During the past three months, the Board of the Italian Chamber of Commerce has focussed on putting in place an innovative plan to significantly enhance the benefits and services the Chamber offers, including the move toward embracing the electronic era and developing a paperless office. Improved services will be supported by an administrative structure enabling the Chamber to grow and develop as a commercially efficient and culturally significant organisation.
The Board has initiated a number of initiatives including;
The Organisation of Major Networking Functions
Details of the first two major networking functions are enclosed below. You are cordially invited to attend the lunch and the cocktail party with the Italian Ambassador. This event forms part of the ‘Sistema Italia’ project, which see’s the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Queensland host the Ambassador of Italy, the Italian Trade Commissioner, Consuls from each state, the Presidents and Secretary Generals for all of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Australia and the Italian Institute of Culture.
We expect a large attendance at both of the functions, which I am sure will be good networking opportunities and very enjoyable.
Two other major networking functions are being organised before Christmas and details will soon be provided.
The Redevelopment of the ICCI Website
The Board, in conjunction with the Administration team, are presently working on developing a fully functional electronic commerce strategy and web site, which will allow members to join the Chamber and interact with the website to manage their own profiles. This new platform will form the cornerstone for expansion into streamlined operations and state of the art management of data with the highest level of security.
To get to the interim website, go to http://www.icci.com.au/
The Provision of Consulting Services to Business
The amount of consulting services provided by the Chamber to members and other businesses is steadily increasing and beginning to generate as we expand the network to incorporate Italian and Australian Universities, Trade Queensland, and many other major organisations and institutions.
The Appointment of a New Secretary General and Trade Officer
The new Board is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Secretary General – Cav. Alessandro Sorbello, Producer of the Official ‘Italian Week’ , an Initiative of the Italian Consulate, joined the Italian Chamber on the 6th of July. Miss Federica Odorisio joined the Chamber as the new Trade Officer. Alessandro and Federica are already proving their very substantial worth. The Chamber has recruited the best talent to secure re-emergence as the pre-eminent organisation of its type in Australia.
The Promotion of Visits by Italian Business Delegates to Australia and Queensland
Both the Treasurer of the Chamber and I have recently travelled to Italy and whilst there have had very useful meetings with senior representatives of Italian-based Chambers of Commerce and other relevant authorities, encouraging them to put together trade delegation visits to our country.
The response to these direct approaches (and to very regular contact with Italian companies and authorities by our Chamber officers) has been very encouraging. We expect visits to Australia to eventuate.
Collaboration with the Australian Italian Chambers of Commerce
The above trade/businesses development work is being complimented by the development of closer ties between the ICCI (Qld) and the other Italian Chambers of Commerce in Australia. We are promoting Australia as a multiple destination for incoming trade missions and we are pleased with the greater goodwill that is developing between all of the Chambers of Commerce in Australia.
Other Initiatives
Much more is being worked upon, including the development of a significant membership drive, sponsorship packages and specific service offerings to our members. More on these and other initiatives in the near future. Stay tuned for the Member2Member program currently under development, which will see a significant value proposition for all existing and new members of the Chamber.
In the meantime, please join the Board and the Administration team along with the Ambassador of Italy and the ‘Sistema Italia’ network for the Ambassadors lunch and cocktail, hosted by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Queensland.
