George Business Chamber chair resigns
Dr Willie Cilliers resigned as chairman of the George Business Chamber, effective from 1 March. He announced his resignation at a board meeting last week.
The board elected Dr Dennis Farrell to act as chairman until the formal voting of a new chairman takes place at the annual general meeting in May.
In an interview with the George Herald, Cilliers spoke about his reasons for leaving before the end of his term. As chairman of the Western Cape AHI (Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut), he has to oversee all 40 affiliated chambers in the Western Cape. "With a number of projects that we will be rolling out this year, together with the Belgian government in our region, there is conflict of interest between the two hats that I am wearing. Also, the financial year of the chamber ends in December and I felt that I would give the opportunity to a new chairman to plan and execute his whole year according to his preference."
Cilliers said he will be completing the chamber's audit for the current book year and hand it over by 1 March.
He has been a member of the chamber for 10 years and was chairman for the past five years. Under his leadership, the chamber received the national award for Business Chamber of the Year twice, in 2014 and 2016.
Chamber CEO Ingrid Cronjé said in a media release that he featured as a prominent leader in various projects the chamber undertook. "Dr Cilliers has raised the bar in terms of business support. With his influence and forward thinking, he has recognised the necessity to create an inclusive economy in the region."
AHI office coming to George
Under the AHI umbrella, Cilliers will be extending the work he did at the George Chamber in developing entrepreneurs. He will also assist with the establishment of new chambers throughout the province, support existing chambers, and create an entrepreneurial helpline and support services for new as well as existing businesses. He will be based in George, since the AHI head office will be relocating here from the Paarl during March.
Cilliers said the AHI is being transformed so that it can focus more on service to entrepreneurs. "We have to listen to the entrepreneurial voices on the ground to identify real needs and provide in those needs. The development and training programmes run by the George Chamber over the past few years will be extended to other chambers. Funding forthcoming from the Belgian government will be available for such programmes at all the chambers in the province. The planned entrepreneurial helpline will be set up to be available at all hours to assist entrepreneurs. We also aim to create a database of business mentors in various towns so that entrepreneurs can be referred for first-hand advice and support."
The AHI will furthermore establish a research department with skilled retired people from the business sector who could research issues that affect entrepreneurs, and come up with solutions and proposals which could lead to an improvement in the business environment. People who would like to offer their expertise and services can contact Cilliers via e-mail at chairman@ahiwp.org.za
'Sticking to current strategy'
Farrell said the George Chamber will not be deviating from its current strategy. "It is important, though, that we look at issues such
as inclusive economy and how we are going to implement that. We are looking forward to the investment forum in March and are focusing on how we can be closely involved. We need to encourage investment that will give us sustainability and ensure that profits remain in our area."
Farrell also feels strongly about cooperation between business, the education sector, and the authorities to ensure that focused skills development programmes are available. "People need to be trained in skills truly needed in the market. We are furthermore conducting a survey among chamber members to better understand our business environment and deliver a service according to their specific needs."