Regional Council Chairman www.envbop.govt.nz

As well as chair for Bay of Plenty Regional Council, I am also Chair of Bay of Connections, the region's economic development strategy.

The Bay of Connections' key philosophy is about partnerships – combining our region's strengths to create critical scale to achieve a common goal – sustainable economic growth and development and the wellbeing of the Bay of Plenty people.

Led by a governance group, it consists of business leaders from across the Bay and is driven by the region's Economic Development Agencies and the council, in conjunction with local and national agencies, organisations and businesses. As a group it is responsible for ensuring the Bay of Connections strategy is put into action.

I am delighted and proud to be part of an initiative which has created such a high degree of collaboration across the region. It has been applauded by national agencies and government and is an example being highlighted as a case study to other regions.

Our focus last year was on Marine, Food and Beverage, and Aquaculture. This year, we are concentrating our efforts on Aquaculture and developing three key strategies for Energy, Forestry and Wood Processing and Supply Chain and Logistics. These strategies all have clear overlaps and are due to be completed between August and December this year. We seek input, ideas and feedback from key people working and operating within each of these sectors at forums being held across the region in April.

I cannot emphasise enough the significance of developing these growth strategies for the region. They are action plans for the region, developed alongside industry and business. It is critical external business people are involved to bring a commercial, regional and international perspective.

Also on our agenda in the next six months, is the review and update of the original Bay of Connections strategy. Our strategy has given us a clear path forward which is already delivering results. Our world view has changed significantly in the last few years, so it's vital our regional economy strategy changes and evolves with it.

It is going to be a busy year for the Bay of Connections and those involved in implementing it. So it is even more important than ever the wider region stays working together on this key initiative. It is about building the foundations for our future economic growth and providing support to our existing and emerging industries.

To contact us visit www.bayofconnections.com