New chamber CEO calls for businesses to join forces
With times being tough for businesses in South Africa, the new CEO points out that more than ever there needs to be closer cooperation between companies to ensure survival and growth.
Vincent Marino has been appointed as the new CEO of the Aerotropolis Chamber of Commerce Industry and Publicity, which serves Boksburg and surrounding regions.
According to Derek Fox, who has stepped down as the CEO, he will remain chairperson of the chamber.
“I will take up the reins of the Publicity Association in the hope of getting investment and opportunity into Boksburg. Along the way, I hope we can get the other eight cities involved and appoint individuals in their cities and towns who will fulfill the publicity roles under the banner of the Aerotropolis Chamber of Commerce Industry and Publicity,” said Fox.
Regarding Marino, who is a former president of the Edenvale Chamber, Fox said he will be an asset to the chamber.
“We need someone who can be the face of the chamber and represent us at all levels, including business forums. Marino has all the qualifications to represent our members, including at the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci).”
Marino is involved involved with business consultations. He has written two books on business, while he also ghosted the autobiography of Lolly Jackson.
“We need to start helping each other. This calls for networking and support. If you want to do it on your own, it is not going to work. This is also part and parcel of the chamber, which is to facilitate such networking and to also provide support,” said Marino.
“As a chamber, we will definitely be looking at how we support businesses and to provide them with the necessary tools to not only survive, but also to thrive.
“It is not up to the government or the politicians to drive the economy, but it is up to businesses. This is why businesses must be part of credited forums so these forums can be the voice of business and have an impact in the country.
“The chamber is affiliated to Sacci, so the more members join, the greater the voice and greater the chance to sway government to make the right decisions.
“Sacci and its chambers play, after all, an important part in the decision-making process in South Africa. No individual business should therefore allow itself to be left out of this involvement. No business should deprive itself of the advantages to be gained, nationally and internationally, from membership of the chamber movement.
“Remember, Sacci is the largest chamber in the country. The more businesses join the local chambers, the greater becomes the voice of the business community in South Africa, which is sorely needed.
“Sacci has signed cooperation agreements with many national chambers of commerce and industry worldwide. This all adds up to a formidable network of business contacts and widespread opportunities to share knowledge and experiences. And the Aerotropolis Chamber of Commerce Industry and Publicity is all part of this.”
He said the government calls for one million jobs to be created, which he does not agree with.
“They should rather focus on creating one million businesses to stimulate the economy and create jobs. You cannot create a job. You must create an environment that allows for job creation.
“Unfortunately, such an environment in South Africa is quite polluted and is also hampered by, for example, strict labour laws.
“For a long time a lot of people have also bemoaned the BEE system, along with affirmative action, but the reality is that it is not going to go away. We must rather find ways to make it work for oneself within the business environment.”
Marino said it is imperative that the chamber, along with all businesses, needs to move with the times, especially concerning technology.
A latest report has shown Sacci’s business confidence index has virtually remained unchanged in June 2019 as it increased marginally by 0.3 index points from 93.0 in May 2019 to 93.3.
Sacci, however, said the present level of business confidence is still not at ideal levels and could gain momentum once signs that implementation of set plans and policies is a priority as promised.
To become involved with the chamber phone Fox on 082 886 0651.
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