Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business (PCB)
ONE CITY ONE CHAMBER
The Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business (PCB) is a voluntary association of business enterprises and came into existence on 1 August 2002 as a result of the unification of the Midlands Black Business Chamber, the Pietermaritzburg Sakekamer and the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Commerce & Industries, all of which disbanded to form the new body. The process is thought to be unique within the chamber movement in South Africa. The PCB stands alone as a comprehensively united business organisation enjoying wide credibility and the full confidence of government at all levels.
The PCB is registered as an Association incorporated under section 21 of the Companies Act and is also a registered Non-profit Organisation. It is active within the national ambit of Organised Business and is fully committed to the unity of business at provincial and national levels.
THE VOICE OF PIETERMARITZBURG
The PCB represents the business community of Pietermaritzburg and districts. It speaks to local, provincial and national government. It contributes to the policy positions of the South African Chamber of Commerce & Industries (SACCI). Its representations are widely respected within the context of excellent relationships. Forum meetings, at which business issues of the day are discussed, provide members with the opportunity of participating in this advocacy process by expressing their views and thereby having input into the formulation of PCB policy.
ECONOMIC AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT
The PCB motto, "Economic and Enterprise Development", gives recognition to the Chamber's two-fold primary raison d'être: local economic development and the growth and prosperity of business enterprises. The two are inextricably linked, for without either, the other won't occur. It is the mission of the PCB to promote better business, more and successful entrepreneurship, local economic development and the growth of business enterprises within the Msunduzi and uMgungundlovu municipal areas.
The particular focus in the sphere of local economic development is on those sectors which, because of the extent of their current or potential status within the manufacturing, agricultural and commercial environments, are the economic strengths of the region. Sectoral development involves the conscious growth of economic nuclei so as to stimulate the broader economic environment and is a universally-recognised strategy for the achievement of regional prosperity.
OBJECTIVES
• The promotion and support of local business.
• Local economic growth.
• The development of the city and surrounds as a prime locality for investment.
• The development of the city and surrounds as a destination of choice for tourists.
• The creation of employment opportunities.
• The promotion of best practice in business.
• The promotion of entrepreneurial enterprise and small business, in particular.
• The facilitation of Black Economic Empowerment.
• The provision of relevant services, guidance and information.
• The effective representation of the views of business.
• The establishment of a vibrant business network.
• The establishment and maintenance of constructive partnerships.
• The preservation and furtherance of the interests of Chamber members.
• The financial sustainability and improvement of the Chamber.
