“He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. God loves a cheerful giver.” – II Cor. 9:6, 7.
On June 20, 2016, I published a column entitled “Investment Strategy”. The column postulated that the concept of the circular flow of money is pivotal to the vision of business success.
Money for investment in individuals and businesses resides primarily in the private sector. In Barbados alone, there are BB$9 billion in savings, some of which is available to contribute to economic growth. This number increases if we consider the private sector savings in the CARICOM region. How can we unlock this money to provide a win-win situation for the private sector and CARICOM economic growth? The answer: “Give incentives to the CARICOM private sector to mobilize expertise and liquidity.”
An exciting idea is emerging through the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx), a 501(c)(3) company registered in the United States. This type of company allows for federal tax exemption of nonprofit organizations.
CMEx’s mission is “to support and develop the ability of the media, government, the travel and tourism industry and communities to consider the importance of tourism in sustainable development while lending a hand to the communities involved by sharing relevant expertise, financial and in-kind assistance.”
CMEx has produced numerous interactive conferences that match journalists from the Caribbean, North America and Europe with representatives of the government, business, hospitality and development sectors to discuss tourism policies aimed at improving the lives of Caribbean people.
Since its inception in October 2001, CMEx has become an ever-increasing source of confidence and pride for the Caribbean region. Extending invitations to members of the media have proven to be one of the quickest ways for CMEx to spread the sustainable tourism message to the masses. The organizers of the conferences promote the mingling of journalists, both Caribbean and international, and members of the hospitality sector so that synergies will result in improved quality of living for all. CMEx has recognized deserving individuals in its awards ceremonies.
On Saturday, December 14, 2019 in Miami, CMEx will be taking this activity to a higher level when it mounts the 2019 CMEx Leadership Awards ceremony and fundraising event – www.cmexmedia.org.
The model? Public and private sector stakeholders are invited to support the awards and fundraising event. Proceeds from the event, including a live auction of prizes donated by CMEx partners, will generate surpluses to help beneficiaries such as the Errol & Nita Barrow Educational Trust and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation.
Let us utilize the beneficial nonprofit business activity concept to provide an effective channel for the circular flow of money for private sector investment to deserving beneficiaries, including start-up enterprises. This is a proven program to help invigorate our corporate social responsibility and expedite economic growth.