David Rowntree revealed yesterday.

Under the proposed changes, chamber membership would be grouped into one of three areas -- hospitality, local business and professional firms.

Each unit, would have its own council and the resulting three councils would fall under the chamber's executive board.

Currently, there is one council and one executive board.

The new structure resulted from two-days of brainstorming by the chamber's executive board, council representatives and chamber team members.

"A restructuring task force is in the final stages of creating a proposal for an organisational restructuring. We are considering a three pillar approach that identifies with the key industry sectors in Bermuda,'' Rowntree, speaking at the chamber's annual general meeting at the Hamilton Princess, said. "The objective is to create an improved two-way communication strategy that will be supported by a less cumbersome organisational structure.'' The new structure, as well as a new constitution, will be presented to the membership soon, he added.

The hope is that a structural change will "promote better relationships and communication'' among like businesses, he said.

It will mean a "more timely and more informed presentation of concerns,'' he said.

Though these three councils would be separate ideas will flow between them, he said.

The ultimate goal is to make the entire chamber a more proactive team.

"One group can no longer lobby to protect their turf while excluding others from around the table who may have similar interests,'' he told chamber members.

He also said that hidden agendas must be thrown out.

"Government and the private sector have just agreed to hire the Monitor Group at an initial cost of $1 million-plus.

"This is a prime example of teaming up. To ensure the success of this investment, we must learn to understand and respect the value of teamwork.'' On the financial side, the chamber's annual report said it decreased the 1995 deficit.

In 1996, net income of $67,100 decreased the prior year's deficit to $139,000 from $206,100.

Looking ahead, the chamber said its energies in 1997 need to be focused on tourism.

"The chamber will work closely with the Monitor Group and with the Ministry of Tourism in forging partnerships designed to rebuild our core industry.'' Tourism, has been in a ten-year slump, he said.

DAVID ROWNTREE -- Restructuring task force in final stages of creating a proposal.

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