Chamber Names Best Businesses and Thanks Participants

 

On Wednesday, July 31, the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACOCI) hosted a special gathering in follow up to the 2013 Anguilla Business Survey. Representatives of the best businesses were congratulated, and the winners of the survey appreciation drawing were announced and presented with their gifts.

The business survey was conducted online and with the help of two forth-form students, Jada Plummer and Zharvin Walks, who visited various businesses to invite additional participation. In all, 204 members of the business community participated in the survey from June 18 through July 15, 2013. The survey goals included: celebrating “best” businesses; asking for feedback on Chamber membership (or willingness to join for non-members); and to ask what might be addressed as a priority to assist businesses most in the future. Entry in the appreciation gift drawing was optional, and the prizes included a spa package, dinner for two, and a toaster oven for the break room or home.

The best business questions specifically asked to name the best in three major categories: Scotiabank Anguilla was named the Best Bank. Digicel was named Best Communications Provider, and Best Buy Supermarket on Long Path was named Best Grocery Store. These businesses were represented by Mrs. Pamela Herbert-Daniel, Manager of Scotiabank; Mr. Colwayne Pickering, Manager (Ag) of Digicel; and Ms. Angela Richards, Supervisor of Best Buy Supermarket. Each was presented with a plaque for best business in these major categories for 2013.

In addition, participants were asked to name any business they viewed as “best” from any sector. With hundreds of businesses to choose from, there were 9 businesses with nominations by three to eight participants, and several dozen had at least two nominations that would have tied for tenth place. Thus, the “Top 10” from all other rankings included: ANGLEC, Beacon Point, Blanchard’s Restaurant, CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, da’Vida Restaurant & Spa, Hughes Medical Centre, Keithley Lake & Associates, Tropical Treats, and Viceroy Resort Anguilla. Representatives from each of these businesses likewise attended the gathering to accept certificates presented by the Chamber officials.

Among the drawing winners, Ms. Joan Hill’s entry was drawn for the first prize of a Spa Package sponsored by La Severine Total Fitness & Massage Services, including 1 massage and 1 month of personal training for a US$375 value. Ms. Lynnesia Budhoo’s entry was drawn for the second prize of dinner and first cocktail for 2 sponsored by Caribbean Restaurant, Spring Path Road, South Hill (US$125 value); and Ms. Keri-ann Gumbs (representing Mrs. Felicia Hill) won the third ACOCI-sponsored gift of a Proctor Silex Toaster Oven (US$75 value). All three were likewise in attendance to receive their appreciation gifts.

“We are very happy to celebrate the businesses ranked highest by the participants from across the business community. The Chamber of Commerce is also thankful to everyone who provided their thoughts on what is needed to foster a more prosperous economy going forward,” said Mr. Pickering, acting Executive Director.
Chamber President, Mr. Keithley F.T. Lake said, “We shall continue to promote best practices, such as the reasons given for naming best businesses. We’ll also continue and guide our efforts to support Chamber members and all businesses based on the opinions and needs expressed in this survey in the coming year.”

The survey was designed and conducted for the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry by Melinda Goddard, Principal of ClienTell® Consulting, LLC. She is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and sponsored this survey as a community service.

– Press Release

(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)