The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber has launched its second annual Top 40 Under 40 Search in celebration of young business achievers in the Bay. This year, the Chamber is inviting nominations from its members to highlight the Innovators and Entrepreneurs who are the new face of business in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s Top 40 Under 40 is a showcase of dynamic young businesspeople who choose to build their lives, careers and businesses in the Metro.
Click here to see last years winners (who are not eligible for nomination in 2012).
The Business Chamber believes that there is enormous potential to succeed among young businesspeople at all levels and in all sectors, be they emerging entrepreneurs, seasoned businessmen and women, or corporate stars. The list seeks to celebrate the contribution of the growing force of young people under the age of forty who see Nelson Mandela Bay’s own potential to support their career and business aspirations.
“The young achievers on last year’s list have proved, without a doubt, that entrepreneurial spirit is thriving in Nelson Mandela Bay,” says Nicole Klokow, who initiated the inaugural Top 40 Under 40 list and co-ordinates the Chamber’s Top 40 projects. “The end result of the nomination process was a list of dynamic, talented businesspeople from diverse sectors in Nelson Mandela Bay.”
This year’s focus on innovators and entrepreneurs shines the spotlight on those who think out of the box. “Innovators push the boundaries of their field,” continues Klokow. “They demonstrate leadership in their environment, whether heading up their own business or inspiring a team in the corporate environment. They explore new ideas, increase productivity, raise company profiles, and have a positive impact on the community.”
This year’s achievers will take part in the Business Chamber’s community projects, and stand as the young voice of business through issues-driven business forums and contributions to Business Chamber publications. A place on the list will also ensure excellent and exclusive networking opportunities with past and current Top 40 achievers.
A strong CSI element in Top 40 activities saw 2011 achievers drive the international One Day Without Shoes initiative in their own companies to collect shoes for the Metro’s education task team, and work on a variety of projects around the Bay in celebration of Mandela Day.
The second annual list will be compiled via nominations and judged by: Michelle Brown, owner of Brown’s PR and Chair of the Port Elizabeth branch of the Business Women’s Association; Paul Geswindt, Director of Alumni Relations at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University; Carol Hall of Luced Agencies; Jane Stevenson of Jane Stevenson Associates; Lize Hayward, Group Public Relations Manager at Goodyear Tyre Rubber Holdings; and Mzi Baleni, Provincial Manager – Business Acquisitions for Standard Bank, the supporters of the Business Chamber’s SME Helpdesk.
Visit http://www.nmbbusinesschamber.co.za/what-we-do/top-40-under-40-2012 to:
- Nominate your Top 40 Under 40 achiever online
- Watch some of last year’s achiever’s share their thoughts on their Top 40 experience
- Read terms and conditions under FAQ.
- Read the 2011 Top 40 Under 40 publication
Nominations close 21 September 2012. Nominees should be under the age of forty as of the nomination closing date. Nominees must be members of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, either as a business owner, or as an employee of a member company. If not a current member, they should be willing to become a member.
Terms and conditions are available on the Business Chamber’s website under FAQ.
2012 Top 40 Under 40 Panel: Paul Geswindt, Carol Hall, Jane Stevenson, Lize Hayward and Nicole Klokow. Photo: Sandra Pow Chong
