The Nelson Mandela Bay Chamber of Commerce (NMBBC) held its annual AGM last night at the Radisson Blu Hotel.
Important items on the agenda were the annual financial statements and report, new board members, annual report, president’s address and an address by Minister of Public Enterprises – Malusi Gigaba.
Matters proceeded in the absence of Gigaba who, scheduled to speak at 4:30 pm, was landing at the Port Elizabeth Airport at 5:30 pm. Business leaders were encouraged to wait after the AGM for the Honourable Minister to address them. I did not wait and must report failure on my part to report on the Honourable Minister’s mutterings (if any).
The good news though is that the NMBBC were proud to announce a major turnaround in financial fortune for the 2012 financial year in showing a nett profit of R25 353, in contrast to 2011′s nett loss of R334 538. And the auditing firm of Mazaars gave an unqualified audit to the NMBBC.
The turnaround was achieved via increased revenue from membership, services and functions and a large percentage increase from interest and sundry revenue combined with a reduction in staff and rebranding costs.
Reflecting mature growth and a mature organisation NMBBC CEO, Kevin Hustler said; “Our membership has stabilised and grown to beyond 800 companies as at the end of December 2012. We have proven ourselves to be a relevant business organisation, fcused on the critical business issues of the day. Indicative of its value to members, the Business Chamber is increasingly approached for media comment on a broad range of issues in the socio-economic environment. The organisation is seen as a credible source of information,and as the powerful voice of business in Nelson Mandela Bay.”
Reflecting on the Chambers progress during 2012, NMBBC President, Mandla Madwara said; “2012 saw the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber begin to lay the foundation that will allow this organisation to stand firm in it’s vision of a competitive and sustainable city.” Madwara closed by saying; “….it is only through the combined efforts of business, government and civil society that we can realise the dream of a competitive and sustainable city.”
