major goals for 1999, including the revitalisation of the tourism.

The news came as Chamber executive vice-president Sharon Jacobs unveiled a 12-point plan the Chamber will implement on the eve of the Millennium.

Mrs. Jacobs told Hamilton Rotarians attending their weekly luncheon yesterday that: "We feel confident that the Chamber is positioned to meet the opportunities of the new Millennium and the challenges presented by a global economy.'' And while the Chamber was proud of its past efforts, she continued, "the time is ideal to do more''.

A recent survey of the Chamber's diverse membership had identified three concerns, said Mrs. Jacobs.

Members wanted to be better able to impact Government policy and legislation; they wanted more frequent information on topical issues pertaining to policy and legislation changes; and they wanted the organisation's primary focus to be on Government taxation, international and local business, retail and hospitality services and education and training.

To meet these concerns, three major goals for the Chamber were identified, including: Working closely with the entities involved in the revitalisation of Bermuda tourism industry with the goal of synthesising and communicating their progress and messages to Chamber members; Exploring the issue of British citizenship and Bermuda's relationship to the UK through the Chamber's economic development committee; and Taking a proactive role in enhancing the Chamber's partnership with Government through open and frequent communication with the goal of ensuring that the Government involves the Chamber in the early stages of policy planning and legislation development.

"To achieve these programme goals,'' said Mrs. Jacobs, "we will develop and undertake a series of 12 initiatives.'' At the top of the list is the membership drive.

"With this slate of projects for 1999, we will be actively conducting a membership campaign to encourage Bermuda businesses to join and become active members of your Chamber of Commerce.

"Our goal is to increase membership by 15 percent.

"We encourage those businesses who are not yet members to seriously consider the benefits you will receive by becoming a part of the Chamber team.'' On the tourism front the Chamber will host quarterly business town meetings across the Island.

"These will enable members and other interested persons to meet with their Chamber leaders to discuss issues affecting their businesses and exchange ideas for improvement,'' said Mrs. Jacobs.

It will also work with St. George's and Sandy's Chamber committees in a bid to strengthen their membership and support the addressing of business opportunities in these areas.

A speaker's bureau comprised of respective leaders in their fields will also be developed in order to allow Chamber members to share and exchange ideas on business and community concerns.

And the Chamber will help form new partnerships among members in specialised business sectors to enable them to achieve new business opportunities.

Meanwhile the Chamber will bid to improve communication channels with Government by initiating monthly meetings with Ministers to discuss topical issues, share ideas, formulate solutions and initiate actions.

To improve communication with Chamber members, lunchtime information sessions and power breakfast meetings will continue while new initiatives include bi-monthly newsletters, a "chamber news'' column in local news publications, formal press briefings to report progress and more timely communication through the "Chambernet'' e-mail system.

Small businesses are not being overlooked, continued Mrs. Jacobs.

Business seminars will be hosted by the Chamber to assist smaller business become Year 2000 compliant and address mandatory legislation.

And the popular Harbour Nights and Heritage Nights street festivals will be revamped.

"Efforts will be undertaken to increase vendor participation,, local entertainment and create an energetic atmosphere for our visitors and residents to enjoy.'' The Chamber will also continue to operate its Visitors' Service Bureaus around the Island.