RCCI hosts its AGM in Ferndale

FERNDALE – The Randburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently held their AGM in Ferndale where they recognised where they fell short as a chamber in the past year but looked to make this year a great success.

The outgoing president of the chamber, Neil Pollock, said it was remarkable that 60 years ago, Randburg, the suburb, was created and at the same time so was the chamber. So this year, like the town, the chamber will turn 60 years old. “The chamber had significant changes over the past year, with the Jozi SME hub leaving their shared space here at the chamber offices.

“It is quite interesting that like all businesses, we experienced what happens when one of your major clients resigns.”

He added many thanks to the board of directors for their strength in guiding them through the tough period as they had to look at where else they could get funding as the chamber is an NPC.

He also explained what’s exceptional about the chamber is it currently has three of its directors on the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) and that speaks to their strength and what the RCCI stands for. “It is great that we can take to what we have learned in our chambers to Sacci and bring back what we have learned from them to us,” said Pollock.

In the last year, the chamber also expanded its relationship with the embassy’s around the world and had several successful events. Through such events, members have been able to build relationships with people from around the world and they hope to keep these relationships.

CEO of the chamber, Linda Blackbeard said this year the chamber looks to work smarter and engage better with its members as well as other markets of potential. “We need our members to participate. For us to be better and make a difference, everyone who has the ability to contribute to the chamber and empower us to do more, please let us find a way to do so.”

She added that there was reasonable members growth.

Blackbeard, however, expressed her disappointment in their tourism portfolio, as she explained they did not do much with tourism and she believes a stronger focus needs to be put on it. “We have been working with some of the hotel groups, and I think we need to pull closer together to form a closer relationship.”

She concluded that 2018 was a tough year, but she is encouraged by the number of opportunities that are availing themselves. “I am also very excited that this year is our 60th year, this year we are looking forward to some great opportunities, great business, great celebration and making a lot of visible appearances.”

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