Hawaii
Mission Statement
The purposes of the Chamber are to promote participation in the business community by those engaged in business, agriculture, industry or profession; to represent and to advocate the interests of the businessmen and businesswomen and their communities; to foster the exchange of ideas and information among and between Chamber members and other members of the business community; to encourage and promote the professional growth of the Chamber membership; to facilitate the exchange of business and to broaden opportunities for businesses; to accept contributions, gifts, bequests or devices for the purposes of the Chamber and to engage in any other activity not otherwise prohibited to it by law or regulation.
Goals
- Assist local businesses in economic recovery and sustainability by:
- disseminating information on government assistance programs such as CARES Act, PPP, Rent assistance and eviction moratorium, mortgage relief, stimulus checks, and other programs.
- promoting “buy-local” campaigns
- assisting with job fair activities
- educating and coaching of best practices for the new normal in the place of work
- lobbying for pro-business legislation
- provide Filipino translation assistance for government documents for unemployment benefits, COVID testing, government restrictions, etc.
- Establish FCCH Fellows program to develop and enhance the growth of emerging leaders within the Filipino-American community
- Plan the MabuHI Pacific Expo and Summit, which fosters trade and business relationships with the Philippines and United States through the following activities
- Summit of government leaders of the Philippines and Hawaii
- Business expo booths
- Workshop and training breakout sessions
- Reaffirmation ceremony of Sister-City & Sister-State MOU agreements
- Networking activities
- Philippines-based fashion show
- Continue FCCH programs despite COVID restrictions
- Monthly business education and financial literacy programs
- Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year awards ceremony
- Scholarship awards
- Golf Tournament
- Holiday celebrations
- Board Installation event
- Monthly Board meetings
- Other activities
- Amend bylaws for better clarity and function
FCCH
About Us
As the oldest Filipino Chamber of Commerce in the United States, FCCH’s prestigious history dates back to a time humble beginning in 1947 when a group of civic-minded Filipino businessmen met to unite the then fledgling Filipino business community. Through their gathering, the Filipino Businessman’s Association was formed and began to promote the common aims of the Filipino community.
Event Photos
Message from the President
Jeoffrey Cudiamat
President
Aloha and Mabuhay,
Since 1954, the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii has been regarded as the premier business organization in Hawaii for the Filipino community. It’s rich history as the oldest Filipino Chamber of Commerce in the United States has fostered business relationships and broadened opportunities for its members and the business community for over 66 years. As an advocate for businesses and entrepreneurs, the Chamber has promoted professional growth, lobbied in the interest of business, facilitated educational enlightenment programs, and encouraged commerce amongst its members.
Extreme events in the year 2020 with social injustice protests, political unrest in the United States government, and a global pandemic caused by COVID-19 have reshaped the way our societies live, work, and socialize in communities everywhere. Indeed, the economic damage has left many businesses treading water in our island state which relies so heavily on tourism and the travel industry.
The road to recovery can seem long and arduous.
But, if there is a silver lining through this crisis, a new and stronger entrepreneurial spirit has been arising. The human spirt is strong and resilient. We struggle, we learn, we pivot, and then we thrive.
Hindsight being 2020 (pun included), this crisis has allowed businesses to gain a greater perspective of themselves to re-evaluate every operation in their respective organizations in order to streamline efficiency. Businesses have adjusted its operations including the way it delivers its products and services. As industry leaders continue to pivot, changes create opportunities to not only survive through the crisis, but moreover thrive through it.
Accordingly, there have been endless examples of companies that show “Perseverance through Adversity”, our theme as we navigate through each challenge.
As president of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, the Board of Directors and I pledge to institute positive change to move our association forward and support local businesses. Appreciating this unique opportunity, we embrace the entrepreneurial spirit to confront challenges head-on as we persevere through adversity.
Mahalo and Mabuhay!
Jeoffrey S. Cudiamat
Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii
FCCH President 2020-2021
