BCIC Announces Brigade BCIC Skill Development Park

The Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) held its 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the city today. The event witnessed a transition of leadership as the incumbent president Dr. S Devarajan, Sr. Vice President, TVS Motor Company Limited handed over the reins to president designate Vineet Verma, Director, Brigade Hospitality and Managing Director, World Trade Center, in the presence of Shri D. K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, Dr M R Jaishankar, Chairman, Brigade Group and other office bearers of BCIC.

Delivering the keynote address D. K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, said, “The world is looking at Bangalore and Karnataka and therefore the growth of the city is very important. The Government is committed to stand with the industry and provide all necessary assistance for growth. Our aim is to address the issue of employment. We are planning a policy wherein corporates will be mandated to direct their CSR funds to education this year. This will help address the employment issues. We are also planning Karnataka model schools and urge corporates to come forward and adopt these schools. Jobs can be created only if there are job creators i.e. industry. We are also planning to introduce a cell to provide hassle free assistance for investors. We are also planning a new tourism policy for Karavali to enhance the local economy.”

In his address, BCIC President Designate Vineet Verma said, “It is an honour for me to take over the presidency of BCIC and we will continue to be the voice of the industry in the state and provide both central and state governments with advice and suggestions to enhance the growth of industry. Our aim is to have a broader vision for Karnataka with regard to policy enhancement, review and streamlining of processes to ensure sustainable industry growth. Our aim is to expand growth beyond Bengaluru into secular sectors like auto components, textiles, food processing, electronics etc. As part of our collaboration with Brigade we will be inaugurating the Brigade BCIC skill development park at Devanahalli on 7th August 2024.”

In his Presidential address, Dr. S Devarajan highlighted BCIC's achievements over the past year, emphasizing the chamber's pivotal role in facilitating a conducive business environment and representing the interests of the industry across various forums.

During the event BCIC honoured winners of its maiden ESG Awards to drive sustainability and inclusivity among organizations in Karnataka. BCIC also felicitated outstanding achievers who made remarkable contributions in their respective fields including Padma Shri M K Sridhar, Founder Chancellor, Chanakya University, Bangalore, Dr. Trilochan Sastry, Professor IIM Bangalore and Founder, Centre for Collective Development, Bangalore, Shri. Bhaskar Anand Rao, CFO, Bangalore International Airport Limited, Shri Arun Yogiraj, Sculptor and Artist and Shri S K Sharma, President 1991-1992 (BCIC).

Vineet Verma has more than three decades of rich experience in the hospitality and retail sectors. He currently oversees the hospitality business of the Brigade Group that includes hotels, clubs & food courts. Vineet also serves as the Managing Director of WTC Trades & Projects Pvt. Ltd that manages World Trade Centers in Bangalore, Kochi and Chennai. Vineet is also the Vice President of Karnataka Tourism Society set up to promote Tourism & Travel in the State in association with the Government of Karnataka.

Incumbent Vice President, Mr. Prashant Gokhale, Managing Director, Buhler India Private Limited was elevated as Senior Vice President, BCIC. Prashant began his career at Bajaj Auto Ltd., in R&D before moving into the projects organization. He later joined Bühler, where he has held leadership roles in Customer Service and Sales and has been the President of South Asia and Managing Director of Bühler India since 2015.