The quality of entries in the Best Unconventional Project category of the 2009 World Chambers Competition has been so high that the judges have announced six finalists rather than the customary four.

An array of entries were received, from revitalizing the coconut industry in the Philippines to assisting the victims of earthquakes in China.

All finalists will present their projects to an international judging panel during the 6th World Chambers Congress, with the winner announced at a special event to be held on the final day of the Congress.

This year’s finalists are:

Camara de Industria, Comercio, Servicios y Turismo se Santa Cruz (CAINCO) – Entrepreuneurship fostering social cohesion
The Entrepreneurship fostering social cohesion project was created to open up opportunities for micro- enterprises in the most dynamic economic sectors in Bolivia. This was achieved through various activities including promoting the transfer of experiences and knowledge, improving management knowledge among entrepreneurs, and exploring new markets for micro-businesses. Social aspects were also a part of the project and included developing a recycling culture in the region and creating a physical space for educational and cultural activities.

"This major world event allows us a global learning experience as well as to present our local achievement, with the hope that this Chamber may serve other communities in developed or developing countries" said Daniel Velasco, Managing Director, Camara de Industria, Comercio, Servicios y Turismo se Santa Cruz.

Izmir Chamber of Commerce – Izmir University of Economics
The Izmir Chamber of Commerce realized that without the creation of an internationally orientated labour force, Izmir would be left behind in the rapidly developing world economy. Although establishing a university is not an activity typically associated with a chamber of commerce, in 2001 the chamber established the Izmir University of Economics. Through the university, the chamber has been able to strengthen its members and create a strong link between the business and academia.

Oslo Chamber of Commerce – INN – 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 their contracts early. In late February 2005, 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, help find housing and much more.

"We are thrilled about being a finalist. A lot of hard work is paying off and we look forward to sharing with others what we have done and participate in Malaysia," said Lars-Kåre Legernes, Managing Director, Oslo Chamber of Commerce Norway.

Wermland Chamber of Commerce – Meetingpoint Wermland

In 2000, a survey showed that only 41% of Varmland’s (one of 21 counties in Sweden) companies had an email address. The Wermland Chamber of Commerce created the Meetingpoint Wermland project to increase the knowledge and growth of ICT skills in the region, and therefore the competitiveness of local companies. The project is a portal which offers various services to facilitate the cost-effective exchange of electronic messages, including invoicing and ordering.

"During several years Meetingpoint Wermland has shown great results and generated huge benefits for small and medium enterprises. It´s both fantastic and honourable being one of the finalists in such an important international forum as World Chambers Competition," said Ulf Ljungdahl, Managing Director, Wermland Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia (CCIWA) – Apprenticeships Australia

A major challenge for Western Australian businesses has been the decline of skilled labour. With the government unable to fulfil industries requirements, the CCIWA stepped in with a solution, the Apprenticeships Australia project. CCIWA has now become the largest employer in Western Australia of apprentices and trainees across a range of occupations with 900 apprentices and trainees and more than 200 different host employees.

"We are honoured to be chosen as finalists in the World Chambers Competition and are excited at the recognition Apprenticeships Australia has received,” said Ann Campbell, General Manager, Apprenticeships Australia, Chamber of Commerce & Industry Western Australia. “We are proud of providing a solution to the skills shortage in Western Australia and developing a unique revenue source for our Chamber. We are very excited to represent our project on the world stage in the Best Unconventional Project category, at the World Chambers Congress in Kuala Lumpur."

South Trinidad Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Safe to Work in Trinidad and Tobago

The Safe to Work in Trinidad and Tobago (STOW-TT) project addressed the health, safety and environment (HSE) challenges facing the energy sector in the country. Previously companies managed their HSE needs individually, usually adopting them from parent companies abroad. STOW-TT introduced an overall management of HSE in the energy sector which provided companies with one set of clearly-defined, industry-approved principles.

“The South Trinidad Chamber of Industry and Commerce (STCIC) is extremely honored to have our Safe To Work in Trinidadand Tobago project adjudged as a finalist for the Best Unconventional Project category of the World Chambers Competition. This recognition sends a powerful affirmation that STOW-TT stands out as innovative, unconventional and world class and is a testimony to the hard work that the team has put into implementing the project in Trinidad and Tobago”.

The World Chambers Competition, organized by the ICC World Chambers Federation, is the only global awards programme to recognize the most innovative projects undertaken by chambers of commerce and industry from around the world. The 2009 edition of the World Chambers Competition attracted 48 entries from 31 countries.

For more information on the World Chambers Competition, please  click here 

For more information on the 6th World Chambers Congress, please click here