On Thursday, July 21st, 2016, the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACOCI) hosted a cocktail reception at Government House for its membership, associates and government officials. The theme for the event was ‘Building Entrepreneurs for the Future’. The purpose of the event was for everyone to have the opportunity to network amongst each other and form new contacts and new acquaintances.
The hosts for the evening were Mrs. Lily Moses, Administrative Assistant at ACOCI, and Mr. Vanburn Andy Brookes of Morlens Architecture Services. Mr. Carlton Pickering, Acting Executive Director of ACOCI, opened the evening with a prayer. Mr. Keithley F.T. Lake, President of ACOCI, gave the welcome remarks and Her Excellency the Governor, Ms. Christina Scott, provided her own remarks on the importance of Entrepreneurship in Anguilla.
Ms. Mirabelle West, creator of OH YEA (Organization of Hustlers, Young Entrepreneurs of Anguilla), and Mr. Kenroy Herbert, Managing Director of Levitcus Lifestyle, participated in an interview session about the importance of what it means to be an entrepreneur.
The evening continued with the ACOCI presenting a check of US$ 2,000.00 to Mr. Bren Romney, Director of the Department of Youth & Culture, for the Business Plan Innovative Award for the Get Program. Mr. Romney thanked ACOCI and gave more information about the program and what it entails. He also made mention, and thanked the Government, of Anguilla for the role they played in funding the program – and recognized Ms. Ronya Connor, Deputy Chairperson for the Management Advisory Board of the Get Set Program. A special thanks was given to Mrs. Hyacinth Bradley for the instrumental role she played while she was at the Department of Youth & Culture as the Senior Program Officer. Mr. Romney encouraged other businesses to follow in ACOCI’s footsteps in contributing towards the program.
The guest speaker for the evening, Ms. Ife Badejo, was introduced by Mrs. Moses. Ms.Badejo, who is the founder and creator of the Happy Power Hour event, spoke on the importance of networking among businesses. She started out the session by asking the audience to partake in one of her networking activities. All guests were asked to go to someone that they don’t know, find out his/her name, what he/she does and get a business card. This activity allowed persons to make new connections, new acquaintances and possible new relationships. Ms. Badejo spoke about the 5c’s in Business – Character, Commitment, Communication, Community, and Collaboration – and the importance of having all of them in achieving and maintaining success as an entrepreneur.
As the evening continued, all guests had the opportunity to win door prizes which were sponsored by the following members of ACOCI:
Cuinsinart Golf Resort & Spa – 50 min Relaxation Massage & 1 European Pedicure.
Zemi Beach Resort – Lunch for two at Zemi Beach’s 20Knots Restaurant.
Ocean Echo Restaurant – Lunch for two.
Zazaa Boutique – US$ 75.00 Gift Certificate.
The night ended with a special presentation to Ms. Badejo in appreciation of her accepting ACOCI’s invitation as guest speaker for the evening. Mrs. Moses gave the Vote of thanks.
