Cape Coast Chamber

1. We are actively involved in monitoring the 2010 Fifa World Cup preparations for Cape Town, and keep our members informed via relevant speakers at Business breakfasts, and regular e-mail information.

2. We are participating in the Cape Summer Show and will join their Board of Directors in organizing a Cape Winter Show to take place at Killarney Race Track.

3. We held a highly successful BBBEE Conference together with Wesgro, the Department of Trade & Industry and the Western Cape Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism, at the Lagoon Beach Hotel – to be followed up by a BBBEE Scorecards Workshop as soon as the DTI has announced the final legislation on scorecards.
4. We have been honoured by the Foundation for the development of Africa as an honorary member, because of our vision and involvement in development.

5. We hold a Chamber Golf Day every year and donate a proportion of the proceeds to a charitable institution – last year to Home of Hope and the previous Cheshire Home for the Disabled.

6. We have been actively involved in the monitoring of Eskom & Koeberg Power Outages, serving on the Monitoring Committee.

7. We work closely with Cape Town Tourism and hold an Annual Tourism breakfast to promote local tourism opportunities and gain tourism information.

8. Business opportunities are created for members via dissemination of e-mails, eg. Tenders and international requests for liaison with local manufacturers, importers and exporters. We issue Certificates of Origin for export purposes.

9. We supported the Year-end Dinner Dance of the Orion Charity Organisation to raise funds for the Mentally and Physically Handicapped in Atlantis.

10. Annual Business Directory (40 page glossy magazine) as well as Calendar Wall Chart– distributed to Cape Town and Johannesburg Airports, as well as Embassies, Government, Libraries, and Businesses. Book adverts by October.

11. Annual National Woman’s Day Seminar empowering women in business. The Chamber also nominates members for the Shoprite/Checkers Woman of the Year Awards.

12. Business Development Seminars for SME’s held annually: Presentations by Business Partners, ABSA, Western Cape Government’s RED Door project for SME’s, Glenwood Business Development, Department of Trade & Industry, etc.

13. Networking sessions are very popular, where each member gets the opportunity to introduce him/herself to the group. Soup & Sherry sessions in winter, business breakfast sessions in summer.

14. Excursions/ Outings: well supported. Many business people are tired of boring board room meetings and theoretical presentations, and prefer to go out in the field and investigate in a practical way. Recent tours to Saldanha, Atlantis, Montague Gardens, Killarney Gardens and Paardeneiland.

15. Regular Media Coverage thanks to Chamber manager being a freelance journalist– at least 100 news reports with photos per year in local newspapers. Periodical radio interviews.

16. Regular monthly Exco & Manco meetings assist with guidance and focus on Chamber’s four key goals, namely: Assistance, Networking, Representation and Development. Executive Council consists of 25 + 4 co-opted members.

17. CHAMSA Western Cape provincial meetings: Meetings bi-monthly with other business organisations in Cape Town: the four recognized by CHAMSA, i.e. SACOB, NAFCOC, AHI and FABCOS, as well as the Cape Regional Chamber which is not affiliated to one of these, and WECBOF (Western Cape Business Organisation Forum).

18. Spatial Development meetings by the Western Cape Government are being attended regularly by some of our members, as well as the Ward Forums. Good interaction with Government. Members serve on Spescom committees.

19. Liaison with Provincial Government on a regular basis, with an annual Business meets Cabinet Symposium and Luncheon with Premier Ebrahim Rasool and his Cabinet. Ideal opportunity for questions and accountability.

20. Accountability – burning issues like the Power outages, security & crime issues, water and air pollution and the Western Cape fuel levy are being discussed during special appointments with Ministers.

21. Members’ needs are constantly being addressed by questionnaires and regular Newsletters, which also provide marketing opportunities for members via advertisements.

22. New Pastel accounting system – ensures professional accounting procedures.

23. Courtesy calls on members are important to retain their interest, and the marketing manager visits them frequently, also determining their needs.

24. Dissemination of information on a daily basis via bulk e-mail and faxing to keep members updated on information sent by SACOB, Government and the City of Cape Town, and other relevant information.

25. SACOB’s weekly Business News Flashes are being uploaded regularly on our website www.capecoastchamber.org.za, as well as other interesting information received from local, provincial and national government and business organisations.

26. Frequent interaction with Embassies of the UK, the USA, Mauritius, the Swiss Consulate and the Canadian High Commission. We also interact with the French, German & Italian Chambers. Meetings organized with international delegations.

27. We also liaise regularly with community leaders from Du Noon & Joe Slovo Park, as well as local Councillors, to promote economic development and upliftment in the Previously Disadvantaged Areas.

28. We hosted the 100th Chinese Canton Fair launch on request by the Chinese Embassy.

29. Open door policy is maintained at the Chamber, and business people are welcome to visit us at 40 Milpark Centre.