Active on the Isle of Man for nearly twenty years, the Isle of Man Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCC) is not, as is sometimes thought, an offshoot of the more widely recognised Chamber of Commerce; it is in fact an independent, not-for-profit organisation with its own distinct function and separate aims.
The Chamber strives to provide its membership - which currently stands at over 150 - with high quality events relevant to current affairs, including regular informative seminars from local and international business leaders and members of the Government.
The events also encourage members to network with each other and use what they learn to enhance and develop their own professional career.
Membership is open to individuals of all ages who want to be stay up to date with changes in the Island’s constantly evolving business community, an involvement which is considered more important than ever in the context of unstable economic situation.
2009 proved to be an all-round successful year for the JCC. It hosted a succession of events during which interesting and influential figures led topical and thought-provoking discussions.
The year began with a talk from Ruth Badger, British businesswoman and 2006 runner-up in the reality TV show The Apprentice, who revealed an honest personal account of the competition from behind the scenes and explained her subsequent success as a salesperson.
In May, Steve Carse, Government economic advisor, and Conor Grant, Head of Treasury at RBS International, offered their perspectives on the current economic climate and its impact on the Isle of Man.
At the end of the year, Chief Minister Tony Brown’s talk on the VAT crisis attracted an impressive audience of over 140 concerned members and guests. JCC Chairman Richard Davies commented, "The JCC is extremely proud that Mr Brown agreed to speak about what is certainly the biggest problem facing the Isle of Man at the moment.
"I chatted to many of our members after the event and they were all extremely grateful for the opportunity to hear from Mr Brown and to put some interesting questions directly to him."
The JCC looks set to continue to flourish in 2010 with plans to develop the social side and facilitate networking between members.
It is also predicted that the group will see a significant rise in membership; traditionally the JCC was open only to individuals, but in response to popular demand it now offers corporate membership enabling company employees to attend on a rotational basis
Felicitas Y. Gawenat, Membership Secretary of the JCC, comments, “We will shortly be launching our new website www.jcc.im, where our members and others interested in the JCC will be able to learn more about the organisation."
2010's exciting line-up will be kicked off with an interesting and informative presentation by Black Grace Cowley on the Manx residential and commercial property market; Barclays Wealth will also be on hand to discuss property financing.
This talk will take place on Tuesday 19th January at 6pm. Also coming up is the annual Budget Breakfast with Treasury Minister Mr Allan Bell, scheduled to take place the morning after the announcement of the Isle of Man Budget.
With so much to look forward to, contact info(at)jcc.im to be sure not to miss out!
Pictured (l-r): Alexander Duffy, Jamie Irving, Felicitas Y. Gawenat, Tony Brown, Richard Davies Chairman and the President Steve Burdett.
Submitted by Felicitas Gawenat on behalf of the Isle of Man Junior Chamber of Commerce
