Today marks an important milestone in the long history of
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
It is not only launching an entirely new brand but will in
future trade under a different name - Birmingham Chamber of
Commerce Group.
The new brand picks up the design adopted by the British
Chambers of Commerce and the change of name reflects the expanding
activities of Birmingham Chamber, founded 197 years ago.
The Chamber has merged with Southern Staffordshire Chamber whose
component parts - Burton & District, Chase and Lichfield &
Tamworth - now operate under the Group banner.
Solihull Chamber has operated in a similar way for a number of
years. Also part of the Chamber Group are the Institute of Asian
Businesses and the Midlands Chapter of the British American
Business Council, which links businesses on both sides of the
Atlantic.
The official launch of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group will
take place at tonight's annual dinner and awards, hosted by
president Paul Bassi at the International Convention Centre.
Mr Bassi said: "We still have work to do to make the Chamber fit
for the 21st century. We will continue to improve our performance
and measures will be taken shortly to enable the president and
vice-presidents to focus on public policy and advocacy
priorities.
"We have high ambitions for growing yet further our membership
base and for increasing the return from our member services."