Chamber Monthly Business Meeting
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
12:30 p.m.
New Sunrise Resort, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island




Chamber members, invited guests, Good Afternoon. 

The old adage .. “How time flies” has never been more vivid than it is today.  It seems that only a few weeks ago I took the office as President of The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce.  The reality, however, is that it has been seven months since the 28th day of November 2007.

During my election presentation, I told you that the situation with Bahamas Customs and the application of the Customs Policy was of concern to many businesses in Freeport and it has been this administration’s objective to have the policies and its application align with the law.  I thought it fitting to tell you about some of the activities that we have been involved with as a Chamber as we have come mid way in our administration.  We have had some successes and there are other areas that have not moved quite as quickly as I anticipated.  Nevertheless, we have made an impact and I hope that you will agree with me as I present to you our undertakings of the past months.
FINANCIAL REPORT:
Financially, I am advised that we are in a positive position.  This I am sure you will be pleased to know.  On taking office the Chamber had a positive balance of $28,357.46 at November 30, 2007 and a membership of 219 businesses.  As of May 30, 2008, The Chamber has a positive balance of $25,729.40, and a membership of 225 businesses.  We are current on all accounts payables.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE:
The Chamber membership is relatively steady.  As noted in the financial report the membership has increased slightly since November. I would like to see a larger increase in membership to include businesses in the eastern and western districts of Grand Bahama Island.  Further, members who have been non-financial for the 2006-2007 year are not included in the membership which would place the Chamber membership in excess of 300 members.  I wish to congratulate the membership and Fundraising Committees led by Directors Rochelle Knowles and Linda Gibson for their efforts in those areas.  Many of you would be aware of the most recent initiative by these committees with the introduction of a Monthly Mix & Mingle Reception.  It is the Chamber’s hope that this informal forum will cause business persons to network and optimize their ability for increased profitability.

POLICE/COMMUNITY LIAISON COMMITTEE:
I am pleased to announce that one of our primary goals was realized shortly after coming to office.  As you may recall, the Chamber had committed to working with the police department as they put themselves on the front line daily for us as a community; hence the formation of the Police/Community Liaison Committee led by director John Swain. On June 27, 2008 we presented to the Acting Commissioner of Police 23 bullet proof vests.  I am pleased further to add that, according to the Acting Commissioner, these vests are the first receipt of such a donation from the private sector.  Thanks to Star General Insurance Company, Deloitte, Moss & Associates and The Home Centre.  Without the generous donation from these member companies the project would not have been realized in such a short time.



BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION COMMITTEE:
Business & Education Committee will be coming to you shortly to assist with the formation of a business survey to identify the labour and skill sets so that recommendation can be made to the government as we move forward.

CONCLUSION:
The Chamber in its role as a Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce will convene a business meeting in West Grand Bahama during the month of August.  We will be advising the relevant government agencies of this meeting and further that business persons from the Freeport/Lucaya area will be moving their bonded vehicles for the purpose of this meeting.  I hope that you will join us at that meeting, which you will be advised of in the customary manner.

I wish to thank each of you for your support of The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce.  As you are aware, we are living in economically challenging times and it takes great efforts to stay on the cutting edge to survive these challenges.  My Board and I wish for your individual and collective successes. Please let us hear from you, so that together, we can make Grand Bahama Island a better place to live, work and realize our dreams.

Thank you!!