The year 2011 will go down in the annals of history for many things, including natural and financial disasters. It also saw, however, new beginnings such as the re-invigoration of the BCCJ under the stewardship of new Executive Director Lori Henderson, who came on board in February.
A Facebook presence, not to mention LinkedIn and, of course, Twitter now feature in our communications and branding armoury. There is also the move earlier this year to monthly publishing of our magazine BCCJ ACUMEN. These social media featured heavily and most usefully in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, tsunami and resulting nuclear accident at Fukushima—becoming the essential first information point of call for anyone seeking accurate, reasoned and timely advice in conjunction with our colleagues at the British Embassy Tokyo.
Our new website, to be launched in December, is the culmination of many months’ work by the BCCJ and Eat Creative in designing an integrated front and back-end system to better serve our members, as well as the secretariat. I hope you enjoy the look and feel of the site and, if you have any comments, please do not hesitate to drop us a line.
The feedback received about the fourth annual British Business Awards has been unanimously positive. Many people now view this as an integral part of the BCCJ calendar, not only a celebration, but also an excellent use of marketing budgets and an event to which one would wish to take clients and prospective clients.
The new approach to our event categories make it easier for our members to plan their diaries and to get the most out of their membership. The regular follow-up surveys ensure that we continue to deliver the relevant, interesting meetings you have sought. One change we will be making to our events programme in 2012 will be a move to a different location every other month for our 51 Nights, such is its popularity with not only members, but also our hotel members who want to host the occasion. Watch out for more news soon on the 51 Night scheduled for 19 January.
Taking everything into account, it is unsurprising that the BCCJ is the only chamber of commerce in town that is, indeed, growing in terms of both membership and event attendance.
Back to business
The work of the BCCJ continues to promote back-to-business initiatives that provide sustainable, enabling resources to help Tohoku business communities to kick start their local economies.
Through events such as the British Business Awards, we have been able to raise funds to support the recovery efforts in Tohoku. Thank you to all our members and sponsors for supporting these activities throughout the year—this has made, and will continue to make, a real difference.
The secretariat, executive committee and I are looking forward to 2012, and the new challenges that will face us—no matter what they may be.
Best wishes to you all for the festive season and a prosperous New Year.
