In a province where overwhelmingly dominated by SMEs and micro-SMEs, the large companies also wants to have their own space. Up to 26 of them have already joined the new Committee on Trustees that the Chamber of Commerce of Alicante just put up with the aim of having a forum to express their opinions, collaborate in the development of the economy of the region or make it to the administration, "their voice", as explained from the cameral institution.

Although the initiative takes months brewing and even already developed some acts result of this new collaboration between the Chamber and large companies, it was not until last Monday when the plenary of the institution headed by José Enrique Garrigós gave official green light to the new committee. The goal is to get the current number of members to increase to 50 or 60, according to sources.

On the one hand, with this committee the Chamber wants to give special recognition to those companies that have made ​​significant contributions to the institution at a time that the mandatory fees have disappeared hitherto it is financed. And, secondly, a stable framework for these large companies wants to be created so they can coordinate and defend their interests, which may not be always matched with those of the rest of the production network.

For example, several of these companies, as the Levantine marble factory or supplier of shoes Zara, Tempe - are especially concerned about the infrastructure of the province and the interconnection of the various means of transport since they must move large quantities of goods each year and represents one of its major costs. The analysis of the situation and possible solutions was the subject of one of the first activities to be organized within the preparatory work of the commission.
Keeping in mind also that the authorities are obliged to consult the Chambers of Commerce any legislation related to the economic field, which is also useful so these large companies can get their message across , something that right now have more difficult to do. Among the projects being considered is also, organizing exclusive meetings between the members of this new forum and personalities of the economy or politics.

More than a "lobby"
However, since the Chamber made ​​it clear that his intention is not to create a new "lobby" in the province and they are confident that the commission goes beyond. For example, another function that shall comply will be to relate the persons responsible for these large companies to each other and that many of them do not know "and are missing important opportunities for collaboration", say its promoters. Moreover, it also wants to encourage corporate social responsibility programs patronage and sponsorship of new entrepreneurial and business ideas.

Similarly, is it also intended to be a mechanism for transmitting knowledge from these large companies to SMEs, which are also members of the Chamber, with the intention to help them to grow, especially in a time of recession like the present one. In fact, another objective is to make these large companies visible as examples of survival and overcoming the crisis.

Among current members are clearly alicantinas companies, as Jesus Navarro (Carmencita), the Civic Group Masymas, Chocolates Valor or Vectalia (see complete list), but also accommodate companies which outside but which have a strong presence in the area such as El Corte Ingles or Mercadona.

A combined turnover of 3,174 million Euros
The combined turnover of the current members of the Committee of Patrons of the Chamber of Commerce totaled 3.174 million Euros, regardless El Corte Inglés and financial institutions, according to data provided by the institution headed by José Enrique Garrigós. Furthermore, all these companies have a combined workforce of approximately 30,000 employees, the sources said. Among these companies are represented the main alicantinos economic sectors, from tourism to footwear, through commercial distribution, the natural stone sector, transport, finance, maritime, construction or utilities. In the coming weeks the constituent meeting of the committee, the final date will be held pending.

Source: Diario Información