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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
 Freeport, Bahamas - Recently, the board of directors agreed to move the yearly annual general meeting (AGM) and election of officers and directors to October 31, 2012 instead of the historical Thanksgiving weekend. This decision was made in an effort to align the new administrative board more closely with the fiscal year. The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce members will remember that in previous years, the AGM was held on the last week in November of each year notwithstanding the fact that, the Chamber’s fiscal year begins on October 1st of each year. It would seem natural for the incoming board to be in place at the beginning of the fiscal year rather than several months later in the year.
The current president, John R. Swain was elected to office in November 2011 unopposed. During his year in office, Swain has been busy both professionally and as president of the Chamber. Back in 2011 under the theme “Reset, Restart, Restore”, President Swain launched his presidency on the platform to empower small businesses (SME) through business seminars and opportunities for financial access. He accounts that he has made good progress during the present fiscal year as relationship with representatives from IDB, The Bahamas Chamber Of Commerce, and partnership with the political/economical division of the US Embassy have strengthened. Further, under the auspices of the Grand Bahama Chamber Of Commerce and the economic development committee, several business seminars were held in conjunction with local and international partners.
The 2012 nomination committee consists of Constance McDonald, past president and president of McDonald & Co., former 1stvice president Kevin Seymour who currently holds the post of senior partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, and our first vice president Tony Lopez, who serves as committee chairman.
The current board members are officers: John R. Swain (President); Tony Lopez (First Vice President), Lisa Turnquest (2nd Vice President), Wayne Russell (Treasurer), Donna Laing-Jones (Secretary); directors: Christopher Baker, Leigh Lightbourne-Termath, Raquel Hart, Charles Pratt, Jacy Whittaker, Terrence Carey, Manuel Ruiz, Randy Thompson, Ivan Chestnut and Caline Newton.
Who will lead the Chamber in 2013? Members will decide on October 31st with their votes.
Trade Mission in Haiti
Members of the chamber are being invited to participate in a Trade Mission to Haiti. The Embassy of the Republic of Haiti has been in the planning phase for the past few months for a Trade Mission to Haiti. Most recently, a presentation was made, in Nassau, by the Ambassador for Investments to the local business community which provided an overview of business opportunities in Haiti. In communicating to the chamber, counselor to the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti Margarette Lemaire stated: “As we continue to formalize the plans for the Mission in the beginning of September, it is important that we get feedback from persons interested as it relates to their specific objectives for accompanying the Trade Mission to Haiti.” Persons interested in the Trade Mission may contact the Embassy’s email: margarette.lemaire@diplomatie.ht / margarettelemaire@mail.com
Chamber welcomes new members
Despite the challenging economic times business operators are drawn to the works of the chamber and the value that membership in this Association brings to their respective organizations. Cay Consultants is a human resources and event coordinator agency. The newest member of the Chamber is represented by Yasmin Popescu and Chervita Campbell.
Chamber launches new service
The Grand Bahama Chamber Of Commerce recently unveiled its new website. The website comes as an additional medium to the membership as it enable members global exposure by direct linkages to their respective company web page, emails, etc. There are several advertising options that members can choose to best suit their budget and or company’s needs, including Member Basic Option, Member Elite, Member Classic, Member Premium, and Member Job Desk Ad. The new site www.gbchamber.org also provides comprehensive information on Grand Bahama, Affiliates, Government Departments, Calendar of Events, as well as definition of the various initiatives of the chamber and its committees.
Luncheon Meeting sparks open dialogue
Chamber monthly meetings are held in order to update, inform and provide network opportunities among its members and persons in business at large. Meeting subjects are likely to be topical and of general interest to attendees with a primary keynote/guest speaker as the program. The format of the meeting usually includes the customary ceremonial rituals concluding with the keynote speaker’s presentation followed by Q & A. This all bodes well for members and guests as it addresses issues that are likely to impact their business decisions one way or the other.
During a recent scheduled meeting, there was no “Program”; however, members were given an opportunity to speak to the board of directors one-on-one on issues that matters to them most. The meeting sparked open dialogue on issues that members wished to have addressed by the Board. Some of these issues are plans for economic resurgence, the bill to amend the Employment Act, and the coordination of sector specific sessions. Commenting on the Forum, 2nd vice president Lisa Turnquest said: “this sort of meeting (no speaker) is necessary to get members involved and must be encouraged going forward.”
Monthly Business Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month. These meetings are open to the public unless otherwise stated. Persons in business are encouraged to attend. Reservation is required. Contact the Chamber’s office at 352-8329 or email: gbchamberofcommerceassistant@hotmail.com.
Upcoming Events
Sept. 6th, 2012 – Mix & Mingle Member’s Showcase
This month’s exciting event will allow members to promote their products and services to the business community thus bringing awareness and increasing sales. Start time 5 pm – 7pm at the Chamber.
Sept. 13th, 2012 – Business Creation and Sustainability 2012 and Beyond II: Franchising Opportunities
This FREE workshop sponsored by PharmaChem Technologies will illustrate how business creation, development and franchising opportunities can be creatively and systematically achieved through proper planning, corporate partnership and networking. This workshop will take place at the Chamber’s Conference Room starting at 8 am – 12:30 pm.
Becoming a Member is just a phone call away. Enjoy the benefits of being a part of the voice for the business community.
© Copyright 2012 by thebahamasweekly.com
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