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Chamber boss Chris Sargisson the latest Norfolk Day ambassador
Chris Sargisson, chief executive Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, at the launch of Norfolk Day in Dereham's Market Place. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2018
Chief executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, Chris Sargisson, has thrown his support behind Norfolk Day in becoming an ambassador for the initiative.
Mr Sargisson joins The Very Reverend Jane Hedges, Dean of Norwich Cathedral, chef Charlie Hodson of Woodforde's and Charlie's Norfolk Food Heroes and evolutionary biologist, primatologist and broadcaster Dr Ben Garrod as ambassadors for the July 27 event.
READ MORE: All you need to know about Norfolk Day
Mr Sargisson said the initiative was a 'fantastic opportunity' to tell the world how much Norfolk had to offer.
'What we need to do now, and Norfolk Day is a fantastic opportunity to do it, is tell the world what Norfolk really is. Right now.
'Tell them it's a world-leading centre for life sciences, a beautiful tourist offer and home to a globally-important renewables sector.
'That we have two fantastic universities, a flourishing digital technology and ICT industry and the best environment in which to live, work and learn.'
He said the world needed to know that Norfolk has a successful insurance and professional services sectors, and that the county is a world leader in food science and agri-tech.
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He said it was important to change the perception of Norfolk.
'We are going to recalibrate the way in which those who don't know Norfolk see us. We need to, because much of the world is simply ill-informed about Norfolk. We know it's great here; others don't – yet.'
The initiative, which is backed by the EDP and BBC, has already drawn widespread support.
Editor David Powles welcomed the news that Mr Sargisson had signed on in an ambassadorial role.
'We were looking for ambassadors from across various sectors and are very happy to have Chris on board.
'It is vital to have the business community backing Norfolk Day and with the chamber's help I'm sure the event will be a huge success.
'We're still looking for ambassadors, particularly from the agriculture and science and technology sectors, so if you know of anyone who would like to get involved and would make a good Norfolk Day champion let us know.'
• To get involved email norfolkday@archant.co.uk, tweet @norfolk_day or log on to the Norfolk Day Facebook group.