CEBU CITY – A local chamber organization has recently launched four additional projects, aiming to help nurture the booming business environment in Cebu.

During its year-end general membership meeting last Thursday, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) bared its four new projects namely Sectoral Participation for Economic Advocacy (Speak), Trails of Success Coffee Table Book, Participatory Urban Greening Project, and P4 (Premium Privilege Plus Program).

“These projects are meant to involve all sectors in society to make them more aware that we all have our role in the economic growth of Cebu, especially on environmental awareness,” said CCCI President Samuel Chioson.

In line with its vision as “the engine of Cebu’s business growth toward global competitiveness,” Chioson said the Chamber believes that advocacy is the most effective mechanism to spur action towards the resolution of issues and concerns affecting its members.

Speak is a sectoral forum that will serve as a venue for airing sector-specific issues, formulating action plans for their resolution and monitoring the implementation of agreed action.

The Trails of Success Coffee Table Book is an offshoot of the Chamber’s successful inspirational exhibit during the Cebu Business Month (CBM) 2009. The book showcases the success stories of Cebu’s inspiring entrepreneurs with focus on their sustainable growth and strong brand identity in the market.

The exhibit was displayed at the SM City Cebu and Ayala Center Cebu for 10 days.

“Following the CBM, Trails of Success Roadshows were conducted in leading schools and universities in Cebu to inspire more people, especially students, to consider entrepreneurship as a feasible option to employment,” said Chioson in a press conference.

Meanwhile, Participatory Urban Greening Project is a joint project of the CCCI, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Cebu City Government. This project was formed in response to global warming.

The Chamber aims to minimize air pollution in Cebu City and enhance the aesthetic state of its thoroughfares plied by local and foreign tourists. Said thoroughfares are Colon St., Osmeña Blvd., the North and South Reclamation and uptown.

The re-launch of The Premium Privilege Plus Program or P4 will see the program having more than 50 participating companies.

The program aims to encourage patronage among members by providing them with duly certified preferential rates and/or other privileges when purchasing products and availing themselves of services of participating CCCI members and other establishments.