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New Business Chamber for Hermanus in the cards. |
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On Tuesday 25 May there will be a meeting held at the Municipal Auditorium where the possibility of a new business chamber in Hermanus will be discussed.
Henri Lerm, chairperson of the Hermanus Business Forum says, “The time has never been so right to unite as a business community to form a body that will be representative of all business components in the area and will be able to actively drive projects and act as the voice of business in Hermanus.”
Currently business structures in Hermanus are lacking and Lerm hopes to change this by implementing this new body which is anticipated to be affiliated to similar organizations such as the Cape Town Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“It is important for a new leadership to emerge and to steer this body through a turbulent new era,” he said.
Lerm also stated, “The aftermath of the world-wide recession is posing specific challenges that are prevalent in new buying patterns by consumers as well as lifestyle changes. Business will have to take cognisance of the daily battle of consumers facing an increasing spiral in commodity prices that is making it difficult for them to make ends meet.”
“The Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) has succeeded in highlighting the unique assets of the Overstrand and Hermanus and laying the foundations for marketing one of the most lucrative tourism destinations in the world. Now it is time for the business sector to come to the table and participate in the process by offering quality services at reasonable prices. One of the factors that will level the playing field for developers and provide clear guidelines on what can be done, as well as minimum standards to adhere to, will be the release in June of a study into high density areas and business nodes in Hermanus by a group of consultants that were appointed by the town council. This will go a long way in eliminating friction between officials, developers and ratepayers and is something that has been requested by the business community for many years.”
Lerm believes that pro-activity and co-operation among the different role players are the key to future success of the town.
“The establishment of new regional shopping centres such as the Checkers centre and the proposed Whale Coast Mall by Retail Africa will present specific challenges with regard to the revitalisation of the CBD in Hermanus. These are some of the issues that should be tackled by a vibrant, active and representative new business chamber,” Lerm concluded.
The meeting starts at 17:30.
Please contact Henri Lerm if you would like to participate: 082 555 9984 /
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