Roland Rolfo: 'Let us be proud of our values from the long tradition of craftsmanship!'
Faced with the economic situation, the CMA network has decided to take charge of its destiny by setting up a 3-level national strategy...
Roland Rolfo, president of the Délégation du Var of the Chambre de Métiers et de l'Artisanat (CMA), details the objectives of this strategy: 'There are three objectives. First of all, to network better by pooling a certain number of functions at the national level: payroll, public procurement, information systems, etc. We are already the first fully regionalised consular network and we are moving towards stronger collaboration and shared tools on a national scale.'
'Secondly, to develop our resources by expanding our range of services to benefit new clients, beyond traditional craftsmanship, and by developing paid services, particularly for those that will be increasingly less funded by public money. Finally, to implement a more aggressive marketing policy based on a brand strategy.'
THE 100 YEARS OF THE CHAMBRE Furthermore, all CFAs have been named 'CMA Formation'. This is a new brand that the CMA network wishes to promote at the national level.
The president of the Délégation du Var explains the idea: 'In a context of growing competition, adopting a common identity has become essential. This strategic choice aims to simplify communication and consolidate the reputation and commitment to excellence of our centres. The brand 'CMA Formation' thus becomes the reference for our CMA for initial training, apprenticeship, and continuing education intended for business leaders and their employees.'
Finally in 2025, the CMA network will celebrate its centenary! The law establishing the chambres de métiers et de l'artisanat was passed on July 26, 1925, on the initiative of the Member of Parliament for Haute Marne Joseph Courtier, a lawyer in Chaumont. A major communication campaign will be launched on this occasion, to remind the general public of its missions.
As a reminder, craftsmanship in France represents more than 250 trades, 2.4 million businesses, and 1 business created every 2 minutes. 'More than ever, we claim the slogan 'Craftsmanship, the leading business in France'!'
In the Var, the Chambre de Métiers et de l'Artisanat took more than 10 years to come into being following this law, as it was created by ministerial decree on December 16, 1937, with its headquarters in Draguignan. Its first president was Antoine Mazzolini, a printer in Saint-Raphaël. Today, the elected representatives and myself wish to build on this heritage and support the evolution of our chambre de métiers so that it meets the issues and challenges of tomorrow,' insists Roland Rolfo.
ABILITY TO ADAPT He adds: 'Beyond the uncertainties we face today, we resolutely want to position the craftsmanship of tomorrow as a sector where the human dimension is at the heart of entrepreneurship, in line with the tradition of what compagnonnage once was, a symbol of the transmission of our know-how to the younger generation where innovation is at work daily, because the strength of craftsmanship is its adaptability and creativity, and where finally the ecological transition occupies a central place in our ways of producing and selling, in order to preserve resources and natural environments, to cultivate proximity with our customers and therefore the social bond within our territories.'
'To succeed in all this, we also need committed employees, dedicated elected officials, and loyal partners. What more could we wish for, other than to continue our action across all the different territories of the Var, at the service of artisans, young people, job seekers, and local authorities. For my part, I will continue to go out and meet elected officials within the territories to carry the voice of craftsmanship.'
To make its needs heard, to make the Chambre de Métiers even better known and recognised, to offer our expertise, and to collaborate on new projects, in order to improve, all together, the quality of life of our citizens.
Let us continue to be united and in solidarity! Let us remain optimistic but vigilant! And above all, let us be proud of our values stemming from the long tradition of craftsmanship,' enthuses the president of the CMA du Var.
Photos Philippe OLIVIER.