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Business Opportunities... Business Development...
What Services Do We Offer?
South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce provides support to obtain a wide perspective on business opportunities and business development - in particular the opportunity to meet opinion leaders, decision makers, and other members to enhance their commercial knowledge/skills and develop trading opportunities.
The Chamber is actively involved in promoting and supporting any project or business that improves business opportunities in the region.
We liaise with district councils and other South Canterbury organisations for the common goal of South Canterbury.
We invite you to contribute to business issues impacting on South Canterbury and New Zealand; to take advantage of the varied activities and services of the Chamber of Commerce to improve the opportunities for the development of your business; and to encourage your colleagues to also become a member of the Chamber.
Objectives
To arrange educational seminars and courses for current and potential members on various aspects of business activity. This will provide organisations the opportunity to meet and develop networks locally and/or internationally.
To create, maintain, and expand a membership base which represents the full spectrum of business activities in South Canterbury.
To remain a non political organisation which advocates and lobbies on behalf of its members.
To provide advice and assistance on business issues.
Benefits
Membership of the Chamber will assist you in this process in the following ways:
1. Networking
You have the opportunity to make new business contacts by getting to know other members and integrate your business into the South Canterbury community. You will be able to swap business cards, promote your business and facilitate trade, discuss issues of concern to you with other members, and offer your skills to the community. The South Canterbury Chamber has over 430 local businesses as members.
2. Enhance your knowledge
From our Business After 5 gatherings, educational courses/seminars, information in our newsletter and the many contacts you will make, you will obtain valuable information to assist in the development of your business. We also offer training specifically designed for businesses, and you may be eligible to attend some of the Aoraki Development Trust's Enterprise Training - www.adt.org.nz
3. National and international trade assistance
a) Certification
Chambers of Commerce are recognised as independent and non-political business service organisations. Their verification of the authenticity of trade documents is a prerequisite to trade with most major countries. The Chamber endorses Certificates of Origin and Commercial Invoices. ATA Carnets can also be arranged through the Chamber.
The ATA Carnet is a uniform customs document allowing the temporary admission of goods into member countries without the necessity to raise customs bonds (e.g. For sending samples to overseas agents/distributors) making trade and travel easier.
b) Introduction
The Chamber can arrange letters of introduction through the International Chamber network which covers over 10,000 Chambers in approximately 150 countries.
Members are also encouraged to ultilise their membership of the Chamber to assist in ‘opening doors’ in overseas countries. In many countries, especially Japan and Middle Eastern countries, membership of a Chamber of Commerce is valued highly as an indication of the integrity of a potential trader.
c) Trade Missions
The Chamber regularly receives advice of visiting diplomats and overseas trade missions and will arrange appointments for members as appropriate.
The Chamber may also, from time to time, assist in arranging trade missions from NZ to overseas markets.
4. Discounts on products and services
Members are entitled to national discounts from Ford, Telecom and Shell to name but a view. The Chamber also encourages local member to member discounts, by providing products and services on favourable terms to other members.
5. Advocacy and discussion groups
Sub-committees of the Chamber are established, as required, to provide a forum for members to discuss issues of common concern, and for the development of specific action plans to further the interest of members in a positive and meaningful way.
If required, members also benefit from the Chambers vocal support (e.g. Via news media or representation on other bodies) of these and other concerns.
6. Other benefits
Through our association with other Chambers particularly in Christchurch, members may also gain access to a range of other business assistance services. Auckland Chamber of Commerce website www.b-vital.com offers all Chamber members access to valuable business information, templates, etc. (Note: Requires initial on-line password application).
Activities
The current programme of activities includes:
Business After 5 meetings where members have the opportunity to host the function and outline their company’s products or services to other members and seek feedback.
A range of training seminars.
Regular updates via email newsletters on changes to legislation, or issues or news that may be relevant to your business
A monthly business bulletin / Chamber News published in the Timaru Herald
Assisting members to develop overseas trade contacts, e.g. through introductions via overseas Chambers, direct contracts, or a search of the extensive trade inquiries’ files of the Chamber.
Arranging, receiving and participating in trade missions.
Continuous feedback from members is encouraged to ensure that the programme of activities is appropriate to their needs and frequently updated and reviewed in the light of the feedback received.
To Contact Us about joining the Chamber and to download application forms to join the Chamber Click Here
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