Press Release
Manchester Chamber of Commerce (MCOC) Elects New President |
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| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Oct 02 2008 |
| Press Release >> |
Angelo Laurence
(Dec-23-2005)
Members of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce (MCOC) have elected a new president to head the organization during a meeting held at the Golf View Hotel on December 7, 2005.
The new president is Richard Longmore branch manager of Pan Caribbean Financial Services in Mandeville. Mr. Longmore’s election signals a revival of the organization, according to some members who also pointed out that it has been three years since the last annual general meeting was held. Businessmen, Mr. Danny Roumel and Calvin Lyn were elected first and second vice presidents, respectively. Outgoing president, Barry Bonito of the Astra Country Style Inn, has pledged his continued support of the Chamber.
Over the years, the MCOC was the voice of the business community and initiated a number of training projects for youths in the Mandeville area. It was the prime mover behind the formation of the Porus Craft Association, which brought together persons with skills in making craft in that and nearby communities. Today, that association is one of the most vibrant and has provided its members with better buying power and marketing skills.
In accepting the presidency, Mr. Longmore told the members that his goal will be to make the MCOC the true voice of the Manchester business community, while being accountable to its members. Longmore, who is 29 years old, the youngest person to ever head the organization, also said that he will be focusing on bringing projects to the table, which will mean economic growth with spin-offs that will enhance the life of the parish on a whole.
Last changed: Mar 13 2009 at 5:43 PM
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Communication & Public Affairs
Home and vehicle for the Chamber's public relations. This Division will receive from the Secretariat, or prepares for the Secretariat, information for release to the media on the instructions of the secretariat. It may also receive information from the Entrepreneurism and Business Advocacy Division Head for release to the media on approval of the Secretariat. Approval will consist of the President and any other member of the Secretariat. Otherwise in such absence of the President, on the signature of a Vice President and any other two members. The Division is the main medium of external communications
Membership
This Division is charged with keeping in touch with Chamber members and ensuring their needs are met. The Division also sees to the issuing of new Chamber memberships, renewing existing memberships, and providing the Chamber members with a variety of services, including mailing lists, member to member discounts, networking events, etc.
Workforce Development
The Division connects businesses to local and national workforce systems and to institutions delivering training for those systems in order to better align current and future training with the needs of the workplace. It is responsible for the drive to see a highly skilled, well educated workforce prepared for challenges
Entrepreneurism & Business Advocacy
This Division leads the drive to enhance and nurture the innovative entrepreneurial environment and ensure that both the tools and the necessary economic climate are available to assist enterprises to grow, create jobs. This Division will have responsibility for the slate of industries/sectors represented in the community vis a vis mining, tourism, agriculture, construction, services, etc, which are referred to as Units. Assigned Unit heads will report directly to the Division head.
Finance:
The Division ensures adequacy of funding for the Chamber's administration as well as its projects, through fundraising, membership dues and other sources of income. It prepares the annual budget in line with the objectives set each year and monitors actual income and expenditure. The Division will see to the preparation of the financial statements of the Chamber and for the necessary audit to be done on an annual basis. Monthly management accounts are to be reported to the Board of Directors and members meetings.
Government Relations & Economic Development
This Division is charged with lobbying efforts and representation at local and national level in ensuring the needs of members are met and that the drive leads to economic development within the Parish. Air transportation, Highway Development, Water Supplies are some major issues of the Division however will be reviewed annually or more frequently if necessary.
Projects and Events
This Division will spearhead and arrange all projects of the Chamber which includes but is not limited to Monthly members meetings, Seminars, luncheons, Award functions, and community projects.
