Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has teamed up with students from UTC Sheffield City Centre to create a brand-new Past President’s medal.
The Past President’s medal, a prestigious symbol of progress and future growth, will be proudly worn by all outgoing Chamber Presidents, serving as a lasting tribute to innovation, leadership and excellence for years to come.
Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry is over 160 years old. It was founded in 1857 and since then has had 114 different Presidents. Sitting as the 115th is Alexis Krachai, the current Chamber President.
Alexis Krachai, President of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “Consistent with our focus on rebuilding the Chamber, last year we decided to organise a competition to design a new Past President’s Medal, partnering the UTC in the City Centre.
“Following this, last Spring, I spoke with over 100 students about this competition to design and manufacture a Past President’s Badge for us at the Chamber.
“Over the following months, working inside and outside of their classes, the students of UTC stepped up to the challenge and we chose four finalists to come forward with their designs.”
These finalists were announced in February, at SCCI’s 167th Annual General Meeting (AGM), which took place in the Memorial Hall of Sheffield City Hall and welcomed over 100 attendees.
The finalists included, winner, Geneve Di Pasquale and Eshan Memon, Nathan Nicholson and Faith Newton.
Geneve’s design, which included Sheffield’s history of manufacturing and cleverly incorporated a workflow from past to future, wowed the judges. Her presentation was exceptional and demonstrated her confidence and skill.
Geneve will now work with the Chamber team to finalise her design so that in a year’s time, when Alexis steps down from his role, he will receive this newly minted Past President’s medal.
“I will be proud to wear Geneve’s medal when I hand over to Jerry Cheung next February,” Alexis added. “Jerry and future Presidents will also receive this new medal for decades to come. It’s a real legacy for Sheffield.”
This Chamber-led initiative aims to inspire the next generation of private sector leaders to actively engage in civic life, contribute to the city’s greater good by serving as trustees or Non-Executive Directors, and collaborate with the public sector and key stakeholders. By fostering these partnerships, the initiative seeks to drive inclusive economic growth and ensure shared prosperity for all.
Alexis said: “Each finalist is helping to shape the Chamber of the future. Their designs have every potential to be used by the Chamber for decades to come.”
SCCI supports, connects and represents businesses of all sizes in Sheffield. Its vision is to make the city region the best place in the UK to start, grow and run a successful and sustainable business that will give the best employment opportunities to its future workforce.
Learn more: www.scci.org.uk/
