Chambers of commerce and industry who think they’ve got what it takes to win a prestigious World Chambers Competition award have until the end of February to submit their entries.
The Competition is the only global awards programme that gives chambers of commerce and industry a platform to showcase originality, demonstrate their resolve to strengthen small- and medium-sized enterprises, and improve member services. The deadline for entries is 1 March 2009.
In this year’s edition of the biennial Competition, Mohi'aldin Yahya Hakami, General Manager of the IT and Information Sector at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry is vying for the title of Best Networking Project. “The Competition gives regional chambers of commerce and industry like ours the chance to portray our experience serving the private sector and developing strategies that will support the economy of Jeddah, and ultimately the kingdom of Saudi Arabia,“ he said.

In 2009, chambers are being given a chance to shine in a number of new categories designed to stimulate entrepreneurial creativity and inspire other chambers.

This year’s categories are:
 
• Best Unconventional Project 
• Best Small Business Project 
• Best International Project 
• Best Networking Project 
A special recognition award will also be given for the best project from a chamber of a developing country. 

"The inspiring exchange of ideas and the inclusively beneficial nature of the World Chambers Competition ensure that ultimately every chamber is a winner.” said Rona Yircali, Chairman of the World Chambers Federation.

Four finalists for each of the categories will present their projects to the international judging panel at the 6th World Chambers Congress on 3-5 June in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A panel of international judges will face the challenge of short-listing four finalists for each of the categories. The jury comprises representatives from transnational, national and local chambers of commerce appointed by WCF and includes former winners of the World Chambers Competition.

Since its inception, the competition has produced a large number of case studies. In the 2007 competition, WCF received 55 dossiers from 38 countries.
To learn more about the competition or to submit your project, visit:  www.worldchamberscompetition.com