SIMON’S TOWN BUSINESS
ASSOCIATION
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Chairpersons Message |
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The past 12 months have been very hard on businesses across South Africa, and the world recession has touched us all. Here in ST we were also hampered by the loss of our train for a significant period and by reduced numbers of Navy personal for several months (just one of the many effects of the World Cup), both of these in addition to the usual increased rents, rates, labour and service costs. There are many common concerns that we have to address to ensure that our little Town can prosper. I believe it is imperative a strategy is developed, to come up with clever and innovative solutions and who better than the businesses of the town. We have to work together to identify areas for improvement, exert pressure for better service delivery, brighten our streets, combat safety concerns and make Simon’s Town the top attraction in the South Peninsula. I am really lucky to have a strong Executive Committee who are as determined as I that the next two years will lay the groundwork for an effective and smooth running Business Association. I don't expect we will always agree on every topic and every course of action, but we all agree there is a requirement to work cleverly and effectively to increase the business turnover of our Town. Accommodation providers need visitors to be attracted to our restaurants and shops, and they need things to see and do. We need clean beaches and safe streets and to offer a variety of services to residents and visitors alike. And so it goes around. Every business can help. Every one of us has a business and that means every one of us has to think strategically to survive. We need to locate cost-effective marketing, make sure costs and profits are balanced, and deal with difficult staffing decisions... Logically I know that if we work together sharing our experiences and expertise we will be able to enhance the business success of our Town. The Business Association is your voice and we are your agents, you can be as involved as you want to be. But we do need you to join and be a part of the solution. The benefits of Membership will grow as our strategies take shape. Amongst other things we plan to offer beneficial rates and inclusion in marketing projects to members, and to organise business-related seminars, and social and networking events. We look forward to your ideas for other benefits and cooperative projects. But most of all – the Simon’s Town Business Association provides you with the opportunity to be a part of a community focused on promoting Simon’s Town as the destination that “has it all” - a focus that will benefit the Town and all of its businesses. Join the SBA and make it happen! Margaret Silk |
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Membership List
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Fellow Business Owners in, and around, Simon's Town, I write as the newly elected Chair of the Simon's Town Business Association.