IS THIS YOUR YEAR? Business Chamber launches second annual Top 40 Under 40 The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber is proud to launch its second annual Top 40 Under 40 in celebration of young business achievers in the Bay. This year, the Chamber invites nominations from its members to highlight the Innovators and Entrepreneurs who are the new face of business in Nelson Mandela Bay. The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s Top 40 Under 40 is a showcase of dynamic young businesspeople who choose to build their lives, careers and businesses in the Metro. Is this your year? The Business Chamber believes that there is enormous potential to succeed among young businesspeople at all levels and in all sectors, be they emerging entrepreneurs, seasoned businessmen and women, or corporate stars. The list seeks to celebrate the contribution of the growing force of young people under the age of forty who see Nelson Mandela Bay's own potential to support their career and business aspirations. “The young achievers on last year’s list have proved, without a doubt, that entrepreneurial spirit is thriving in Nelson Mandela Bay,” says Nicole Klokow, who initiated the inaugural Top 40 Under 40 list and co-ordinates the Chamber’s Top 40 projects. “The end result of the nomination process was a list of dynamic, talented businesspeople from diverse sectors in Nelson Mandela Bay.” This year’s focus on innovators and entrepreneurs shines the spotlight on those who think out of the box. “Innovators push the boundaries of their field,” continues Klokow. “They demonstrate leadership in their environment, whether heading up their own business or inspiring a team in the corporate environment. They explore new ideas, increase productivity, raise company profiles, and have a positive impact on the community.” This year’s achievers will take part in the Business Chamber’s community projects, and stand as the young voice of business through issues-driven business forums and …
Making it our business to make a difference
The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber will team up with its members this Mandela Day, making it their business to make a difference. 18 July this year will see business owners in the city take part in various volunteer opportunities around the city, assisted by Mandela Bay Cares, a volunteer organization aimed at providing volunteer opportunities to companies. Auditing services for the projects will be supplied by Grant Thornton, as members may qualify for tax deductions, or to claim Socio-Economic development points. Just under a hundred Business Chamber members – including representatives of the Chamber’s Top 40 Under 40 young business achievers - will join Business Chamber staff at the Siyahluma and Khanya Child Care Centres in Kwanobule through Community Chest, rolling up their sleeves to tackle tasks such as painting, gardening, and fencing. Others will also congregate at the Save-A-Pet pet charity, to wash and clean kennels, paint, level the ground and spend time with the animals. Food supplies and other items have been donated by business, and generous cash donations have also been made towards the projects. The Chamber invites all businesses in the city, whether taking part in the Chamber’s projects or not, to post photographs of their teams in action as they give their 67 minutes to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, tagging photographs with #Chamber 67, #Business67 and the Mandela Day hashtag, #MandelaDay. ENDS. ISSUED BY: Nicole Klokow Communication Specialist media@nmbbusinesschamber.co.za 041 373 1122 More Info: Author: Nicole Klokow from Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber. Originally distributed by MyPR.co.za. No of Images Uploaded: None …
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Golden Recognition for Chamber CEO
For the second year in a row, the CEO of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, Kevin Hustler, has walked away with a singular honour from PMR. africa at a Leaders and Achievers Awards Breakfast held this morning (13 July 2012) at the Summerstrand Hotel. Hustler received a rating of ‘Excellent’, and was rated first overall as the recipient of a Golden Arrow Award for outstanding service and contribution to the economic growth and development of the Eastern Cape Province by business persons. Hustler was the only individual named among companies receiving awards at this morning’s event, which honours business leaders and achievers in the provinces, and rates them on their contribution t o the economic growth and development of the Eastern Cape. His achievement this morning is as a result of a survey to 155 MDs, CEOs, business owners, company directors, senior employees and senior local and provincial government officials. 2011 saw Hustler honoured as an individual with a Diamond Arrow award, the highest award of the annual event. “I am honoured and humbled to be recognized once again,” says Hustler, who believes this second award further cements the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s standing as a credible and effective business organization. “The Chamber team work tirelessly to deliver to the organizational vision, mission and values. The strategic leadership of our board, the strength of our management team, and the solid competence of our staff, mean the Business Chamber is well- equipped to meet the demands of our mandate to serve the needs of business in Nelson Mandela Bay and to act as a catalyst for change, development and economic growth in the whole of the Eastern Cape province.” He continues: “My team and I are guided in everything we do by the Business Chamber’s maxim: Connecting Business, Stimulating Progress. We take ownership of this credo, and strive to facilitate economic growth and development and represent the interests of business in …
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Chicago calling: Local artists develop export potential
YOUNG ARTISTS DEVELOPED AS EMERGING EXPORTERS A group of Chicago based art buyers have been touring the Eastern Cape in search of talented artists to showcase their artwork at an exhibition at the Guichard art gallery later this year. Andre and Francis Guichard met with local township artists across the region who specialize in fine art ranging from painting, sculpture and beadwork. The aim of the two-week trip, which was initiated and arranged by Tradepoint, has been to expose young local artists to the opportunities offered in the United States art market and to develop them as emerging exporters. 40% of the Chicago population are of African origin and the Guichard are keen to strengthen their linkages back to the continent. “The artwork that we have seen has been above my expectations in terms of quality and diversity”, said Andre Guichard. “The artists use various mediums and themes to capture the social issues in their art pieces which they are using to uplift the Eastern Cape,” said Frances Guichard. Tradepoint identified a need to create an international appreciation for local products to assist export ready businesses and products with export potential for global trade. David Hamer, Manager of Tradepoint SA Nelson Mandela Bay said, “This visit from Chicago is just the tip of the iceberg. Local fine artists produce work of a standard that ranks high on the world stage.Their work is immensely appealing to international buyers and if Tradepoint can facilitate that process, enabling local artists to exhibit their work and by doing so raise the profile of South African art, then it can only bode well for the future in terms of both the art work and international trade.” “Tradepoint enabled us to immerse ourselves in the culture of the Eastern Cape in a way which wouldn’t have been possible if we had plannedthis trip on our own,” said Andre Guichard. “We are looking forward to the reaction of the US audience when they feast their eyes on the …
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New Business Chamber president advocates robust engagement
The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s newly-elected president, Mandla Madwara, and deputy president, Neil Hart, enjoyed an informal engagement with the local media in Port Elizabeth this morning. The two shared their vision for business in the city and, together with CEO Kevin Hustler, outlined the projects and focus of the Chamber aimed at creating an enabling environment for business in Nelson Mandela Bay. Acknowledging the challenges faced by business in the Metro, Madwara came out strongly in support of robust engagement and collaboration with key stakeholders in the city, to ensure that catalytic socio-economic projects come to fruition. He commended the Chamber and its task teams for the effective work done in a number of important areas. He re-committed the Chamber to its enabling role, and stood strongly in support of Nelson Mandela Bay taking its rightful place as an economic powerhouse. Hart applauded the foundation laid by the organization, challenging local business to not only take a leadership role, but to operate with a conscience and inject hope back into the city. Contact Nicole Klokow on media@nmbbusinesschamber.co.za or 041 373 1122 More Info: http://goo.gl/RW8qS Author: Nicole Klokow from Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber. Originally distributed by MyPR.co.za. No of Images Uploaded: One To gain access to One image/s please Like, Tweet or +1 this article: [l2g] Images: The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber's new office bearers are Neil Hart (left) and Mandla Madwara (centre). Together with the Business Chamber's CEO, Kevin Hustler (right), they outlined their vision for business in the Metro at an informal editors' forum this morning in Port Elizabeth. . Photographer: Sandra Pow Chong (Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber) [/l2g] …
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Four minutes to build your network
Four minutes is all you've got. Make it count. For the first time ever, the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber gives its SMME members the chance to meet 29 other like-minded business owners at a morning speed networking session facilitated by Jane Stevenson and supported by Standard Bank, set up to ensure meaningful business engagement. The strength of your network depends on who you know. This is one event we guarantee you'll leave with a fistful of business cards and a newly-bulging contact book. We've planned a speed networking session designed to put you in front of people representing a variety of industries, to give you a chance to talk about your services and business needs, to meet potential clients face to face and to grow your network exponentially. Four minutes allows you the time to meet face to face with other Business Chamber members looking to grow their networks, to establish a point of personal contact from which a business relationship can grow. Seats are limited to 30, and preference is given to members of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber. WHEN: 21 June 2012 TIME: 8 for 8.30 - 9.30 WHERE: Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, 200 Norvic Drive, KPMG House, Greenacres CONTACT: Buyiswa on events@nmbbusinesschamber.co.za or 041 373 1122 More Info: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=328308607244326&set=a.132819106793278.32324.132228333519022&type=1 Author: Nicole Klokow from Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber. Originally distributed by MyPR.co.za. No of Images Uploaded: None To gain access to None image/s please Like, Tweet or +1 this article: [l2g] [/l2g] Fire in the hole – sizzling comedians hit Bay JUNE 17 – IF you are feeling a burning sensation it’s likely you are in the hot seat at one of South Africa’s most cintilating comedy variety shows ever – and now Pants on Fire! is heading to Nelson Mandela Bay ahead of its debut at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown next week. Pants …