By ANGELO ARMBRISTER

Freeport News Reporter

The Grand Bahama Cham-ber of Commerce (GBCC) is gearing up to elect a new president and other officers to guide that umbrella business organization for the next two years.

Acting President Daniel Lowe, who was appointed to that position following the resignation of Dr. Doswell Coakley, is being challenged by Christopher Lowe.

The GBCC's annual general meeting and election of officers is scheduled for No-vember 29, 2006 at the Ruby Swiss Restaurant.

Noting that the nomination committee has worked hard to nominate individuals who have strong business acumen and are respected in the community, Danny Lowe said that there is an excellent slate of committed candidates this year.

As it stands the only person vying for the post of first vice president is Kevin Seymour. For the position of second vice president, Donald Ward and Dr. Barry Iseard are seeking to be elected to that post.

Presently Peter Turnquest is uncontested in his pursuit for the seat of treasurer, but Malvese Capron's post as secretary is being contested by Linda Gibson.

The GBCC's Board of Directors consists of 15 members of which five are officers and 10 are directors. Except for the treasurer, no officer or director can be elected to the same position for more than two consecutive years. Elections are held every year.

"As is our process, five of the board of directors will continue in their role as directors but all other posts as it relates to officers and directors will be up for election," said Danny Lowe. "The present chamber team has been outstanding and I would like to personally thank each of them along with the administrative staff and our 250 members."

Dr. Coakley's departure, in addition to giving Danny Lowe the reigns of power as president, resulted in Christopher Lowe becoming first vice-president and Kevin Seymour now serving as second vice-president. Donald Ward took on the role of chairman of the Economic Development Council, while Malvese Capron continues as the secretary.

The team of directors includes: Carey Leonard, Janet Albury, Cyril Cox, Angela Gibson, Christopher Gouthro, Dr. Barry Iseard and Greg Langstaff.

Mercynth Ferguson continues to serve as executive director and administrator and Beverly Johnson as administrative assistant.

Dr. Coakley was elected president of the Grand Bahama Chamber in November 2004 and was re-elected in 2005.

He was a highly visible and a productive president, but recently resigned to pursue his political interest in the High Rock constituency.

Noting that he has worked with four past presidents, Danny Lowe said that he can truly say Dr. Coakley is one that leads by example.

"From the time he started in 2004 and coined the Chamber theme 'All hands on board, no community to be left behind' he served both the officers and members of the Chamber well," added Lowe.

Listing some of Coakley's accomplishments, Lowe said they include:

* The unprecedented doubling of the Chamber's membership to over 250 businesses and organizations.

* The establishment of regional and national networks, including the enhancement of working relationships with The Bahamas Government, local administrators and councillors and the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

* Publishing Chamber information in the schools.

* The introduction of the new Chamber logo and the revitalization of the Chamber building.

* Implementation of 'Friends of the Chamber' and the 'Past Presidents Council.

"In looking to the future, we all face challenging times in Grand Bahama," Danny Lowe said. "I firmly believe we need to continue with a strong team and the united voice of the Chamber as we move forward in uncharted waters."

The purpose of The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce is to provide the network to sustain, promote, and support business development in an effort to encourage growth and expansion in the Grand Bahama economy and within a healthy and clean community environment.