It is always a good idea to remind all businesses what the function of the Ekurhuleni Aerotropolis Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EACCI) is and its services.
The chamber functions at various levels. Firstly, we help start-ups by providing credibility, the chamber brings a level of legitimacy to their business.
When joining, potential members need to provide us with information, such as the business name, company registration number, physical address and so on. This helps other businesses that, perhaps, want to use their services.
It increases their visibility through our various networking events and creates networking opportunities.
Local chambers tackle difficult issues, and oppose regulations that hamper entrepreneurship and stifle innovation and creativity, through national organisations, such as the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI). Chambers also act as the gatekeepers of the principle of free enterprise.
Regarding the benefits of belonging to the EACCI, I would like to give the analogy of joining a gym.
One pays a membership fee and has access to the gym’s services for a certain period, normally a year. During that time, you use the facilities of the gym to help yourself and maybe help someone else out. The same applies to chambers.
You join and it’s up to the business to utilise the chamber’s services. We can help and guide, but ultimately can’t run your business. The same principles apply to the gym. The instructors will help and show you how to do the exercises, but can’t do it for you.
By being an active member and not a sideline spectator, a business will have access to networking opportunities, make business contacts, increase brand visibility and bring credibility to one’s business.
Membership in one’s local chamber keeps business owners on top of important, ever-changing matters and trends within their local marketplace and at a national level. Studies have shown when consumers know that a business is a member of their local chamber, there is a 44 per cent likelihood to think favourably of the business and a 63 per cent chance that goods or services will be purchased from the company in the future.
Regarding future plans, the EACCI wants to represent businesses in the City of Ekurhuleni and its chamber members at a national level. We want to go to SACCI and speak as one voice.
However, our goal is not to incorporate other chambers into EACCI, but rather let them remain autonomous and self-governing within their region. Times are tough for SMEs and we need to create an awareness and encourage consumers do business with our chamber members.
At the EACCI, we believe in an economy that has room for everyone’s dreams.
The chamber of commerce might be a carry-over of a pre-digital era, but much like the local free magazines, it’s still one people understand and trust.
Article contributed by Vincent Marino, CEO of the EACCI. Contact him on 010 285 0313 or email vincent@eacci.org.za
