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Gustavia's cramped offices and scattered meeting rooms are a thing of the past. The Chambre économique multiprofessionnelle (Cem) moved into its new premises in the Elvina center on Saint-Jean many months ago. But it was not until Friday November 15, when Cem president Thomas Gréaux officially inaugurated the new premises. A radical change of environment for the structure created fifteen years ago. But also, and above all, for all its employees, who are now united in a single location, covering an area of over 250 square meters, to work in the interests of the socio-professionals of Saint-Barthélemy.
"A strong Cem
"We have put this CEM into battle to prepare the future of Saint-Barthélemy", declared Thomas Gréaux before an audience of guests made up mainly of entrepreneurs. A few elected representatives were also present, including territorial councillors Mélissa Lake (elected to the Cem), Jonas Brin and Fabrice Querrard. We're very confident about the current business model in the short, medium and long term," continued the Cem president. To prepare for our future, we have built a strong Cem while respecting the spirit of the original statutes that were defined by the Collectivité. "We have two priorities: to act as an intermediary for companies and to protect their interests. "Because there is no future for Saint-Barthélemy without business development," insisted Thomas Gréaux.
"At the heart of the economy
The Cem brings together three consular chambers for commerce, trades and agriculture. Following the same rule of "three", the Cem has developed around three poles: one dedicated to businesses, another to the single file with management of the CFAE (annual flat-rate business tax) and updating of the consular company file, and a third dedicated to training. The latter occupies 150 of the new building's 250 square meters, with four rooms reserved for training sessions.
Although he didn't go into detail about Cem's sales figures, President Gréaux did emphasize the fact that the fact that the Chamber has "transformed" itself to become "at the heart of the economy" of the island.
Thomas Gréaux naturally praised the quality of the work carried out by the Cem teams and its director, Thierry Gréaux, as well as the support of councillor Mélissa Lake and all the local elected representatives.
Multiple missions
In Saint-Barthélemy, the Chambre économique multiprofessionnelle carries out some twenty specific missions. Among the longest list of missions are the maintenance of registration registers and the constant updating of the consular database. Within this framework, Cem is part of the approach initiated by the Collectivité's data department, which is to agree on a flow of information and data between the various stakeholders, in compliance with data protection regulations. The Collectivité guarantees Cem the right to operate, access and use the CFAE software.
The Chamber also acts as a one-stop-shop for businesses, by hosting the CFAE, supporting and advising companies (by acting as their agent for formalities, and by facilitating and encouraging competitiveness), in compliance with the legislative and regulatory provisions in force in the field of business confidentiality.It recognizes the quality of craftsman and can award the title of master craftsman.It also has authority over consular networks, and can set up, manage and develop any educational or training establishment. In addition, it is responsible for providing information on apprenticeship to companies, apprentices and institutions. This implies a number of other provisions.
To achieve all these objectives, Cem has launched a study into the forward-looking management of jobs and skills in the region (GPECT). The Chamber's teams hope to be able to draw on this long-term anticipatory work to offer the island's young people, in particular, a range of career options.