Unconventional
Chambers must remain relevant to the communities in which they serve and are constantly evolving and innovating on the types of programmes they develop. See some of the following projects in an activity not typically associated with a chamber of commerce, demonstrating fulfilment of specific needs and objectives of the chamber, its SME member community and/or the local economy.
Cambridge Chamber of Commerce – Funny money
The Chamber believes that it is a paramount role of our organizations to instill in the next generation of National and International Global Leaders strong financial literacy values. Since its inception in 2005, the program has been presented to over 400,000 high school aged children across Canada. It speaks to the students on recognizing the amount of money they have flowing into and out of their lives, to the nature of debt management and to the fact that putting small bits of money away will lead them to a path of financial security for the rest of their lives.
Full project description (PDF)
Danish Chamber of Commerce – Crimestat
The Danish Chamber of Commerce, handling the interests of the retail industry in Denmark, sees the issue of retail robberies as a serious problem which may have extensive psychological consequences for store employees exposed to robberies and may in some cases force stores to close. As a consequence, the Danish Chamber of Commerce, together with a wide range of the Danish retail businesses, took the initiative to establish the Crimestat portal. The purpose of Crimestat was to give the retail industry tools to obtain a detailed and at all times current outline of the robbery and burglary situation which was not the case earlier.
Full project description (PDF)
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry – Dhaka customs house automation project
This project was initiated in 2008 with an objective to reduce bureaucratic tangles and cumbersome processes of paying taxes and at the same time increase revenue by ensuring transparency and accountability. The project will improve efficiency by better risk management, save time for each stakeholder, improve productivity, accountability and compliant to WCO definition by introducing world class IT infrastructure.
Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce – The smoffice
The Smoffice was a national contest to give away the world’s smallest office to an aspiring startup company in Durham free for 60 days. The purpose of the contest was to gain national attention for Durham's hot entrepreneurial scene. The contest also included a free desk, laptop, professional services and a six-month lease on a downtown condo.
Full project description (PDF)
Oslo Chamber of Commerce – International network of Norway
With an unemployment rate of fewer than 2%, Norway relies on foreign skilled workers to fill the gaps in local expertise. Norway is ranked by the UN as one of the best places to live in the world; however this did not stop 15-30% of the foreign labour force from breaking off their contracts early. In late February 20005, the Oslo Chamber of Commerce introduced INN® - International Network of Norway to assist expats in the various aspects of settling into their new lives in Norway. The service includes a handbook, assistance with visas, helping find housing and much more.
Full project description (PDF)