NASSAU, BAHAMAS - The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) successfully hosted its annual trade expo on Saturday, November 4th, featuring over 40 exhibitors who had the opportunity to showcase their goods and services and network with other businesses.
During the expo's opening, BCCEC Chairman Khrystle Rutherford-Ferguson expressed her delight at the impressive support, creativity, and talent displayed at the event, which took place at Crypto Isle on East Bay Street.
"Given the challenges businesses faced during COVID-19," Rutherford-Ferguson remarked, "it's heartening to learn that many exhibitors are experiencing better sales now than they did before the pandemic. This is a promising sign that the Bahamian economy is on the upswing. We understand the struggles of advertising and selling your goods, and we deeply appreciate your efforts. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and we are proud to represent you in various ways." Rutherford-Ferguson also emphasized that the event offered local businesses a chance to get to know one another and become more familiar with the BCCEC's work.
Samantha Rolle, the Executive Director of the Access Accelerator Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a sponsor of the event, congratulated the exhibitors for their participation and encouraged them to remain dedicated to their entrepreneurial pursuits.
"Entrepreneurship is often perceived as an easy journey because people mostly see the end results, but they don't witness the challenges along the way or hear the rejections," Rolle noted. "I urge you to stay committed and unwavering in your efforts."
Chantelle Sands, head of SME and Family Island Business at Cable Bahamas Ltd, another sponsor of the event, stated, "ALIV Business felt it was fitting to partner with the trade expo as we remain dedicated to supporting micro, small, and medium-sized businesses throughout The Bahamas. It's crucial for us to come together, network, and engage in discussions with key market stakeholders."
Timothy Ingraham, BCCEC Vice-Chairman while giving the Vote of Thanks, emphasized the Chamber's continued advocacy for the entire business community in the country. He dispelled the misconception that the BCCEC exclusively represents the interests of larger businesses.
Among the exhibitors was 242 Bee Masters, a fully Bahamian-owned and operated company, specializing in all aspects of bee-related endeavors. Their offerings include the production of raw Bahamian honey, bee hive extractions, the establishment of apiaries for individuals seeking personal bee hives on their properties, hive rentals for those with hives aiming for a bountiful harvest, and the sale of beekeeping equipment.
Cemex was another exhibitor at the expo. The culturally diverse cement company has a significant track record of over two decades in The Bahamas. With operational offices in both New Providence and Grand Bahama, the company's Country Manager, Alejandra Rosete, conveyed her enthusiasm for their participation in the expo. She highlighted their local collaborations, including a partnership with Island Cement for the production of construction-grade cement.
Another exhibitor turning heads at the expo was Pure Flava, operated by the fully Bahamian women’s team led by Taneca Malcolm-Ward, C. Tamika Lightbourne, and Christine Turnquest-Knowles. The company which was established in 2021 and is headquartered in Freeport, Grand Bahama aims to sell various authentic Bahamian food and beverage products locally and globally, with its first product, the Conch Broth on full display at the expo.
Attendees also had the opportunity to view and purchase handcrafted products from VanJohn Design Studios which was also an exhibitor at the expo. The company has been creating and designing handbags and jewelry since 2009.
Visit the Trade Expo 2023 Gallery here >>> https://www.thebahamaschamber.com/events-photo-albums
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