The iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (ICCIT) has evolved and been formalised off a clear vision to be the voice of business on the North Coast, with the mission to strengthen business, industry and tourism in the area.
Pictures from the launch event
The need for a specific chamber representing the iLembe region was established when business in the iLembe area was still represented as an area committee of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI). While hosting functions and engaging with business, members found businesses hungry to link with other business, opportunities and information, specifically in the North Coast area.
Pictured: iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism CEO Trenley Tilbrook.
Within 18 months of engaging business as an area committee of DCCI, a small, local, working group was formed to establish what is now known as the ICCIT.
When initially suggested by Andrew Layman, the new CEO of the DCCI, it became clear that the then newly developing ICCIT should make tourism a priority, as it plays a significant role in business in the region. This will be welcome news to the healthy tourism and hospitality industry in the area.
Another attraction is the low cost of membership for all business, big or small, versus the value the chamber will deliver throughout the year.
“We hope to attract all size businesses as members and then partner with them on specific initiatives and projects indentified. Our view is that instead of large membership fees being absorbed by traditional chamber operations, partnered businesses are able to select key projects that are aligned to their strategic objectives and work with ICCIT to drive tangible progress in their direction”, said ICCIT CEO Trenley Tilbrook.
The iLembe Chamber is currently in discussions with prominent business partners in the area looking at ways to enhance and improve the entrances to Ballito. Business will channel funds directly to the project, which will be facilitated and administered by the chamber, which means that funds are focused on project-based deliverables and real results.
On the web: iLembe grows for prosperity
Another project the ICCIT is embarking on is the Business Retention & Expansion Initiative in partnership with Enterprise iLembe, which aims to understand the real needs of local business and then implement measurable strategies that will help retain business in the area. This will be achieved through addressing those needs identified, building a firm foundation for businesses to unlock the next phase of expansion
The iLembe Chamber has been approached by another organisation to roll out a project that looks at sourcing 20 previously disadvantaged budding entrepreneurs, and putting them through a mentorship programme run by the chamber, making use of the expertise of retired businessmen and women residing in the area. R200 000 worth of sponsorship has already been committed to the initiative.
Overwhelming support
The ICCIT has received overwhelming support from business in the area. Foundational sponsorship has helped cover key operational needs such as office space and office equipment and allowed the establishment of the chamber to happen in a professional way.
“It’s still early days but we believe that business has shown its support over the past 18 months and that through partnership and collaboration with iLembe business we will be able to deliver on our vision to unite business and be the voice of a strong, iLembe, business sector”, concluded Tilbrook.