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Third Top 40 under 40

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The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber will today launch its third annual Top 40 Under 40 list of young business achievers at an exclusive function at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s Top 40 Under 40 is a showcase of dynamic young businesspeople who choose to build their lives, careers and businesses in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Since 2011, the Business Chamber has invited annual nominations from its members, stakeholders, partners and the public to highlight the successes of the Bay’s young innovators, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders and blue-sky thinkers. Selected by a high-calibre panel of judges representing a broad spectrum of business, Top 40 Under 40 achievers represent the future of business in Nelson Mandela Bay.

“Young business people make their mark on Nelson Mandela Bay in big, small and interesting ways,” says Top 40 Under 40 convener, Nicole Klokow. “It was true when we first launched the initiative three years ago, and it’s true now – these promising young individuals represent the growing force of people under the age of forty who see Nelson Mandela Bay’s own potential. Young entrepreneurs have a critical role to play in the global economy, and they have the potential to help grow a vibrant economy in Nelson Mandela Bay.”

Since the launch of the inaugural Top 40 list, the Business Chamber has built a strong network for these young business people. The Top 40 Network has given achievers an invaluable boost to their business connections, and drawn them closer to the work of the Business Chamber. “More business opportunities are coming my way,” says Zolani Wolela, co-owner and Managing Member of Nzoe Projects. “It’s been an incredible journey.” Richard Ahlfeldt, Director at Rooftop Productions, agrees. “The Top 40 Under 40 has been a great networking opportunity to meet fellow entrepreneurs and build lasting relationships.” Through the Top 40 Network, achievers are given access to exclusive and effective networking opportunities, business forums which provide a platform for discussion, leadership and self-development workshops, and collaborative community projects, including the popular and successful One Day Without Shoes international initiative.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber encourages young businesspeople to recognise their own potential to make a positive contribution to the socio-economic development of our region, and to support the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber in its mandate to connect business and stimulate economic growth and sustainability.

Kevin Hustler, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, has extended his sincere congratulations to this year’s group of achievers. “Nelson Mandela Bay has produced some remarkable leaders in the spheres of business, government and civil society. The key to our continued and future success lies not only in attracting high calibre individuals to our shores, but in keeping them here. It lies in growing our own talent, and developing the youth through nurturing, support and recognition of their contribution.” Hustler encourages young business leaders to commit themselves to lifelong learning, to support job creation, and to inject hope and vision into the economy. “It is critical that young business leaders take every opportunity to build a strong foundation to ensure Nelson Mandela Bay opens its windows of opportunity, to create the future to which we all aspire.”

Attendees at the event, which will include the new crop of Top 40 achievers, past achievers, Business Chamber board members and event sponsors, will enjoy a keynote address by Tshiwela Mhlantla, Absa’s regional executive for retail sales and services across the Eastern and Southern Cape.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.