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Sitting in the conference room of the Chambre économique multiprofessionnelle in Saint-Jean, Thomas Gréaux has a serene, relaxed smile on his face. President of the Cem since 2020, it is with the satisfaction of a job well done that he has decided to step down. I'm not standing for re-election to the presidency of the Cem," he says. I want to make this known as soon as possible, so that the island's entrepreneurs who wish to express their vision within the Cem can come forward. "The elections to renew the college of elected members will be held on April 12. A date that will mark a renewal within the Chamber, which will change its face while continuing to pursue its missions.
"Taking action for Saint-Barthélemy
For Thomas Gréaux, the most important thing is to convey "a message of the future" to the island's entrepreneurs. The Cem is now well known and recognized for its expertise," says the President. It has become indispensable to the island's economic life. In particular, by guiding the Collectivité in decision-making. Cem is punchy, inspiring and unique. To act at Cem is to act for Saint-Barthélemy. As a result, it's an experience I'm proud of, and I invite our island's entrepreneurs to come and discover the Cem effect. "
In five years, the Chamber's teams have succeeded in weaving a social network with the island's entrepreneurs. It's a local, free and open place where you can welcome, interact, listen and create links with local business leaders," insists Thomas Gréaux. With Thierry (Gréaux, Cem's director), we have put employees at the heart of Cem's decision-making process. Our aim is to keep it accessible to all. In fact, many players in the economic and political arenas come to us for expertise and a listening ear. "
"Protecting the Saint-Barth model
Although he will be stepping down as president in April, Thomas Gréaux intends to be present to "ensure the handover" and thus pass the torch to his successor. In fact, he is calling for "the mobilization of a collective to preserve and protect the philosophy of the Saint-Barth model". He insists: "The aim of the Cem is to protect Saint-Barth from outside attacks. Cem must therefore continue to play its role. Because the island's entire economic model is based on the business model. Consequently, to avoid breaking the momentum of its economy, Saint-Barthélemy must be led by someone who is an entrepreneur. The life and model of Saint-Barth depends on entrepreneurs. "
Thomas Gréaux is calling on a new spirit to take charge of the Chamber's future destiny. At the Cem, we're innovating, and our development model will involve a local economy based on local production, with a label," he asserts. I'm convinced that there's a real future in this development. We need to create a dynamic around local crafts. Because we mustn't forget that tourists appreciate that little local touch. "
The outgoing president's message is crystal clear. More than just managing a legacy, which will be passed on, Saint-Barthélemy's economic future will inevitably involve entrepreneurial economic development as part of a long-term strategy.conomic development in line with the ultra-liberal model that has made the island so successful, but also by integrating a solid local base. To achieve this, Thomas Gréaux reiterates, Cem will have an essential role to play. "As the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, used to say, the government you elect is the government you deserve", he concludes.
