Chamber of Commerce

Raising Your Profile In The Community

Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Mike Waters, was re-elected at last month's annual meeting. His return to office follows a successful year at the helm which has steered the Penzance group into highly productive waters.

Following Mayor Jack Aitken's presentation of plans last April, regarding utilisation of Objective One funding to increase the overall prosperity of the town, Mike joined a Steering Group, the Penzance Harbour and Town Regeneration Project, on behalf of the Chamber. The organisations represented by Steering Group members have since raised the sum of £37,000, which covered the initial costs of putting together proposals for the project. Following a recent public exhibition of the work undertaken, Phase Two of the project will commence in April.

In June, while meeting with the Mid-Cornwall Group of Chambers of Commerce and Tourism in St Austell, Mike realised that when individual Chambers work together on common issues their voice is much greater. He contacted other Chambers in our area to gauge their feelings on the matter, and as a result the West Cornwall Group of Chambers of Commerce was formed. The collective covers the whole of Penwith and Kerrier Districts and, as such, can represent the interests of the business community on common issues to District and County Councils.

No sooner had the West Cornwall group been formed when the Chamber was invited to become part of the Cornwall Business Partnership which, as well as Chambers, includes the FSB, Institute of Directors, Confederation of British Industry, and related bodies. This group is highly regarded at County Council and Regional Development Agency level, and offers the Chamber an opportunity to be consulted and listened to on a wide range of issues.

Mike Waters represents the Chamber at the Integrated Area Plan Steering Group, which oversees the application and disbursement of projects wishing to attract Objective One funding. He is also involved in preliminary discussions over the formation of a Penwith Business Forum facilitating concentration on issues that have a direct impact on local business.

The foundation laid in the past 12 months have allowed the Chamber to reach greater heights and have set the stage for continued growth in future years.

Public Exhibition of Regeneration Plans

A public showing of plans for the Penzance Harbour and Town Regeneration Project was held at the Old Cornishman Building on the 2nd and 3rd of March. The exhibition highlighted a range of proposals for strengthening the local economy, developing existing resources and for community involvement. The proposals were put on display to allow public comment before final decisions were made, and visitors were asked to rate the draft plans in scale of importance. Four key areas have been highlighted for regeneration - the South pier and marina, Market Jew Street and Wharf Road, Chapel Street and Quay Street, and the Western Promenade. Of these the most ambitious scheme is the development of the harbour to create a marina and larger berths for the Scillonian ferries. A show of public support was an essential ingredient in application for funding, and Phase Two of the project will commence once findings have been analysed.

Business collective lights up Penzance festivities

The recently-formed Penzance Christmas and New Year Fund, a collective of local publicans and retailers seeking to heighten annual festivities in the town, joined the Chamber this month. The group, who hope to involve the whole community in their plans, take over from the Penzance Christmas Lights committee, the Brighter Christmas Volunteers.

They have a range of exciting ideas, not just for seasonal decorations, but for a variety of public events. Sam Ryan, landlord of the First and Last and a senior representative of the PCNYF, has spoken of his "aspirations for the continued improvement of festive celebrations in Penzance."

At the last Chamber meeting, Hazel Trembath expressed her delight that a younger generation was embracing the task that she has been involved in for many years. While she is retiring from active participation in the ongoing project, her support is still strong.

Members of the PCNYF, along with the Chamber, would again like to say a big thank you to all those whose efforts have kept our Christmas lights shining until now, and especially to Hazel and Roger Trembath for their huge commitment. Future Christmas celebrations will be a wonderful continuation of the tradition kept alive through their years of hard work.

Waterproof letterbox labels

The Penwith Neighbourhood Watch Trust has designed and purchased self-adhesive labels that request any person posting in your letterbox to push all mail completely through. By doing this it is more difficult for the thief to recognise the possibility that no-one is at home, thereby making your home safer. A good quantity of these are available from Penzance Police Station. Collect yours now ... its free!

An Introduction to Microbiology

Slovakian-born microbiologist, Dr Eva Kocianova, wishes to introduce herself to the Chamber. Eva studied microbiology in Slovakia and Prague before going on to become Head of Department at the Drug Research Institute at Modra in 1986. Moving to the UK, she was then a research fellow at the University of Birmingham, and later a process engineer with Severn Water. Now living in Cornwall, Dr Kocianova runs her own business, Scientific Consultancy Services. She may be contacted at: 49 Treguddock Drive, Wadebridge, Cornwall PL27 6BQ EvaK7@yahoo.co.uk

Primitive & Intolerable

A letter to the Chamber from the Pedestrian Association has called for action over what is described as a "primitive and intolerable situation" regarding a lack of bus shelters in Penzance.

"People have to stand and wait for buses unsheltered in all weather conditions, often laden with heavy shopping and having to control children," complains Association spokesman Mr Miners, who feels that a show of public feeling will assist moves to resolve the situation.

Mr Miners asks readers to support his campaign by writing to him at: Flat 2, St Paul's House, Penzance, TR18 2QA.

Chamber Annual Dinner

The annual Chamber dinner will now be held at the Mount Prospect Hotel, Penzance, on 28 April. If you would like to attend, please contact the Secretary, Mrs Yvonne Neale, as soon as possible on 01736-719222.

Spotlight on Business - Renaissance Renaissance

Serving a sumptuous menu of Mediterranean delicacies, the Renaissance Café and Bar re-opened last week following refurbishment. The café, which first opened its doors last July, returns with a new cocktail bar and a new chef. The Renaissance stands in a prominent location at the Wharfside Shopping Centre, with panoramic views of Mount's Bay and St Michael's Mount. Its outdoor seating area is a popular daytime destination in brighter weather, where guests can have lunch or taste a variety of coffees while taking in the scenery. The relaxing ambience of the interior is a pleasing location for drinks and meals, day or night. The Café's express lunch menu features daily al fresco, pizza and pasta at very reasonable prices, while the evening menu offers a wide choice of dishes, including salmon, steak, Greek salad and a selection of daily fish specials. The Renaissance has a well stocked bar of wines and beers, and a range of tempting cocktails worthy of exploration. To reserve a table, telephone 01736-366277.

New Members

Penzance Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Exhibit One (Ms Karen Heale) and the First and Last Inn, Penzance (Mr & Mrs Sam and Lorna Ryan) as new members of the Chamber.

Chamber Officers

Elected to office at the recent A.G.M. were:-

Forthcoming Meetings

The next monthly Chamber Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 3rd 2001 at the Queens Hotel, The Promenade, Penzance at 7.30pm.

Previous Newsletters

1999
   Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

2000
   Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

2001
   Jan | Feb | Current month

PENZANCE - THE PLACE TO BE

More about Penzance Chamber of Commerce can be found at:-