The Melbourne Junior Chamber of Commerce (MJCC) is the peak body representing young professionals and entrepreneurs in Melbourne.

With a proud history commencing in 1936, the MJCC has a record of community involvement, business programs and member development that has been outstanding and broad in its scope.

The MJCC is a membership based organisation dedicated to developing the professional and personal skills of its members in Melbourne. It is affiliated with JCI Australian and the Junior Chamber International.

The Patron of the MJCC is The Right Hon. Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Mr John So.

The MJCC is seeking sponsors who share the same vision and values and who want to connect to the young professionals community.

The MJCC is seeking sponsors to match the aims and ideals of young professionals and entrepreneurs in the spirit of the community and with a clear vision of the future of Melbourne and Australia.

Sponsorship vacancies are available at a variety of levels inside the various portfolios. A Major Sponsor is also sought.

An association with the MJCC will:

 Enhance the image of your company as a good corporate citizen through acknowledgement of support and association with the MJCC.  Unite your employees and customers in a common interest.  Have the potential to tell a story about your brand and its values.  Offer first class opportunities for your company to entertain or interact with existing or potential customers through our events and functions.  Provide an opportunity to communicate with the leaders of tomorrow when they are at their most receptive.  Use MJCC members to motivate and inspire employees via professional development sessions.  Provide promotional opportunities to display your company’s name and logo on all MJCC materials and website.  Give your company the opportunity to use the MJCC logo to promote your involvement.  Provide invitations to media occasions around the MJCC.  Provide networking opportunities with other sponsors and organisations involved.

The MJCC will manage sponsorship involvement ensuring sponsors are happy with the benefits and exposure they receive in return for their investment in the future of Melbourne.

What is leadership?

Monday 19th July 6.30-9pm

What qualities make a good leader? How can you use leadership to get the best from people? What does the general community think leadership is? This night with the Melbourne Junior Chamber of Commerce will give you an understanding of what leadership consists of, how to be an effective leader and introduce you to some examples of different styles of leadership.

Join Richard Bluck, Executive Director of Leadership Victoria, Mark Pierson, CEO of not-for-profit Urban Seed and Jacqui Harvey, Managing Director of Fyna Foods Australia for an exciting and informative evening.

Venue: Centre for Innovation & Technology Commercialisation 257 Collins Street, Melbourne

More information and to book: Darren Saffin Tel: 03 9289 9555 Fax: 03 9289 9556 dsaffin@porternovelli.com.au www.mjcc.org.au/calendar.asp

Members: $25 Non members: $35 Includes product pack, drinks and canapés.

More information and a registration form - www.mjcc.org.au

The MJCC believes in the mission of the Junior Chamber International, which is “to contribute to the advancement of the global community by providing young people the opportunity to develop the leadership skills, social responsibility, entrepreneurship, and fellowship necessary to create positive change.”

The MJCC does this through a variety of activities and events each year designed to build members skills and learning as well as providing the opportunities to network and socialise with the business community.

As the peak body for Melbourne’s young entrepreneurs, the MJCC provides opportunities such as the UN Summit, the Japan Academy, Board Director positions (locally, nationally and internationally) and committees for members to be proactively involved with.

Past members of note include Mr Ron Walker, Mr David Marriner, Mr Leslie Perrott OBE AO, Sir Phillip Lynch and Mr Ross Lawson AO.

MJCC major projects undertaken include:  The publication of the official guide to Melbourne for the 1956 Olympics  Organisation of Melbourne’s International Trade Fair in 1957  A report on “Australia’s Immigration Policy” in 1963  Commenced Melbourne’s inaugural Red Nose Ball 1988

Minor projects include blood bank drives, library equipping, collection of relief materials for bush fire victims, fund raising for a multitude of causes, redecoration of several civil premises and committees which reported to the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce on a variety of issues.

The future for the MJCC is looking to build on past achievements with plans underway to resurrect a major project, a Yarra River swim, as well as a fund raising program alongside the swim to help preserve the Yarra River and it’s natural environment.

The MJCC also co-ordinates programs such as Youth Speaks For Australia, provides training and professional development nights for the business community and has commenced an Intimate Lunch series of events with prominent identities including Robert Doyle and Elisabeth Proust to be more focussed on its association with the business community.

The MJCC is twinned with the Tokyo Junior Chamber.

Swim Through Melbourne.

The Melbourne Junior Chamber of Commerce is very excited about our plans to revise a piece of Melbourne's history.

The Yarra River is the lifeblood of the world's most livable city and it has been a focus of Melburnians since the city was first settled.

It has had many uses and recently recreation has featured more and more. But how many of you know of a series of swimming races held in the Yarra from 1913 to 1963?

This three mile event attracted swimming legends, local heroes and controversial triers. It may not have the status and appeal of the 100m freestyle but it created more controversy and comedy than most official events.

The MJCC is planning to recreate this unique piece of history starting in early 2005 and being held annually there after.

Obviously there is a lot of work to do and we will need community support and sponsorship to make the event come to life. If you would like to talk to us about sponsorships, partnerships or in-kind support, please email Darren Saffin at darrens@alphalink.com.au.

If you competed in the original series of swims or know someone who did or have a story to tell of an original swimmer, please let us know! We would love to hear from you. Email Darren Saffin.

We need your help to get the new swim up and going! If you would like to be involved as a volunteer on the day of the swim, please register your interest with Darren Saffin as well.

We are looking forward to a fantastic event and seeing you there!

Darren Saffin can be emailed at darrens@alphalink.com.au.