fp Turks and Caicos

The Providenciales Chamber of Commerce has selected a new slate of officers for the next two years, returning Tina Fenimore to the helm as president.

“Among our initial goals is to increase membership and to establish stronger partnerships with local businesses and organizations, including government agencies,” said Fenimore. “Our executive is also keen to spur inward investment through business trade shows both locally and internationally.”

The executive is already discussing ideas which will embrace technological advancements as an avenue to make available pertinent information to potential investors, while giving exposure to member companies.

“I want to see a system where members’ businesses are matched to the opportunities which arise from overseas inquiries,” Fenimore said. “This database would be proactively marketed to those looking to invest in the TCI.”

The new president thanked her predecessor, Tanya Parnell, and the executive for a stellar job which saw the chamber solidify itself as a leader by giving its members and the community at large the opportunity to hold frank discussions with key members of government and the private sector.

“The chamber should be the ‘mouthpiece’ of the local business community when dealing with issues involving the government,” Parnell said. “We must be a unified group in efforts to create local economic stimulus and on one accord when it comes to anything which threatens to stunt that growth.”

Other members elected were:

• Vice President E. Jay Saunders, Digicel (Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year)
• Secretary Deandrea Hamilton, Magnetic Media
• Treasurer Wendy Hill, Life Savers (returned)

Members chosen for the Advisory Board were:

• Tanya Parnell
• John Hartley, economist, columnist (returned)
• Ron Shaw, RA Shaw Designs (returned)
• Paul Coleman, International Banking Group
• David Fenimore, Star Foundation
• Alan Hutchinson, Eden International (returned)

The election of new officers took place at the chamber’s annual general meeting at the Sands resort Sept. 12.