World Chambers Federation

French Chambers rewarded for their innovation at CCIPRO

  • 8 July 2014
Innovation

Three French Chambers received distinction for their innovative new services during the sixth edition of CCIPRO, a biennial gathering for the showcase of local and regional chambers’ latest products and activities.

Three French Chambers received distinction for their innovative new services during the sixth edition of CCIPRO, a biennial gathering for the showcase of local and regional chambers’ latest products and activities.

Given its shared mission with CCIPRO to foster peer learning and promote best chamber practices, ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF) has been a supporting partner organization of CCIPRO since its second inception in 2006.

“CCIPRO is an invaluable forum for chambers of commerce, especially for those operating under mandatory membership systems, to profile new products and services that support the economic development of local businesses and regions,” said Anthony Parkes, WCF Director.

Held every two years since 2004, CCIPRO celebrated its 10th anniversary under the theme “Year of Innovation”, on 26-27 June, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Nantes Saint-Nazaire.

The event offered an ideal opportunity for chamber representatives to present a snapshot of their latest innovations in their range of products and services, with two days of networking and workshops on an array of current topics – from supporting innovation in European countries to financing chamber activities.

The event attracted over 350 participants and gathered the country’s 67 leading chambers exhibiting 80 products, services and practical concepts. In a constant search for innovation, 60% of the exhibited projects were being promoted for the first time.

Ten of the best products and services were selected for presentation to an external jury. Secretary General of ICC France Francois Georges, was a jury member in the final selection of three laureates shared his impressions on how French chambers are adapting to meet the evolving needs of their business communities: “I found it extremely rewarding and challenging to assess all these very interesting projects,” he said.

The Award Ceremony took place on 27 June. The 2014 Honorees were:

  • 1st prize: CCI Jura for “Alertes Commerces”. A participatory safety system based on real-time SMS alerts, connecting easily law enforcement, police and businesses;
  • 2nd prize: CCI Arles for “Open Job” helping businesses recruit needed talent among active job seekers;
  • 3rd prize: CCI France for “Envol”, a voluntary corporate initiative helping SMEs to become more environmentally sustainable.
  • People’s Choice – CCIR Centre for “Pack Objectifs ®”, an interactive tool assisting businesses internationally.

Presenting 3rd prize to CCI France, WCF Director Anthony Parkes invited all chambers present for CCIPRO to participate in the 9th World Chambers Congress in Torino, Italy, next year, , and to showcase their innovative projects by entering the World Chambers Competition

During her keynote address,Muriel Barneoud, CEO of Docapost, a subsidiary of La Poste Group, said: “The chamber of commerce is an extraordinary brand. Chambers should work together, identify their priorities and concentrate their actions.”

During the closing Ceremony, Jean-François Gendron, President of CCI Nantes St-Nazaire, echoed the words of Andre Marcon, President of CCI France, spoken during his keynote speech: “Despite the tense atmosphere and the political challenges facing chambers, CCI is a recognized and well-known brand, something we should be very proud of and continue to value for the benefit of the business community and the territories. CCIPRO is the unique showplace of chambers’ latest innovations and expertise. It is a fantastic experience to share ideas and to promote best chambers practices and tools of today and tomorrow within the whole network.”

For more information on CCIPRO, please contact: ccipro@nantesstnazaire.cci.fr.

For information on the ICC WCF World Chambers Congress 2015, please click here.