GEORGE NEWS - The George Business Chamber has shown impressive growth over the last year, with 249 paid-up individual members (increased from about 150 since last year) and about 320 businesses. This came to light at the organisation's annual general meeting that was held at the Town Lodge at the Garden Route Mall last Thursday.
Dr Dennis Farrell will serve another year as chairperson, but he indicated that it could be his last year in this capacity.
Farrell said a clean city will lure more investors and also stressed the importance of having a passion for what one is doing. In conversation with George Herald after the meeting, he said that the business chamber is a good platform. With big projects on the horizon that include development at the George Airport, he is excited about the times that lie ahead. Amongst the possibilities that could be looked at is international status for the airport, getting more cargo through the airport and more direct flights and routes to various destinations.
The chamber will focus on spreading their net wider to get more participation. Among other things, he attributed the growth of the chamber to the efficiency of the chief executive officer, Ingrid Cronjé, who is supported by Mary-Anne Loose.
Michael Barkley (left), George Business Chamber Business Person for 2018, with Dr Willie Cilliers, chairperson of the AHi Western Cape.
Farrell said some of the highlights of the past financial year include the land reform forums and getting together the five different business forums in the area. This includes Pacaltsdorp, Thembalethu, Uniondale, Haarlem and George. More informal discussions will be held to achieve more understanding of what is happening in the different areas.
Among the guest speakers were Tatenda Mapeto, a forest management lecturer at NMU and Michael Barkley, the chamber's Business Person for 2018.
One of the guest speakers, Tatenda Mapeto, is a forest management lecturer at NMU. Photo: Eugene Gunning
In her address, Mapeto said it is important for a business individual to create their own "why" and understand where they fit in. She said South Africa has the potential to be an example to the rest of the world.
Barkley told the audience how he ended up in George and how it came about that he received the award, adding that he doesn't consider himself to be a business person. He emphasised the importance of giving back to a community. His advice for younger people is that they must have a passion for something. Without a passion for something, you won't succeed. Above all, he said, God must be first in a person's business.
Dr Dennis Farrel, chairperson of the George Business Chamber, addresses those present at the annual general meeting.
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