I assume the office of President of the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce 46 years after it was founded.  The past has created a well structured and professional organization dedicated to Support, Promote and Protect the interest of business.  The future holds many challenges due to the extended economic downturn, but as I noted in my acceptance remarks on assuming this office, there are great opportunities in this uncertainty for the  the wise, the brave and insightful. Together with our Council, and our professional staff, I intend to work diligently on your behalf to seize those opportunities for the Chamber and for the business community in the Cayman Islands.

This year, in addition to the other good work expected of your Chamber, I intend to place focus and attention on small to medium sized enterprises (SME's).  SME's are the lifeblood of any economy and it is no different in Cayman.  Whatever we can do to support and elevate this sector is good for these businesses and by extension good for the economy.  To this end the Council will work to develop a small business policy agenda that we can present to Government for consideration.  I am a small business owner myself and as such I am uniquely aware of the increasing cost of doing business that has been coupled with the impact of declining revenues.  I intend to be an advocate for this vitally important sector.

As further support for business the Chamber will soon introduce an alternative Health Insurance plan intended to reduce operating costs of businesses that otherwise would not qualify for a larger scale plan, offer back-office Human Resources assistance to better equip small businesses in dealing with the myriad of current and proposed employment related legislation, and to offer business coaching services to equip CEO's to better understand the process of business and enable their venture to succeed and grow.

In 2010 the Chamber embarked on an ambitious long term project in conjunction with our public service partners.  The resulting Future of Cayman economic development initiative is a cooperative strategy of addressing key areas we call 'drivers' that together will help to create a better future for all of us in the Cayman Islands.  The five drivers are Develop Talent, Build a Smarter Infrastructure, Diversify the Economy, Enhance the Quality of Life, and Create a Business Friendly Climate.
We are fortunate to have so many volunteers serving on these sub-committee driver groups and I encourage you if not already involved, to review the information found on www.futureofcayman.com and give of your time and talent to advance this outstanding effort.

I have always found our Chamber of Commerce to be future focused.  To this end we have recently completed a review and revision of our three year strategic plan.  Key areas for our focus will be Innovation, Relationships, Advocacy and Influence.  You will see more on these focus themes as the year progresses.

I am humbled by the quality, character and vision of the Presidents of the Chamber of Commerce that have served before me.  I trust that at the conclusion of my year as President I will have demonstrated my respect for the path they have set.  I appreciate the confidence of the membership and ask for your help during my year to better represent you, the business community of all the Cayman Islands. 

The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce is YOUR Chamber. Get involved.  Together we are more effective in achieving the goals of the Chamber, to Support, Promote and Protect your business.

David Kirkaldy
President - 2012