It is our distinct pleasure to welcome you to the Montero Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry Expo 2007. This is an event that has become a calendar item for us in western Jamaica.

The expo is more than just a trade show; it's a complete package that facilitates investment opportunities, as well as an educational forum with a full entertainment package for the entire family, in the preferred destination, Montego Bay.

Dubbed 'the friendly city', 'the complete resort', and the, 'gateway to the Caribbean', Montego Bay is poised for expansive economic development and growth ... so whether you are shopping around for that business opportunity or just having fun, Montero Bay is unquestionably the place to be.

exciting and fulfilling

Doing business in Montero Bay is exciting and fulfilling ... whether you're in the tourist trade on the 'Hip Strip', the 'elegant corridor' or any of our other favoured locations, its just absolutely great being here and sharing in the warmth and friendliness of our people and getting a true taste of the real Jamaican culture.

The ICT business, retail shopping and construction industries are booming at this time and, all around, the buzz is on to get a 'piece of the action', before its too late. All this can only position us more strategically in the marketplace and give us that edge as the preferred destination.

phenomenal business

The energy and enthusiasm shared by the business sector in the region at this time is phenomenal. As a Chamber, we are an advocate for recruiting new investors; we are committed to facilitating new businesses as well as fostering the expansion of existing ones.

This year as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary, the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry is proud to present the 12th staging of the expo under the theme "Uniting Jamaica and the Caribbean through trade."

We hope that in accomplishing the challenge of bringing together buyers and sellers in an environment where they can network with each other, we would have fulfilled our role as the engine of growth for trade and development in the city.

It's our pleasure to help make it happen. You make it happen ... Make it Montego Bay, It's the place to be.

Give us a call at (876)952-6045 or email us at montegobaychamber@cwjamaica.com

- Pauline A. Reid
President

Developing the J'can industry

On Friday, October 19, 2007, when we open the 12th staging of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) trade exposition, Expo 2007, we will be continuing a concept which had its genesis 17 years ago. Then, the thought behind having the Expo was that this would contribute significantly to the development of trade and industry in Jamaica. This year, as a Chamber, we are no less cognizant of the need to continue making this contribution, which is even more important in today's global marketplace.

Over the years, the Expo has sought to bring its exhibitors to the attention of the wider public, as we have wide sector participation in the areas of manufacturing, services, technology, trade and investments, tourism, craft, agriculture and education. This year, we have the added attraction of a speakers' forum, where we will seek to educate exhibitors and attendees in the areas of micro and small business financing, the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) and entrepreneurship.

As we seek to educate and showcase the various participants, we are aware that persons want to be entertained and, in this regard, we will be having various entertainment

packages each day. On Friday, we will have special entertainment for "schools' day", including a speakers' forum. On Saturday, the special attraction will be Romain Virgo, 'Rising Star 2007' winner and the adult 'Spelling Bee'. Sunday, the gospel concert will provide a fitting climax to the event.

Thanks to our sponsors, who have contributed much to the success of the Expo, over the years. A very special 'thank you' to: The Gleaner Co. Ltd., the Guardsman Group, Hot 102, Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Public Service Co. Ltd., Linkz 96 FM, MBJ Airports Ltd., Music 99 FM, National Commercial Bank, News Talk 93 FM, Power 106, and the Sunday Herald, who are our sponsors this year.

We invite the public to come out and see what our exhibitors have to offer. We are sure that when the 'curtain comes down' on our Expo on Sunday, October 21, 2007, we would have had a successful event and you would not have been disappointed!

Blessings!