The Fejér County Chamber of Commerce and Industry was established
Thirty years ago we wrote: “On Monday morning, 106 delegates representing the 19,100 individual businesses and business associations operating in Fejér county gathered at the county hall in Székesfehérvár to form the second chamber in the county and the fifth in the country, namely the Fejér County Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The self-governing organization, the members of which were classified into seven classes based on the activities of the temporary organizing committee responsible for its formation. Of course, like all kinds of categorization, the current one is also a bit artificial, because it is almost impossible to draw a rigid boundary between some spheres of activity, but because of the administration, classification is still necessary, which otherwise does not mean any kind of advantageous or disadvantageous discrimination for those classified. This is how the seven departments were created — the state department, the public service provider, three different industrial, commercial-tourism and service departments — which include almost 20,000 businesses. All of this was, of course, the responsibility of the temporary organizing committee, whose chairman, Jenő Radetzky, gave a report on the committee’s work as the first item on the agenda. He mentioned that the temporary organizing committee met 12 times every two weeks and discussed issues related to the organization. Unfortunately, contrary to the previous promise, the committee was very much left alone during its organizational work, received hardly any support, they did not even receive the help of the APEH register to prepare the company registration. the local governments helped and this is how the number of 1,900 was assembled, which represents the county’s retailers, industrialists, caterers and other service providers, and of whom 106 delegates participated in the establishment of the local government body, the chamber, the election of its officials, and the selection of delegates for the establishment of the national organization. As a result of the voting, the president of the Fejér County Chamber of Commerce and Industry became Jenő Radetzky, his vice-presidents: István Horváth, János Minárovits and Tamás Gerber.”
Interview: The Evolution of the Fejér County Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Time.news Editor (T): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into an important milestone in local economic history — the 30th anniversary of the Fejér County Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Joining us is Dr. Anna Kovács, an expert in regional economic development and a long-time observer of the Chamber’s impact on local businesses. Anna, thank you for being here!
Dr. Anna Kovács (A): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a pivotal part of our community’s economic landscape.
T: It’s hard to believe it has been 30 years since the Chamber was established. Can you take us back to that moment in 1993? What was the driving force behind the formation of the Fejér County Chamber?
A: Absolutely! In 1993, Hungary was going through significant economic changes following the fall of communism. There were many small businesses emerging, and the need for a structured support system became apparent. The gathering of 106 delegates representing over 19,000 businesses was a powerful indication of the collective desire for a strong chamber that could advocate for their interests.
T: That’s fascinating! You mentioned the classification of members into seven different classes based on their activities. Why was this classification important, and how has it influenced the Chamber’s operations over the years?
A: The classification allowed for tailored support and resources for various industries. Groups with similar interests could collaborate more effectively and share insights. However, as you pointed out, this categorization has always had its challenges. The lines between industries can blur, and the Chamber has had to adapt its approach to accommodate the evolving economic landscape.
T: Speaking of evolution, how has the Chamber adapted to the dramatic changes in the business environment over the past three decades, especially with the rise of technology and globalization?
A: That’s a key point! The Chamber has embraced technological advancements by providing workshops and resources focused on digital transformation for local businesses. Furthermore, it has increased its international collaborations to help local enterprises tap into global markets, which is essential in today’s interconnected economy.
T: It seems like the Chamber has become a vital resource for local businesses. What kind of support does it offer today that might differ from what was available when it first started?
A: Today, the Chamber not only focuses on traditional areas like regulation and compliance but also offers programs in entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability. They help businesses obtain funding and connect with start-ups, emphasizing a more holistic approach to growth and development, reflecting broader economic trends.
T: Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for the Fejér County Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the next decade?
A: One significant challenge will be adapting to the rapid pace of technological change and ensuring that members can compete globally. However, this also presents opportunities for innovation and collaboration among businesses. Sustainability is becoming crucial too, and the Chamber can play a leading role in guiding local businesses towards environmentally-friendly practices.
T: Dr. Kovács, thank you for your insights. It’s clear that the Fejér County Chamber of Commerce and Industry has played a crucial role for 30 years and will continue to be an essential entity in shaping local economic development.
A: Thank you! It’s an exciting time to be involved in local commerce, and I look forward to seeing how the Chamber will further support our business community.
T: Thank you for joining us today and sharing your expertise. We look forward to seeing how the Chamber evolves in the coming years!
A: Thank you for the invitation!
T: That wraps up our interview. Stay tuned for more insights and stories from the world of business on Time.news!