THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) recorded a significant increase in income last year, over the previous year, at the same time recording a notable decrease in expenditure for the same period.

The revelation was made at the 123rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Duke Lodge, Kingston, Georgetown on Tuesday.
The organisation’s 2012 income amounted to $22,639,206 representing a rise of $4,873,335 over the 2011 total of $17,765,871,
Total expenditure for 2012 was $18,596,714, whereas that for 2011 was $12,485,189 or $6,111,525 less.
The GCCI President, Mr. Clinton Urling, in his presentation at the forum, expressed his gratitude to the staff, for doing an exceptional job and the membership for their commitment and dedication to the objectives and success of the GCCI.
He disclosed that the Chamber has managed to attract 20 new members, including the Texila American University, Digital Technology, Princess Hotel Guyana, King’s Jewellery World, New Thriving Chinese Restaurant and the New Guyana School.
He said GCCI has a simple purpose, which is, first and foremost, to look after and serve the interests of its membership and, in doing so, strive to cultivate an environment that is conducive to economic growth, developments and investments.

STRATEGIC GOALS
According to him, the GCCI had set several strategic goals, which include positioning it as a leading policy advocate for the Private Sector in Guyana; enhancing visibility and expanding public awareness; ensuring that financial performance and sustainability is intact and increasing trade and investment opportunities in Guyana.
He said the Chamber has been very active and vibrant over the past year and managed to engage in a number of activities, such as the release of the findings from its annual attitudinal survey, the establishment of  an advocacy committee and holding various seminars including on grant financing, banking and investment.
Urling said there was also the release of the third annual publication of the Business Guyana Magazine, a publication which has been one of the major income earners for the GCCI.
In collaboration with the University of Guyana (UG) Centre for Communication Studies, the Chamber was also able to secure a $1.5M sponsorship to produce three short films, which received positive feedback.
Additionally, in cooperation with the Women Enterprise Network (WENET), GCCI hosted the Women Entrepreneurship Exposition (WENEX), from which there was also the same response.
Urling said, among some of the areas on which the Chamber will focus, over the next year, are local government elections, political stability, tax reform, intellectual property and the minimisation of corruption.
The GCCI boasts of being the oldest Private Sector representative organisation in Guyana, having been established in 1889 and is a members-driven, professionally staffed non-profit association of business people, who are committed to improving the economic climate and quality of life in Guyana.