New President Takes Helm Of GB Chamber Of Commerce

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GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – Dillion Knowles, the newly elected Chamber President, is no stranger to the Grand Bahama business landscape. Having moved to the island in the 1980s after college, he quickly established himself as a key player in the corporate world.

Rising through the ranks at Cintex, serving as a director at the Grand Bahama Port Authority, vice president at GB Devco, and a director at Pharmachem.

He later launched his own consulting firm, which further cemented his experience in the business sector.

But this isn’t his first time working with the Chamber, he previously served as First Vice President some years ago, making his return to the organization a full-circle moment.

Now, as Grand Bahama’s economy faces ongoing struggles, Knowles is laying out his plan.

Dillion Knowles – President, GB Chamber of Commerce
“I understand that the Chamber needs to be lots more inclusive than it currently is, and so one of the things that we’re gonna focus on this year is how to gain that inclusivity and that collaboration with the wider business community.”

He says Grand Bahama has been operating without a clear vision, something he believes must change.

Dillion Knowles – President, GB Chamber of Commerce
“And it’s important that we have one—that we know who we are, that we brand ourselves, and then market ourselves so that we can attract the necessary capital and interest in Grand Bahama. We kinda converted ourselves to somewhat of a flea market of sorts in that we just sell anything and everything that comes to mind, and we don’t really have a niche in the global market that will allow us to drive visitors and drive investment.”

To address this concern, the new president is pushing for collaboration.

Dillion Knowles – President, GBCC
“Central government, local gov, GBPA, and all the other stakeholders to develop that vision, umm, and move forward as one.”

He says a good relationship between the government and the GBPA is critical to Grand Bahama’s success.

Dillion Knowles – President, GB Chamber of Commerce
“We can’t be pulling in different directions, and so we will do everything in our power to influence that collaboration, and we hope that the public will join us and back us in those efforts.”

He reveals he was asked to consider the position numerous times, but he says he wanted to be fully prepared before stepping up.

Dillion Knowles – President, GBCC
“Now that I’m back in my consulting field again, I have more time available to me. I agreed to be nominated and subsequently elected to the role of president. So I’m all in. I don’t do things halfway, and I expect that the board would also be all in. We have a cadre of young, energetic individuals. I will do my best to harness that talent in support of the business community and, by extension, the people of Grand Bahama.”