St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry

August 2015 Newsletter

2

August 2015

Contents:

Page 2 Small Entrepreneur Business Plan Competition Workshop

Page 3 Competition Top Ten

Page 4 Prize-giving Ceremony

Page 5 Ceremony in pictures

Page 6 Stakeholders meeting on Crime

“The entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it and exploits it as an opportunity.” “The entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it and exploits it as an opportunity.”Peter Drucker

Contents:

Page 2 Small Entrepreneur Business Plan Competition Workshop

Page 3 Competition Top Ten

Page 4 Prize giving Ceremony

Chamber Hosts Well Attended Workshop for Chamber Hosts Well Attended Workshop for Registrants of Small Business Plan Competition

Page 7 Profile of the Month/Bi Annual Caucasus

The Board of Directors of the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (COCI) hosted a successful workshop on ‘How to Improve a Business Plan’ on Monday, July 20th, 2015. The workshop was well attended as 34 of the 36 contenders of the “Small Entrepreneur Business Plan Competition” took advantage of this opportunity to acquire information and tips on becoming successful entrepreneurs.

The contenders of the competition received additional guidance by local experts, Mr. Kenneth Lei, Representative of OBNA Bank and Ms. Carmen Richardson, Interim Director of St. Maarten Business Development Foundation (SBDF). The objective of the workshop was geared at enhancing their chances to qualify as a finalist in order to vie for one of the six (6) categories of prizes; Overall Winner, Best Marketing, Best Brand, Best Pitch, Best Business Plan and Most likely to Become Successful. In addition to the presentations given by the guest speakers, Ms. Nzinga Lake, member of COCI Board of Directors and initiator of the project, addressed the crowd and provided more insight on the privacy conditions of the competition which was well responded to.

Many questions were posed by participants who were eager to learn more about entrepreneurship and the process of drafting a successful plan. The questions inspired active participation from both the contenders and the board members who were present. The workshop ended with the aspiring and new entrepreneurs being filled with encouragement to pursue their dreams.

Board member, Nzinga Lake, closed the workshop by thanking the business community for their corporate commitment toward this endeavor and highlighted the media for their ongoing and outstanding support.

Cross section of audience at workshop

Page 8 Chamber out & about

Page 9 Contact us

3

August 2015

Top 10 finalists selected

Top ten Finalist Selected

At the end of the August 7th deadline a total of seventeen participants submitted their business plans with the hopes of making it to the top ten. After a review of the plans by the Committee, the top ten finalists were chosen to move forward and present their plans to a panel of judges. Finalists Sherma Noble, Elurya Leverock, Crystal James, Yannick Hodge, Shawn York, Shasa Lake, Murline Peterson Lundi, Nalaysha Agard, Jentrite Felix and Sabrina Vrutaal all got the chance to pitch

their business plans to a panel of selected judges representing a wide

cross-section of the business community. Candidates had twenty minutes to pitch their plans and answer any questions the judges may have had. Many candidates were given advice on how to make their plans more sound.

Finalists vied for top honors in Best Marketing, Best Pitch, Best Brand, Most Likely to Become Successful, Best Business Plan and Overall Winner categories. The Grand Prize includes a Starter’s Package valued at US $2,000 of professional services and start-up equipment generously donated by various businesses on the island. Contestants that also submitted plans were: Dwayne Griffith, Natasha Richardson, Maza Rombley, Lindora Thomas, Wade Bailey, Danielle Rivers and Zabian Arndell.

Feature Section

Contact us today for details! newsletter@chamberofcommerce.sx

or call 721-542-3595 ext. 43

If you’re reading this, so are

your potential customers!

Judges listen to a presentation

Finalist Yannick Hodge presents

Finalist Jentrite Felix presents her business plan

4

August 2015

Chamber of Commerce hosts Prize-Giving Ceremony. And the winners are…

The St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry recently concluded their First Annual Business Plan Competition with a Prize-Giving Ceremony on World Entrepreneurs Day last Friday, August 21st. The ceremony was held at the Chamber of Commerce and top finalists surrounded by family, friends and colleagues were awarded prizes which included laptops, cellular phones, printers, professional services and many more prizes generously donated by close to twenty-five companies.

The five finalists with the highest overall points were Sabrina Vrutaal for Educare

Foundation, Nalajsha Agard for Creative Learning, Shawn York for 37 Square Miles SXM Clothing Apparel, Yannick Hodge for H&H General Cleaning and Maintenance N.V. and Shasa Lake of Sweetie Epicurean Icery Pops. The Best Marketing, Best Brand and Overall Winner categories were won by Sabrina Vrutaal while the Best Pitch and Most Likely to Succeed categories were won by Nalajsha Agard and Shawn York walked away as winner in the Best Business Plan category. !

Points for each category was awarded after each of the top ten finalists pitched their business plans to a panel of five judges on Wednesday, August 19th. Following each presentation finalists were asked questions and given advice by judges Lesley Ablack of the Windward Islands Bank, Dwight Williams of FirstCaribbean Bank, Valya Lake-Pantophlet of the TEZVT Ministry, Jimmy Challenger of ORCO Bank and Eric Ellis of Nagico Insurances. The judges were impressed by the quality of the presentations and were greatly encourage by the talent displayed by the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Prior to judging, competition participants were invited to a workshop held at the University of St. Martin where Kenneth Lei of OBNA Bank and Carmen Richardson of the Small Business Development Foundation imparted wisdom on writing winning business plans and dressing for success. At the workshop, Chamber Board of Directors were also on hand to give the participants tips and share their own experiences and

challenges in starting their businesses.

First Annual Business Plan Competition project was initiated by Board of Directors Member Nzinga Lake and was executed through the Chamber’s Business “Biz” Center. All participants were encouraged at the prize giving ceremony to continue to use the Biz Center as a resource to help them along their paths to success.

Foundation, Nalajsha Agard for Creative Learning, Shawn York for 37 Square Miles SXM Clothing Apparel, Yannick Hodge for H&H General Cleaning and Maintenance N.V. and Shasa Lake of Sweetie Epicurean Icery Pops. The Best Marketing, Best Brand and Overall Winner categories were won by Sabrina Vrutaal while the Best Pitch and Most

challenges in starting their businesses.

First AnnualFirst AnnualBoard of Directors Member Nzinga Lake and was executed through the Chamber’s Business “Biz” Center. the prize giving ceremony to continue to use the Biz Center as a resource to help them along their paths to success.

Points for each category was awarded after each of the top ten finalists pitched their business plans to a panel of five judges on Wednesday, August 19th. Following each

iven advice by judges Lesley Ablack of the Windward Islands Bank, Dwight Williams of FirstCaribbean Bank, Valya Lake-

Jimmy Challenger of ORCO Bank and Eric Ellis of

Board Member N. Lake & N. Agard

Board Member N. Lake & S. York

President Brandon & S. Vrutaal

Top 5 with Chamber Board of Directors

5

August 2015

Feature Section

To see more pictures from this event head to our facebook page www.facebook.com/sxmcoci

5

6

August 2015

Business Profile Section

Crime main focus in recent stakeholders meeting

In response to the recent spike in violent robberies, especially in the Philipsburg area, the Chamber of Commerce hosted an urgent meeting with stakeholders in the business community. Following the well attended meeting by on Thursday, August 6th, 2015, the Chamber formulated as promised several proposals/action points for execution by the stakeholders and in support of actions to be undertaken by the authorities in St. Maarten.

“The St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry is aware of the initiatives and actions by the authorities to enhance safety and security in St. Maarten and sees such undertakings in addition to action taken by the stakeholders.” Chamber President Peggy Ann Brandon stated in a release to the media. “A combined approach will result in immediate-, mid term and long term actions and results beneficial to all. COCI shall continue to support undertakings aimed at achieving the best results by Government and stakeholders, but reaffirms its commitment to the business community and the general public to work actively on the implementation of measures that will enhance safety and security.”

Ms. Brandon further stated that “We will address the underlying social issues that are at the basis of the crime spree. No healthy and safe community can be achieved if labor issues (unemployment, abuse of labor laws) education and health issues are not addressed. The socio-economic development of St. Maarten and its people is dependent hereon and so together long-term solutions shall be formulated and executed. Stakeholders that attended the meeting were: Nagico Insurances, IMA, Chinese Association, SUNFED, Down Street Business Community Council and Association (DBCCA), SHTA, Afoo Group, Lama Guest House, St. Maarten Small Properties Association, Joshua Rose Guesthouse and Cay Hill Association.

One of the action items: a walk-through of Philipsburg to become more familiarized with the area and identify potential dangers.

In the photo on the left, Chamber Board Members A. Illis-Friday and A. Baker along with other business representatives pause for a moment during the walk through.

7

August 2015

Board Member Profile of the Month -- Nzinga Lake

Profile Section

Ms. Nzinga Lake made history as being one of St. Maarten’s first triplets. She is known for organizing successful pageants with a cultural focus; her track record includes Pageant Director for the St. Maarten Junior Carnival Queen Show for the past 7 years and she is the owner of the very first kid’s spa “Glamour Princess Spa & Club” on the island catering to girls ages 4 to 14 years old. Her motto: “Every Princess deserves to be pampered”.

Ms. Lake is also President of the Little Miss St. Martin Organization. This pageant inspires positive activities for young girls ages 7 to 12 years old. She is very committed to the empowerment of young girls at a very young age through pageantry. Her mission is to encourage young girls to excel in cultural knowledge and value educational excellence while being graceful

ambassadors of their schools, community and St. Maarten.

Ms. Lake is the President of St. Maarten Small Properties Association and a Board Member of the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry. She is also the Editor-In-Chief of the Chamber’s monthly newsletter. “Being a Board Member of the Chamber for the past year and a half has enable me to grow and excel in so many ways, un-parallel networking opportunities, connecting myself to valuable clients and partnerships through our events, workshops and committees.” Ms. Lake says. “One of my biggest accomplishments thus far, is the being initiator and project leader of the 1st Annual Small Business Plan Contest in June 2015 with our 36 future aspiring entrepreneurs applicants.

“A famous quote I would love to share to all business owners Large and Small, if you fall behind, run faster. Never give up, never surrender, and rise up against the odds” (Mr. Jesse Jackson)

ambassadors of their schools, community and St.

Ms. Lake is the President of Maarten Chamber of Commercenewsletter. “Being a Board Member of the Cand excel in so many ways, un

Chamber Board Holds Bi-Annual CaucusCaucus

The Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors Bi-Annual Caucus was held on June 27th, 2015. During the caucus an assessment was undertaken of the progress made by each team in reaching goals set or completing projects formulated. Approaches were outlined to ensure completion of projects for 2015 within 2015.

The Board furthermore executed its Board evaluations. Each member evaluated the performance of the other members and made recommendations for areas where improvements are needed. The evaluations were then placed on file. Particularly noteworthy was the agreement with the evaluations conducted and acceptance of failures and faults noted. Board President Peggy Ann Brandon stated that “The maturity of this Board permits true evaluations to be conducted, which promote individual growth of the members. Members encourage each other to increase activities and participation within Board context and keep each other on point. The evaluations were perceived in a positive manner by all being evaluated.”

8

August 2015

On Saturday, August 15th twenty students of the Pre-University of St. Martins (PRE-USM) program received certificates for successfully completing the program at a ceremony held at the USM campus. During the course of the program the Chamber of Commerce in participated in a few sessions where students were given help with resume writing, profiling themselves and given interview tips. The Chamber then assisted the University in placing the students into three month long internships where students learned about professionalism in the workplace. Among the graduates was Chamber Intern Winnie Thewet. The Chamber once again takes this opportunity to thank the businesses that assisted with the placement of students.

PRE USM Students Graduate

Chamber Out & About Section

Chamber of Commerce lectures at Sundial School

At the beginning of the new academic year, the Sundial School organizes a series of workshops and excursions for students. The introduction week of activities is a means of bonding between the mentors and students to create a positive atmosphere that will last throughout the new academic year. There were a variety of workshops and activities scheduled for the first week of school for all form one through form four students.

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry Board of Directors Nzinga Lake and Annuska Illis-Friday conducted an hour-long workshop with twenty students of the second form class. Ms. Lake spoke to the students on dressing for success and Mrs. Illis-Friday gave tips on preparing for and follow-up after an interview.

Chamber of Commerce lectures at Sundial School

At the beginning of the new academic year, the Sundial School organizes a series of workshops and excursions for students. The introduction week of activities is a means of bonding between the mentors and students to create a positive atmosphere that willlast throughout the new academic year. There were a variety of workshops and activities scheduled for the first week of school for all form one through form four students.

W. Thewet (m) flanked by Board Member N. Lake (l) and V.P. S. Lint (r)

Chamber Board Members A. Illis-Friday and N. Lake surrounded by Sundial School

students

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Our Mission:

Our Values:

! Promoting the general interests of the business community in St. Maarten

! Informing enterprises on doing business in and through St. Maarten

! Keeping the Commercial Register and the Foundations Register

! Issuing documentary evidence: certificates of origin, extracts, legalizations and other

statements

! Offering solicited and unsolicited advice to Government on matters concerning the

economical development

! To promote and accelerate the economic growth by educating the business community and stimulating inward investment.

S t . M a a r t e n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e & I n d u s t r y 1 1 C . A . C a n n e g i e t e r S t r e e t , P h i l i p s b u r g , S t . M a a r t e n T e l e p h o n e : ( 7 2 1 ) 5 4 2 - 3 5 9 0 / 5 4 2 - 3 5 9 5 T o l l - f r e e : ( 8 4 4 ) 7 9 6 - 2 0 2 4 / S X M - C 0 C I F a x : ( 7 2 1 ) 5 4 2 - 3 5 1 2

w w w . c h a m b e r o f c o m m e r c e . s x i n f o @ c h a m b e r o f c o m m e r c e . s x

Newsletter Committee:

Editor-in-Chief Nzinga Lake

Assistant Editor Ruth Patrick-Solomons

Columnist Annuska Illis-Friday

Layout/Columnist Giselle York

Chamber Board of Directors: Louis Bute Sidharth”Cookie” Bijlani President - Peggy Ann Brandon, LLM Annuska Illis-Friday Vice-President - Stanley Lint Nzinga Lake Treasurer – Anastacio Baker Charlise Philips

Ajay Rawtani

n e w s l e t t e r @ c h a m b e r o f c o m m e r c e . s x

www.facebook.com/sxmcoci