Dear Member,

The current year is flying past, with an exciting new one closer than we think. The Chamber’s momentum into 2015 and beyond has been sustained with the appointment of the new CEO Designate Mrs Dumile Cele. As the new CEO, I appreciate the membership fees and your contribution to the Chamber.

We have had overwhelming compliments relating to our advocacy, our various activities and our distribution of vital business information, from all quarters of business in Durban, the province and beyond. The Chamber is committed to being an effective advocate for Business and we expend many resources in order to achieve this aim as the ultimate “Voice of Business”.

SERVICES OFFERED
This is how the Chamber seeks to support the business community:-
We are trying to consistently improve our service to our loyal members, whether this is the provision of information (via the Chamber Digest Beat/Pulse, for example) or training, guidance, support and advice to SMME’s. Coffee Connection and Forum meetings also allow our members to engage in and strengthen their alignment with key business partners.

HIGHLIGHTS
This is how you can harness the maximum benefits as a member:-

• The establishment of the Women in Business Forum has proven to be of added value providing a platform for women to engage in. The success will ultimately showcase the importance of the prominent role that women play in business.
• The Chamber hosted the 159th Gala Annual Dinner during April. This resounding occasion celebrating the recognition of the Chamber’s legacy, is an ideal opportunity to be in the same room with many of the top key stakeholders of business, it further enhances the mission the Chamber has to engage in and participate in bringing together the many interests of all our loyal members.
•  30th October 2015 - For over a decade, the Chamber has collaborated with Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) to highlight successful exporters in KwaZulu Natal. Each year, the programme culminates in the KZN Exporter of the Year Awards Gala Dinner at which the winners are announced. This most auspicious occasion, is a definite must attend.
• The Chamber’s calendar in August also features the Entrepreneur Competition (over a 6 week period providing invaluable business model training). The competition is designed to provide entrepreneurs with a platform and vehicle to move their businesses forward and grow. The top 3 out of a selection of 20 participants will receive prizes totalling R50 000. 
• The Durban Chamber is averaging 66 media clips per month across the media in South Africa and is testimony to our slogan that we really are the ‘ULTIMATE BUSINESS NETWORK’. Advertise in our Chamber digest and get your business voice heard.
  
  Our records show that your company’s membership is not up to date. I appeal to you to make this payment as soon as possible.