Greetings Chamber Members
A Blessed New Year to you and your families as we venture into a new decade. From a Business Chamber perspective, 2019 was a great year. From humble beginnings, I could not imagine that the growth and progress would have been so phenomenal.
These are some of our achievements in 2019 –
Our first function was a Speed Marketing Event, held at the Protea Marine Hotel. Nerves were on edge and stress levels high. Would we have people arriving and participating? Yes, they did arrive and we had a pretty full house. A few teething problems, but great feedback.
Next up was a Business Networking Event, sponsored by Nedbank, held at the PE Golf Club. An interesting evening, with a great presentation by Nedbank, followed by networking and snacks.
More speed networking events were held, tweaking of these events took place as we listened to the needs and wants of our members. Thanks to the Protea Hotel who so kindly provided us with a free venue each month. Later on, some speed marketing events were moved to a new location, sponsored by Lion Roars.
Haval came on board and sponsored a highly successful business networking event at their premises. Great synergy between our Sponsor and the Chamber was created, with both parties experiencing a win-win collaboration. Subsequently, Haval have shown great interest and commitment to our Chamber by being willing to sponsor and support more of our initiatives
A collaboration with the Institute of Business Advisors of South Africa (IBASA) has culminated in an event held at the Isango Gate Boutique Hotel. High Profile Guest speakers from IBASA and around the Bay made for a successful and value-adding event.
The highlight of the year for the ISBC, was the launch of the MY BIZ DAY VALUE CARD, a first of its kind for a Chamber. Affiliates offering discounts, special offers, and freebies to members of our Chamber. This event was held and sponsored by the Isango Gate Boutique Hotel. My Biz Value Cards were given to members and the rationale behind this venture was explained to those present. The evening was concluded with first class snacks and a mini-expo showcasing some of the affiliates.
As the MY BIZ DAY initiative, gained momentum, a highly successful and interactive Expo and Coffee Tasting event took place at the B&E Conference Centre. Our Affiliated partner, the SBI, joined forces with us and shared a very valuable information session as well as marketing tips pertaining to the Small Business Sector of South Africa. The feedback was very positive, and both members and affiliates agreed that future expo’s were needed amongst the Small Business Owners of the Bay.
Throughout our journey during the past year, we have built a solid relationship with Radio Kingfisher, who so generously provided our Chamber with free marketing and advertising opportunities on radio. Furthermore, they were instrumental in offering our members excellent prices on advertising packages for their businesses.
A newly formed relationship with FNB, resulted in the sponsorship of a Business Networking Event, held at the top-notch, FNB premises. This event was very well attended, and very interesting information was shared, by the Management of FNB, with all attendees. Once again, feedback following this event was very positive. This forging of a relationship with FNB, led them to be the Main Sponsor of the ISBC end of the year Breakfast function, held at the Protea Marine Hotel, on Thursday 14 November. After an anxiety-filled week, prior to the event, we experienced an awesome very well attended event, featuring one of FNB’s top economists, as the main guest speaker.
Reflecting on our journey from November 2018, up to the year-end of 2019, the ISBC has become a force to be reckoned with amongst the small business community in the Bay.
Onward and forward we move into 2020, To those members who have taken the plunge and rejoined us again this year, and to those who have joined us for the first time, thank you. I trust we will continue to move from strength to strength.
Yours in Chamber Business
Chairperson: Ibhayi Small Business Chamber
