The Chamber of Commerce is striving to raise its profile in the bid to "educate, represent and promote" on the path to an economically stronger Bermuda.

So says Chamber of Commerce President Charles Gosling, who explained that the body was making a number of changes in continuing to fulfil its role of representing and facilitating good commerce.

Mr. Gosling also said the International Companies Division was looking at becoming an affiliated organisation rather than a division of the Chamber.

"They feel there has been some confusion as to who addresses the needs of the International Business community with a physical base on the Island as well as not having received the true recognition of the many programmes they fund such as the ICEA scholarships which annually raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship monies.

"It is believed that by being an affiliated organisation, rather than a division of the Chamber, they will create a stronger body able to better negotiate their positions."

Mr. Gosling added that a Management Committee had been set up which now meets on a weekly basis, "reviewing what has happened during the week, continuing momentum, on certain issues and prioritising others".

"The minutes of the division meetings and those of the board are being passed up and down the ladder to ensure better communication and to ensure a common focus and drive," he said.

"The number of active divisions is increasing and we are working on getting more up and running. We have recently begun inviting individual Division Chairmen to attend from time to time monthly board meetings to inform, represent and advise the board on the activities of their sections.

"I feel it is fundamental, if we are to raise the profile of the Chamber of Commerce that our board and Division executives have the support and confidence given by knowledge and shared ownership of what we are doing as an organisation."