Not many people will remember the Sheffield Chamber president of 1965/66.
The position was held by Ruben Viner of Sheffield based silversmiths, Viners Ltd. And in that very same year, his granddaughter was born.
Why mention a President from over half a century ago?
Because this year we welcome that granddaughter, Tracy Viner, into the Sheffield Chamber team as our new Executive Manager.
For many involved in Sheffield Chamber, Tracy may be a familiar name. She has had links with the Chamber since joining our Council in 2004 and has held positions on various committees over the years. Most recently serving as Vice Chair of the Nominations Committee - overseeing the latest intake of Non Executive Directors and Council members. And more recently, working as a consultant to the Chamber delivering the South Yorkshire-wide Brexit Support Project and various internal improvements.
She will now be working with the wider Chamber team, including interim Executive Directors, Louisa and Alexis, to drive the Chamber forward during what will be a critical year for the organisation and the city.
Like many of us, Tracy will be inspired by the past but also focused on the future.
Why? Because Sheffield needs a Chamber of the future. This year we will be focusing even more thought and energy on redesigning the services and support that our businesses need in this increasingly fast-changing environment we live in.
This will involve working on internal processes to become more efficient, as well as supporting the Chamber team to design an exciting range of training and events for members. Tracy will be at the centre of working collaboratively with key organisations across South Yorkshire to build a truly agile skills system and to Level Up Futures in Sheffield; a new programme to help local businesses inspire the next generation in our city’s schools.
Tracy calls Sheffield home and has passion for this city and its potential. She is quick to say if we work together; businesses, the Council, the Universities, all the key stakeholders… the sky is the limit.
As Ruben looks down on the city he once called home he might recognise little after half a century of change, but he would recognise the constant presence of Sheffield Chamber. He will also be proud of the fact his granddaughter is now part of a team that is taking the Chamber forward to ensure it celebrates and promotes businesses of the past, present and future.
