Nice seen by its Junior Chamber International

Nice-Première: What means does the JCE have to help, influence, and impact economic projects in the department?

Karine Boeuf-Etesse:<img10599|left> The means are diverse and varied: The Young Economic Chamber of Nice Côte d’Azur can carry out actions of consultation, dialogue, and propositions through debates, events, or conferences to influence mindsets and raise awareness of the economic problems faced by workers and entrepreneurs (e.g., breakfast debates, conference on struggling businesses, the White Paper, etc.). It can also carry out communication actions to urge public authorities and institutional entities to react and take a stand through demonstrations, open letters, press conferences (e.g., the demonstration last June for the creation of a Court of Appeal in the Alpes Maritimes; open letter for the Grand Stadium, etc.).

In any case, the Young Economic Chamber Nice Côte d’Azur is always a force for proposals and seeks to provide the perspective of young local entrepreneurs keen to influence mindsets and projects.

NP: Who can join the JCE? What are the criteria for joining?

K B-E: Anyone aged between 18 and 40 who wishes to contribute to the city and wants to train in taking on responsibility by contributing to Nice and its region through their proposals and actions. The criteria are mainly those of integrity, a desire to act, and to influence the world around us while respecting everyone, of course. One needs to be sponsored by two members of the Young Economic Chamber to validate the application to join our movement.

NP: One of your projects is to have Nice listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. How can this be achieved, who are your supporters, and when can we hope to see Nice listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site?

K B-E: The aim of the Young Economic Chamber Nice Côte d’Azur is to put all means into action to succeed in convincing Senator Mayor of Nice Jacques PEYRAT to support our city’s candidacy for UNESCO’s World Heritage listing.

The Young Economic Chamber Nice Côte d’Azur’s role is therefore to “open the door” to the Mayor of Nice.

To this end, we are collaborating with historians from Nice to revise the application file already prepared by Mr. CASTELA. We met with Senator Mayor of Nice Jacques PEYRAT at the beginning of the year to present our project to him. As soon as it is ready, we will submit it to him so that he can present it to UNESCO.

NP: The Grand Stadium of Nice, which you support, is facing a new turmoil with a preliminary investigation initiated by public prosecutor Eric de Montgolfier. What is your reaction, and do you still believe in a Grand Stadium in Nice?

K B-E: First and foremost, we hope that justice will do its work and that the law will be enforced if it has been violated since one of the values we defend at the Young Economic Chamber is that “authority should rely on the Law and not on arbitrariness.” However, we are disenchanted to see that once again, a major project for the economy and development of our city is in turmoil. Whatever the reasons, it is once again our local economic fabric that is hit hard. It is regrettable, and therefore, we felt compelled to react!

NP: What policy would you advocate to ensure the economic prosperity of the Alpes-Maritimes? Should priority be given to major projects or rather to supporting SMEs in their development and survival?

K B-E: We believe that “the freedom of the individual and the company better ensures economic justice.” In my view, the economic prosperity in our department, as elsewhere, necessitates a reduction in social charges that are strangling our local SMEs. There is no “priority” to give: both major projects and SMEs in our department contribute to the development of our economic area and employment market. The only thing that matters is that Nice shines economically and socially, and for that, we need to give ourselves the means.

NP: Finally, what advice would you give to recent graduates wishing to start their own business?

K B-E: There is no more beautiful adventure than starting your own business and thus acquiring true freedom. Freedom to create, freedom to produce wealth, freedom to help your region and the people who live there grow… However, do not hesitate to seek advice and surround yourself with competent people to avoid turning this beautiful adventure into a nightmare!

Final advice: If you want to use your skills for the good of our city, take the plunge and join the Young Economic Chamber Nice Côte d’Azur…

www.jcenice.org