BJCC .... 40 years ago it began with a BHAG and one important Question .

On August 19 we are celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Brisbane Junior Chamber of Commerce . Looking back at some old records , I came across this one from a BJCC Gala Ball held in the early 90's at Tattersalls Club ,featuring executive of the Qld Chamber of Commerce and Industry , which became Commerce Qld , the peak employer organization in Qld.

It brought back memories of my first meeting in 1983 as a very green 22 year old with then President , George Deeb (senior partner Clayton Utz) and David Phillips, International Trade Director ( QCCI) to request approval for using the name BJCC as they controlled the use of the Chamber of Commerce name. With no particular plan, just the desire to build an organisation with a chamber of commerce ethos to represent and develop the "young business " community,(the BHAG), they gave me their blessing and the rest is history. Such was their support , they granted me ,as President of the BJCC, a position on the QCCI , 20 member council which met monthly.

So began my education about chambers of commerce and opened my eyes to the enormous value to be gleaned from having access to senior business leaders as mentors and eventually friends. George passed away only 4 weeks ago and it is fitting the current BJCC is about to launch its Alumni Program to provide current members the opportunity to connect with past members and benefit, just as I did all those years ago from our QCCI connections.

For any past BJCC members wanting to join the Alumni Program or attend the upcoming Gala , message me or join the BJCC Alumni page for more details . Would be great to catch up.

PS . Included in the photo are QCCI?representatives -Clive and Monica Bubb ( CEO) , Caji and Ellie De Souza (?Board Member) , David Phillips?International Trade Director,?Peter Costantini??- GM?Membership, Mr and Mrs Zanki ( parents of Matthew and Melissa - BJCC President and Secretary ) many of whom I am still in contact with today.