Amidst some whirlwind activity in the last two weeks I’ve had to do some analysis of figures for our AGM and our funders. And they tell a story on their own…

CCDI has grown phenomenally – from 2 (Marjorie and I) – to 22.  Growth that I can confidently say is needs-and-demand driven. And if we could double our staff we would still be worked off our feet. The growth in our database supports this theory. From 63 producers there are now 1353 registered on our database. And while our focus is on supporting producers, we have a value chain approach, so included in our database is 383 retailers, 125 raw material suppliers, 315 service providers and another 1037 stakeholders. Making up a community of 3,213 people that we link together in obvious, unexpected and we hope lucrative ways.

A large number of producers actively participate in our exhibitions and workshops. Careful analysis shows that a total of 473 individuals and/or enterprises made use of CCDI services in 2008/09. In the first 6 months of this financial year we have already surpassed this figure. So we are living up to our mission of supporting people.

And this activity seems to be making a difference. Last year we interviewed 21 entrepreneurs who had expanded their businesses to find out what had changed, and what we’d done to help. We learnt that between them they had created 450 jobs; their combined annual turnover had increased from R795,000 to R12m per year; instead of selling informally they were selling to an average of 18 retail outlets each; and 70% of them are now exporting. That’s impressive, and while we don’t claim total responsibility, we like to think we contributed to making this growth easier.

The truth is that everything we achieve as a sector is only made possible by the determination, passion, hard work, vision and perseverance of individuals – working together. It’s this passion that drives the sector. And so as we wind down for just a little bit, to enjoy the summer and the festive season, I’d like to extend a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who keeps this ship afloat: Our funders. Our board. Our staff. Our friends and partners and the entire craft and design sector.

Have a safe, happy, family and friend-filled festive season – and see you in the New Year.

Erica

ERICA ELK:  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CCDI

Flower craft blooms for the Final Draw