CATCHUPWITHTHE
2024YEAR-IN-REVIEW
THWAITES’INSIGHTS
As we navigate a challenging global landscape marked by economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions, Jamaica faces unique hurdles Despite these obstacles, the nation has made strides in economic stabilisation. However, sustained growth requires a focus on addressing challenges within the manufacturing sector, such as skill shortages and access to affordable credit. The JMEA urges collaboration and supports initiatives that enhance competitiveness, including exploring newmarkets.WeinviteyoutojoinusatExpoJamaica2025to showcasetheinnovationandresilienceofBrandJamaica
CEOTRAININGSESSION
The JMEA kicked off 2024 on a high note by collaborating with VM Group to host an exclusive in-person training session titled "Culture Change and Organizational Accountability."Thisimpactfulsessionwasled byinternationallyacclaimedauthorRonPaul,renowned forhisinsightsonchangeandculture
On January 19, 2024, the JMEA had an insightful courtesy visit with His Excellency Yasuhiro Atsumi, Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica This crucial meeting was dedicated to enhancing economic cooperation and bilateral trade between Jamaica and Japan ahead of the Jamaican delegation participation in FOODEX JAPAN 2024 being led bytheJMEA.
JMEA&HONEYBUNFOUNDATIONPARTNERSHIP
On January 30, 2024, the JMEA and the Honey B Foundation (HBF) launched the second edition their one-year development program for Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), designed to stimula growth in the sector. This program paired five SM with a team of three advisors from diverse fiel Using templates developed by the foundation, advisors provided targeted support to help SMEs achieve a specific strategic objective dur theprogram.
JMEA&EXIMBANKPARTNERSHIP
In February, the JMEA met with EXIM Bank to strengthen their existing partnership, focusing on the development of the MSME sector. This collaboration aims to identify opportunities to improveaccesstofinancingandresourcesfor businesses, with particular emphasis on the JMEA-EXIMBankUncollateralizedLoanFacility
The JMEA paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Lasford Douglas, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to Jamaica, accompanied by a four-member company delegation ahead of their participation in Expocomer 2024 in Panama. The meeting served as an opportunity to discuss bilateral trade opportunitiesandaddresstradedisruptionscausedbytheongoingissuesatthePanamaCanal
COURTESYVISITFROMDOMINICANREPUBLIC AMBASSADORTOJAMAICA
On February 8, 2024, the Dominican Republic AmbassadortoJamaica,AngieShakiraMartínez Tejera, paid a courtesy visit to the JMEA corporate office. During her visit, she met with JMEA President Sydney Thwaites and Vice President Stephen Dawkins, who oversees the Export, Trade, and Logistics Committee. The discussion centered on strategies to enhance bilateraltradebetweenthetwocountries.
MEMBERSHIPWEBINAR
On February 8, 2024, the JMEA successfully hosted a membership webinar aimed at showcasing thewiderangeofbenefitsavailabletoitsmembers.Thesessionalsohighlightedtheaddedvalue of partnerships with key collaborators. Featured presentations were delivered by representatives from Copa Airlines, the Bureau of Standards Jamaica, VM, and the Development Bank of Jamaica, eachoutliningtheexclusivebenefitsaccessibletoJMEAmembersthroughthesepartnerships.The webinarwaswell-attended,withover40membersparticipating
TheJMEAwelcomedthenewPresidentofthe JMEAWELCOMESBMA
Limited,RakeeshBernard,toourcorporateoffice. Together, we explored avenues to strengthen Caribbean unity to accessglobalmarkets ManagingDirectorofRobertsManufacturingCo. BarbadosManufacturers'Association(BMA)and
BEYONDLABELS:MANUFACTURINGASTIGMA-FREEWORKPLACE
In a significant move towards fostering a more inclusive and supportive workplace environment, theJMEAlaunchedthe'BeyondLabels:BuildingaStigma-FreeWorkplace'initiativeonMarch1,2024. The project, undertaken in collaboration with PEPFAR, CDC, UNAIDS, and JN+, aims to implement educational programmes addressing HIV awareness, transmission understanding, and prevention methodsamongJMEAemployeesandmembercompanies.
TThe JMEA, in collaboration with JAMPRO and the Embassy of Jamaica in Tokyo, Japan, organized a delegation of four Jamaican companies Seprod Group, Walkerswood, Caribbean Dreams, and JABLUM Coffee to participate in FOODEX JAPAN 2024, Asia's largest food trade show, held from March 58.
Led by Richard Pandohie, Past President of
flavorsandrichculinaryheritageofJamaicatotheAsianmarket
TheJMEAorganizedadelegationoffour Jamaican companies P.A. Benjamin Manufacturing Co. Ltd, Home Choice Enterprise Ltd, Caribbean Foods Limited, andPepsiColaJamaicaBottlingCompany Ltd torepresentBrandJamaicaatCentral America’spremierannualtradeexhibition, EXPOCOMER
Led by Kathryn Silvera, Deputy Vice PresidentoftheJMEA,thedelegationmade a notable impact, with each company uniquelyshowcasingJamaica’srichand diverseofferings.
As part of the trip, the team also participatedinafactorytouratPlásticos,a leadingmanufacturingfacilityinPanama, further strengthening ties and gaining valuableinsights
JAMAICABUSINESSREFORMFORUM2024
The JMEA participated in the Jamaica Business Reform Forum 2024, themed "Advancing Productivity by Enhancing the Business Environment." The forum focused on the wide range of reforms implemented to improve the processofdoingbusinessinJamaica.
WESTERNMEMBERMIXER
TheJMEAsuccessfullyhosteditsfirstWesternMingleonMarch20,2024,atRainforestCaribbean. Thiseventwasstrategicallydesignedtoprovidetheultimatenetworkingopportunityforour memberslocatedinthewesternregion.TheWesternMinglebroughttogetherover30members, fosteringmeaningfulinteractionsandconnectionsamongattendees.Severalkeystakeholders werealsoinattendance,furtherenhancingtheevent'simpactandcreatingopportunitiesfor collaborationanddialogue.Membersshowcasedtheirproductsduringtheevent,allowingthemto gainvisibilityandsharetheirofferingswithotherattendees.Notably,ParisRubyGourmetsecured acontractwithRainforestCaribbeanthroughthisengagement.
On March 21, 2024, the Ministry of Tourism through the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), collaboratedwithkeyindustryplayerssuchastheJHTA,JMEA,JAMPRO,RADA,andJBDCtohostthe
annual speed networking event at the Montego Bay Conference Centre. The event facilitated fifteen-minute meetings between local supplier companies and Owners/Managers of various tourismentitiesthroughouttheday.
MANUFACTURE360°
The inaugural JMEA Manufacture 360° Conference, held at the AC Hotel Kingston, marked a milestone for Jamaica's manufacturing sector, drawing over 200 participants from diverse industrysectors.Themed“ShapingtheFutureofJamaica’sManufacturingfromAllAngles,”the conference explored critical topics such as skill enhancement through apprenticeships and opportunities within the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) regime. International and local experts, government ministers, and business leaders shared insights on fostering industry growth, tacklingbureaucraticchallenges,andadoptinginnovativestrategies Culminatinginatourof CemexCaribbeanCement,theconferenceunderscoredtheimportanceofcollaborationand continuouslearninginshapingasustainableandgloballycompetitivemanufacturingsector
MeettheStaff
Dedicatedtoservingtheproductivesectorwithexcellence
Kamesh Executive
hno iorB Pro
ShakeraBrown Research&PolicyOfficer
OshaneKnott AccountingOfficer
Shanice SeniorMem Engageme
AlexciaDe ProjectCoord
NateshaBeckford
MembershipEngagement
ShaniqueGordon Marketing,PublicRelations, andEventsManager
OmieloWalker
Engagement&Partnership Coordinator
SheneeciaSalmon
Research,Policy,and AdvocacyManager
AlanaHarvey
DigitalMarketer
JoyAngulu TechnicalConsultant
Henry &PolicyOfficer
LASCO Microfinance Limited (LASMF) and the JMEA have partnered to enhance financial accessibility for MSMEs in Jamaica through a Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration provides JMEA members with tailored financial services, including loans for eligible businesses operating for at least two years, with a simplified application process available at LASMF’s nine branches or online. A key feature is the introduction of LASCO Gold Visa Cards, which function as prepaid credit cards, enabling businesses to manage transactionsefficiently,suchasemployeepay
andotherexpenses TheinitiativeaimstofostergrowthandsustainabilitywithintheMSMEsector
On May 28, 2024, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Jamaica held a China-Jamaica Business Dialogue to examine the opinions, suggestions, and concerns about Sino-Jamaica economic and trade cooperation from the JMEA perspective. Ambassador Chen Daojiang and nearly 30 representatives of Chinese and Jamaican entrepreneurs participated in the exchange
CHRISTMASINJULY2024
The 10th edition of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) initiative, Christmas in July, showcased a variety of authentic local products ideal for corporate gifting. Among the 200 local artisans, manufacturers, and suppliers featured, many of our membersdisplayedtheirproductsattheevent.
The JMEA published the Buy Jamaican Manufacturers' Catalogue - Food & Beverage Edition. This catalogue features a diverse array of exceptional Jamaican-made food and beverage products, alongside a membership directory of our foodandbeveragemembers.
ReadonIssuu:https://bit.ly/BJfb24
OnTuesday,June18,2024,TheJMEA,incollaborationwith the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), hosted a virtual sensitization session via Zoom. The session aimed to provide valuable insights into the role and services of the PPC, guide attendees on becoming registered suppliers, and offer a comprehensive walkthrough of the onlineSupplierRegistrationSystem(SRS)
The presentation, led by Mrs. Erica Kings-James, focused on the online registration process required for supplying goods, works, or services to public sector entities. This step-by-step guidance ensured attendees left with a clearunderstandingoftherequirementsandprocedures to engage with public sector procurement. The session attractedover80participants.
ImplementedinpartnershipwithJAMPRO,JBDCand JMEAin2011,theEnterpriseDevelopmentforExport GrowthProgramme(EXPORTMAX)isdesignedto enhancethecompetitivenessandsustainabilityof Jamaicancompanies,positioningtheminnewand existingmarketstobenefittheirgrowthandthe economybyextension.57companieshavebeen onboardedforthiscohortofexporters
PARTICIPATIONOFTHEJMEAINTIC
JMEAmembers'CaribbeanFlavoursandFragrancesandCaribbeanDreamsrepresentedBrand Jamaicaatthe25thstagingofTIC(TradeandInvestmentConvention)inTunapanaTrinidadfrom July11-13,2024.Thedelegationhadtheopportunitytomeetthousandsofcarefullypre-qualified local,regional,andinternationalbuyers.
PARTICIPATIONOFTHEJMEAINTIC
The10thannual"ChristmasinJuly"tradeshowtook placeonJuly12-13atanewvenue,theACHotelin Kingston.Thisyear’seventprovidedalargerspaceto accommodate the growing interest and participationTheJMEAcontinueditspartnership withtheTourismLinkagesNetwork(TLN)tohostthis successfulinitiative.Attendeeshadtheopportunity topurchaseauthenticJamaican-madegiftsand souveniritemsfortheYuletideseason.Atotalof205 companieswereselectedtoparticipateinthetrade show,
with106beingnewparticipantsand99returning exhibitors.Productsondisplayincludeddesktop solutions,spaandaromatherapyitems,décor, clothing,fineart,jewelry,souvenirs,foods,and productscraftedfromorganicandnaturalfibers. Theeventservedasavaluableplatformforlocal producersofgiftsandsouveniritemstoshowcase theirofferingstoalternativemarketsegments.
MEMBERSCAREMEETING
The JMEA hosted a Members Care Meeting in Mandeville on July 30, 2024. This initiative was organizedinresponsetotheimpactofHurricane Beryl, with the primary goal of engaging manufacturers and exporters in discussions to ensure they receive the necessary support to sustain their operations. The meeting, held at Fosrich Mandeville, was attended by over 30 membersandnon-members.Theeventfeatured participation from key stakeholders, including Senator Aubyn Hill, and representatives from organizationssuchasVMGroup,JMMB,BSJ,NCBJ, andDBJ
JMEA&THEDOMINICANREPUBLICPARTNERSHIPS
On August 9, 2024, the JMEA signed a InterAgency Cooperation Agreement with ADOEXPO. This partnership, witnessed by key Dominican Republicofficials,willstrengthenournetworksand boost export opportunities Together, we will expand collective networks and strengthen our presenceintheCaribbeanregion
The Chamber of Commerce of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic (CAMARA) and the JMEA formalised a landmark agreement by signing a MoU, aimed at promoting the development and diversification of trade exchanges between the twocountries
JMEA & CAMARA
JMEA & ADOEXPO
New Members Mingle took place on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel (Port Antonio Suite). This was designed to welcome our newest members and provide an ultimate networking opportunity This event also featured a certificate handoverceremonyforthenewmembers.Memberswere alsoencouragedtobringtheirproductsfordisplay
JMEAANDUTECH,JAMAICAPARTNERSHIP
The JMEA and the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Ja) signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU)toaddresstheskilledlabor shortage in Jamaica's manufacturing industry. Thispartnershipaimstobridgethegapbetween education and the job market by equipping students with essential technical skills and providing third- and fourth-year undergraduates with industry-relevant experience Throughthecollaboration,
students will contribute to JMEA member companies in areas such as manufacturing, technology, projectmanagement,andoccupationalhealthandsafety,therebystrengtheningthesector'stalent pipeline.
On December 10, 2024, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), through the Jamaica Productivity Centre (JPC), formalised a partnership with the JMEA by signing a MoU. This agreement established a framework for collaboration to improve productivity and competitiveness in Jamaica’s manufacturing and export sectors, highlightingtheMinistry’scommitmenttofostering
strategic partnerships for national development and economic growth through enhanced efficiencyandinnovation.
M A T T E R S
JOINTJMEA&JCC MEETINGWITHMOHW
A joint meeting between JMEA and Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) with Dr. the Honourable Chris Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness and his team was convened on January 30, 2024. The meeting was convened to discuss issues pertaining to pharmaceutical and regulatoryaffairs.
FurtheractionwillbetakentoformaCommitteebetweenJMEA/JCCandMOHWtoaddressthese issues
4THPHASEOFPLASTICBAN
OnMay29,2024,JMEAmetwithMinisterMatthewSamuda,MinisterwithoutPortfoliointheMinistry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, and his team to discuss Phase 4 of the Plastic Ban, which prohibited single-use plastic food containers from July 1, 2024 The 6-month extension requested by the JMEA was granted to allow for the depletion of stock locally and to also cut off inflow into the country. The prohibition on biodegradable, compostable, and oxy-degradable materials remainsinplace.Thegovernmentwilldevelopa5-6yearplanforphasingoutotherplasticsand increasing recycling efforts The JMEA encountered difficulties in obtaining responses to their concerns from Minister Samuda, so the letter was forwarded to the Prime Minister for him to intervene.ThePrimeMinisterinformedthatthecompaniesrequestingexemptionswereadvisedto apply to NEPA for an exemption under the NCRA Plastic Packaging Materials Prohibition Order. He alsoindicatedthattheGovernmenthastakenaphasedapproachwiththeimplementationofthe banonsingleuseplasticsandthatwiththecontinuedsupportoftheprivatesector,includingthe leadership and members of JMEA, that the three previous phases of the ban have been very successfulbasedonthedatafromarecentwastecharacterizationstudy.
The ban on personal care/cosmetic products with intentionally added plastic microbeads was postponedtoJuly1,2025.Thesebeadsareaddedforexfoliationpurposes.
FRONTOFPACKAGELABELLING
ThereviewoftheCROSQfoodlabellingstandard,includinganoptionalOctagonalWarningLabel, has faced significant hurdles. Despite advocacy from JMEA and the PAHO/WHO study supporting the label, CARICOM Member States have consistently failed to achieve the 75% vote threshold required for its implementation Following a 2023 vote with only 42% support, Member States decidedtoproceedwiththestandardwithouttheOctagonalWarningLabel.Thisdecisioncomes after years of deliberation and consideration of alternative labelling models. JMEA and CPSO are awaitingfeedbackfromCROSQastothenextstepsonthisStandard.
ISSUEWITHOFFSITEACKEEPROCESSING
TheJMEAandJamaicaAgro-ProcessorsAssociation(JAPA)haveexpressedconcernaboutthe useofoffsitefacilitiesforackeeprocessing,whichtheybelieveposessignificantrisks.Anexternal AckeemeetingwasconvenedonSeptember23,2024,withJMEA,JAPA,MinistryofIndustry, InvestmentandCommerce(MIIC),BureauofStandardsJamaica(BSJ),NationalCertification BodyofJamaica(NCBJ)andtheNationalComplianceandRegulatoryAuthority(NCRA)JMEA reiterateditspositionregardingthemajorconcernwiththeprocessingofackeesinoffsite facilitiesandthatNCRAneedstoensurethatthisisimmediatelyterminated.WhileNational ComplianceandRegulatoryAuthority(NCRA)acknowledgestheseconcerns,theyhavereported difficultyinidentifyingtheseoffsitefacilitiesduringinspections.
Toaddresstheissue:
NCRAwillsendletterstoregisteredackeecompaniesoutliningtherelevantstandardsand emphasizingthepotentialhealthandsafetyrisksassociatedwithoffsiteprocessing.
Apublicawarenesscampaignwillbelaunchedtoinformthepublicabouttherequirementsfor ackeeprocessing.
AsensitizationsessionforJMEAandJAPAmemberswillbeheldinearly2025
NCRAwillvalidateinspectiondocumentationandreportfindingstotheMIIC.
Furthermore,NCRAhasissuedastrongwarningtoackeeprocessors,highlightingthepotential legalconsequencesfornon-compliancewiththerelevantstandards.Thisincludesfinesand potentialimprisonment.
INTERNATIONALLEGALLYBINDINGINSTRUMENTON PLASTICPOLLUTIONINCLUDINGTHEMARINE ENVIRONMENT
TheJMEA,incollaborationwithotherstakeholders,participatedinconsultationsandmeetings, includingasessionwithgovernmentofficials,toreviewthedrafttextoftheinternationallegally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including the marine environment, based on a comprehensiveapproachthataddressesthefulllifecycleofplastic.
Two JMEA representatives, Technical Consultant Joy Angulu and Director Robert Scott (from Lifespan Company Ltd.), were included in the Jamaican delegation to the fifth session of the IntergovernmentalNegotiatingCommittee(INC-5)inBusan,SouthKorea.
The Jamaican delegation, led by Gillian Guthrie, Chief Technical Director (Acting) in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC), actively participated in thenegotiations,advocatingfortheinterests of Small Island Developing States. However, significant disagreements among member statesonkeyissues,suchasthescopeofthe treaty, mandatory versus voluntary measures,andfinancialmechanisms,preve
However,theChair’sfinaltextlaidthegroundworkforfuturenegotiations,providingkeysticking points and offering a pathway for continued dialogue The delegates decided to suspend the sessionandreconveneonadatetobeannouncedin2025. ntedthefinalizationofthetreaty.
ELIMINATIONOFINDUSTRIALLYPRODUCEDTRANS
FATSFROMFOODS
The JMEA is actively monitoring the progress of the ban on industrially produced trans fats in Jamaica, with a CARICOM deadline of December 2025. While the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) has confirmed the deadline remains in effect, delays have been encountered in coordinating efforts with the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) JMEAhasbeenactivelyengagingwithbothministriestoexpeditetheprocess,including sendinglettersandrequestingupdates.
RECYCLINGPARTNERSOFJAMAICA(RPJ)
PETandHDPEBottlesRecovery
The recovery rate of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and High-Density Polyethylene Bottles (HDPE)bottlesfor2024wasbetween35%and41%withatargetof50%bythefirstquarterof2025.
NewInfrastructure
RPJ continued expanding its infrastructure with the groundbreaking of a new Redemption Center at Lifespan Company Ltd in Portland and the official opening of the Kingsland Recycling Depot in Manchester.
RPJhassignificantlyincreasedplasticbottlecollectionratesinJamaica withagoalofachievinga 75% recycling rate by 2026 Minister Samuda thatJamaicacanbecomealeaderinplasticr
The JMEA was recognized by the HEART/NSTA Region 1 Trust foritsoutstandingcontributiontotheWorkforceProgramme.
M&EAWARDSCEREMONY
The2024JMEAM&EAwardsGala,heldattheJamaicaPegasusHotel,celebratedtheremarkable achievements of Jamaica’s manufacturing and export sectors, with 59 companies and 15 individuals competing across 28 prestigious categories. The event, themed “Redefining Boundaries: Advancing the Future of Manufacturing and Exporting, ” showcased industry resilience and innovation despite numerous challenges. Top honorees included Wisynco Group Limited, which claimed four awards, and Seprod Limited, which secured three major accolades, while standout individual awards recognized icons like Doreen Frankson of EdgeChem Jamaica. With over 600 distinguished guests and support from leading sponsors, the gala reaffirmed its status as Jamaica’s premier corporate awards event, setting the stage for even greater accomplishmentsin2025.
Expo Jamaica 2025 began its journey with a vibrant soft launch on October 15, 2024, at JAMPRO's TrainingRoom,unveilingasleeknewlookandrevampedlogothatembodyitsmodernvisionwhile staying true to its core mission. The event highlighted enhanced branding and an optimized website,reinforcingtheevent’sdedicationtoelevatingJamaica’sglobaltradepresence With50% ofboothspacessoldoutbeforethesoftlaunch,anticipationisgrowingforthefour-dayshowcase setforApril3–6,2025,attheNationalArenaandIndoorSportsCentre Asthelargesttradeshowin the English-speaking Caribbean, Expo Jamaica remains a vital platform for connecting local businesseswithglobalmarkets,cementingitsroleasapremierhubfortradeandinvestment.
4THANNUALEEHRRETREAT
JMEA representatives attended the 4th Annual Enabling Environment and Human Rights Retreat, hosted by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) in partnershipwiththeMinistryofHealth& Wellness (MOHW), Civil Society Forum on HIV, and the Jamaica Country CoordinatingMechanism(JCCM)at JewelGrandeinMontegoBayonOctober29-31.
TheJMEAsupportedtheMSMEExpoheldatDevon House on December 7, 2024, which showcased a wide range of products and services offered by MSMEs.
RECENTECONOMICINDICATORS
BANKOFJAMAICA(BOJ)
BOJpolicyinterestrateis6% AsofDecember2024
STATISTICALINSTITUTEOFJAMAICA(STATIN)
PointtoPointinflationrateis5% December2023vsDecember2024
Jamaica’sGrossDomesticProduct (GDP)increasedby3.5%in2024’s thirdquarter (JulytoSeptember2024)
Jamaica’sManufacturingIndustry GDPincreasedby4%in2024’sthird quarter (JulytoSeptember2024)
Total export earnings declined by 13.8% toUS$1,195.9million. (JanuarytoAugust2024)
Manufacturing industry export earnings declinedby24%toUS$576.9million (JanuarytoAugust2024)
COURTESYFACTORYVISITTOJMEAMEMBERS
Courtesy factory visits were conducted by the President Sydney Thwaites and Executive Director, Kamesha Blake. Occasionally they were accompanied by Directors, members of the Secretariat, andthemediatothefollowingmembercompanies:
NATIONALMANUFACTURERS'MONTHTOURANDLEARN
In celebration of Manufacturers' Month, the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA)continueditssuccessful"TourandLearn"program Forthesecondconsecutiveyear,we coordinatedfactorytoursforsecondaryandtertiarystudentsacrosstheisland,pairingsixschools withmembercompanies.
This initiative aims to showcase the diverse and exciting career opportunities within the manufacturingsector.Byexposingstudentstothemanytechnicalandvocationaljobsavailable, wehopetoinspirethemtoconsideracareerinthisdynamicandever-evolvingindustry
The JMEA hosted its Annual Christmas Mingle on December 3, 2024, at the BMW Showroom, AC Hotel. The event brought together industry leaders, members, and stakeholders to celebratetheachievementsofthepastyearandfostervaluable connections within the business community. A highlight of this year’s event was the introduction of an auction, which was conducted for the first time. The auction was well received by attendees, adding an engaging and interactive element to the evening’sfestivities.
