San Francisco: Wheels of commerce never stop, pandemic or not, but most importantly when the economy is hurting and communities need leaders to spark progress. That’s exactly what happened this September when officers of international chambers of commerce based in San Francisco gathered at BEI Hotel on Market Street last Tuesday to kick-off the first and only united initiative of such collaboration to make their City great again.
Jose Pecho, Chair of the San Francisco Filipino American Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the first event, said, “this meet-up is a unique gathering of inspiring diverse business leaders who are passionate about making a difference in our local and international business communities.”
Pecho disclosed that it was an offshoot from the San Francisco small business organizations like the Filipino, Chinese, Hispanic, African American Chambers, with heavy hitter organizations like the Council of District Merchants Association and the SF Chamber headed by Rodney Fong, where discussions pivoted around solutions and sharing information on public policy impacting small businesses and communities.
This loosely evolved coalition has several dynamic advantages as enumerated by Pecho. “It brings together business leaders and representatives from various countries which fosters cross-border collaborations, cultural exchanges, and the sharing of global business practices, which are crucial for expanding business horizons and creating international opportunities. By engaging with international chambers, participants can explore new markets, understand global trends, and form strategic alliances. This global perspective is essential for businesses looking to expand internationally and stay competitive in a globalized economy. It also allows for the exchange of innovative ideas and best practices that can be adapted to local contexts.”
Rodney Fong, a fourth generation San Franciscan, president and CEO of San Francisco Chamber, brought a local spin on the importance of getting the City back up on its feet. Growing up in the 50’s, he already was an apprentice to his grandfather who owns the Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf. Fong was selling tickets, ice cream and cable car shots, and has since been doing business in the City. The relationships and experiences through the years, he said, gave him a “really good understanding of business in a very simple form, whether it’s a tiny little mom and pop restaurant to a larger district that you might be running.” Later he became involved with different City agencies that gave him a “whole world of knowledge about why things are the way they are and why they aren’t the way they are and where the city is really going.”
He followed with an impassioned spiel about upcoming major events in San Francisco that will put the City back on the world map once again. There’s FIFA World Cup, the NBA All-star game coming up very soon, the Super Bowl 60, the Rod Laver Tennis Cup, professional tennis with Roger Federer, the PGA championship, and PGA Ryder Cup.
And with that, one by one, the different chamber representatives each added his or her own spiel on who they are and what they have been doing and plan to achieve.
Plans for the future
“This international group is so important.” Fong said, “We are an international city. APEC showed us that if you go back in history, the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition really launched this city after the 1906 earthquake. We kind of find ourselves in the same spot now. So, if history were to repeat itself, we have an opportunity to bring the world back to San Francisco and dispel the rumors and beliefs of doom or that San Francisco fell off the face of the earth because of a big earthquake.” Fong is referring to exploring whether or not San Francisco should bid on the 2035 International Exposition. It would be the 120th anniversary of the 1915 Panama Pacific Expo and it would bring the world back to San Francisco. That is some vision for the future and in which the Chambers can very well assist.
Other members related their stories of getting involved with the coalition from Masood Samererie who transformed from corporate to real estate and has headed the Council of District Merchants in San Francisco for the past 3 years.
Rocio Esteve of the Association of American European Chambers of Commerce & Business Associations of California, Spain Chamber of Commerce explained that the organization serves as an umbrella for most European countries including the smaller ones. “The idea is to network between all Europeans here…”
The Japanese Chamber, headed by Kent Hora spoke of having about 300 companies including Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi Company; and networking events part of which are golf tournaments.
Melissa Zajic, heads the Australian Chamber which was established in 1981. She said that it is a challenge to sell this “beautiful city that we get to call home, make sure that the Australians know what an incredible place it is.”
Federico Bucchi of Business Association Italy, America, said that they aim at increasing the visibility and the profile of Italians as a group within the international business community and to develop a solid network of valuable relationships. They provide networking opportunities, organize content rich events, catering to an international audience and drive initiatives and to showcase talent within the community.
Thomas Celerier, French American Chamber of Commerce, San Francisco, boasts of 300 plus corporate members from a variety of business services. It was established more than 45 years ago and has 18 locations. His big news is that they are relaunching a branch in Los Angele and will soon rebrand their name to the French American Chamber of Commerce of California, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Lisa Brown, co-president, announced their big annual gala in November. Featuring, of course, “some French foods, some French wine, and Californian wine made by French people,” she said.
Hawaiʻi Chamber of Commerce, Northern California represented by Eric Tao said that they are the only state that has its own Chamber of Commerce. Tao said, “It’s unique in that I think the Hawaii state, it’s almost like its own country and has its own culture. And what we try to preach and practice, our motto is ‘Aloha is our business”. And this is the perfect setting for that. We preach competition with compassion. We preach fiscal prudence with friendship. We preach make money, but make memories. And it’s about being together and being inclusive and being multicultural.”
CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of San Francisco, Carlos Solarzano, said they are also “one with the Salvadorian, Guatemalan American, Latin American, and Caribbean Chambers. We are together as a group and one is because we needed to have a better and bigger voice on representation. Solarzon continued to say that, “California Latinos produce $98 billion in the state and constitutes 48% of state population of California. Our motto is not “Make America great”, but “Make the US great.”
The Taiwanese American Chamber of Commerce of Northern California which was established some 37 years ago and was represented by Gloria Wynn. She said their members come from low tech, high tech, real estate business, financial, business, full business, international import exporting. Of course, technology. Their major mission is helping their clients thrive.
Wade Lai and David Ho, of the Taiwanese Chamber, and Dr. Matthew Ajiake of the African American Chamber, all officers, were unable to attend, but were instrumental in forming the coalition.
The group aims to create a robust platform for continuous dialogue and partnership among international chambers. Additionally, they plan to focus on leveraging these relationships to provide all of their diverse organization members with access to new markets, investment opportunities, and global business insights. Substantial and long-lasting partnerships are envisioned.
Altogether, the meet-up was a tremendous success. The FilAm Chamber harnessed its cultural profile by having The Hinabi Project curate a mini exhibit at the venue with Filipino ethnic textile and artifacts conducted by Edwin Lozada and Anthony Legarda, in collaboration with Sentro Filipino and BEI Sales Manager Evelyn Cayaban. Flowers were designed by Jeffrey Dumlao of Chartreuse by Roje and photos taken by Zac Borja. All are SFFACC members.
Rodney Fong at the end announced that the San Francisco Chamber has a newly opened brick and mortar store called Yes SF at the corner of Montgomery and Bush Street. This space is available to businesses who wish to hold events, to take it over for a day, or a week to bring in startup businesses in California, and open to San Francisco businesses, potential investment companies, et cetera.
The group of thirteen Chambers and business associations might be small in comparison to major business summits, but this is an encouraging start of the coming together of disparate economic and cultural interests in the Bay Area.
Photos attached: by Zac Borja
