THE BUSINESS AREA OF OPPORTUNITY

 “Economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise.”

To provide the opportunity to the Individual Member to contribute to the development and enhancement of the economic infrastructure, prosperity and well being in all nations.

Almost all members of Junior Chamber are involved in some business activity – working on their own, for another company, or preparing to open their own business.

 Junior Chamber was established in 1915 to give young people an active voice in the business community. This same purpose is now found in the Business Area of Opportunity and divided into two Commissions:

 A.  FINANCE COMMISSION

This Commission ensures that the chapter’s finances are handled in a proper way and look for ways to enhance the financial stability of the chapter. The following checklist will serve as a quick review tool for members of the Finance Commission.

B.   RECORDS COMMISSION

This Commission ensures that the history of the chapter is kept and that all projects have a final report, which will be kept for future reference. Financial records, minutes, important documents should be kept in an organized system for easy reference.  

C.  STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMISSION

This Commission should be composed of a mix of experienced and new members. Their task is to periodically review the current structure and activities and suggest changes. The following checklist will serve as a quick review tool for members of the Strategic Planning Commission.  

D.  MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMISSION

This Commission ensures that the chapter is well known and its image is appreciated by the community.

E.   BUSINESS AFFAIRS COMMISSION

In the Business Affairs Commission, members can exchange business ideas or do business with any member in a network of almost 400,000 members around the world.

Business opportunities give Junior Chamber the chance to enhance the economics of the community by conducting projects to increase business productivity. Economic progress can be achieved by visiting successful companies to learn how they conduct their business, and by inviting successful entrepreneurs to speak at monthly meetings. Junior Chambers can conduct training sessions on how to enhance company operations and promote free enterprise as the best way to achieve economic justice.

Many National Organizations and chapters organize special trade missions to other countries to establish business relations and exchange technology, organize small investment clubs, publish business directories, etc. At World Congresses, trade seminars encourage members to practice free enterprise and develop business contacts.

F.   INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COUNCIL

Membership in the International Business Network offered by Junior Chamber International is a great opportunity to network with other current and past members from around the world. Many National Organizations and chapters have established their own business networks.

G.  CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PARTNERSHIP COMMISSION

Since its establishment, Junior Chamber has had close links to the local chambers of commerce. In many communities, the local chapter is sponsored by the chamber of commerce and has its meetings and secretariat at their building. In other communities, local chapters and the chamber of commerce have cooperation agreements and work together to develop the business within their communities.

Junior Chamber International has a formal agreement with the International Chamber of Commerce and every chapter should pursue the opportunities available in having a formal agreement with their local chambers of commerce.

The following guidelines should help chapters to establish formal agreements with their respective chambers of commerce:

Objective:

To strengthen cooperation between Junior Chamber organizations and the Chambers of Commerce at the international, national, and local levels. Such partnerships should be based on our similar principles and philosophies and should establish shared objectives that provide mutual benefits.

Framework:

Junior Chamber organizations at the local and national levels should establish mutual contacts with their respective Chambers of Commerce. These contacts will be the starting point for discussing and eventually agreeing to establish joint projects and leadership development initiatives.

Agreement Goals:

• It's understood that such agreements would in no way restrict neither entity’s respective independence, nor their full liberty of action and expression.
  
• The President of the local or national Junior Chamber will appoint a liaison officer to attend various Chamber of Commerce and Junior Chamber meetings and develop ideas for joint projects.
  
• Representatives of both organizations shall be invited to each other's annual or semi-annual meetings.
  
• Each organization shall place the other on its mailing list for information exchange and updates.
  
• Each organization shall regularly update the other by mailing activities programs and meeting schedules.
  
• Junior Chamber organizations will allow the respective Chamber of Commerce to inform its members of Junior Chamber activities and membership opportunities.
  
• The Chamber of Commerce may, whenever possible, allow Junior Chamber organizations to utilize resources of the Chamber for programs, meetings and training.
  
• Chamber of Commerce may submit project ideas to its respective Junior Chamber and seek to develop business-related community projects.