THE Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham) membership committee led by director Jim B. Jimenez, chaired by Ms. Elinor T. Lacanilao with co-chairs Ms. Akemi Boyd and Mr. Relly Candelaria and members Mr. Eric Boyd and Michael Tan successfully held the chamber’s 42nd Orientation of New Members last May 22, 2019, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Carworld’s Training Center, JASA, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
PamCham president Rene G. Romero, in his welcome remarks, had this to say to the 62 attendees who represent 39 companies:
“Good afternoon.
First, I would like to both thank and congratulate you on deciding to spend a few hours with us here today in PamCham’s orientation.
I thank you because your presence this afternoon is important to us and I assure you that your three hours with us will be an addition to your stock of knowledge and will open your eyes to how PamCham works for the protection of the welfare and interests of business. The information we will share in the course of the orientation will be beneficial to you if you know how to use them to your advantage.
I am also congratulating you on your decision to come here because I guarantee you that when you step out of this training room at 5pm, you will have had a few more business connections amongst us here. I for one am committing to help promote your products and services within my sphere of influence.
If and when you decide to join the chamber movement through PamCham, you will have the privilege to utilize and exploit PamCham’s vast and growing network to further promote and grow your business.
I know this because I have done it in my own business and I know that I would not have reached this level of success if not for the Chamber movement.
My service started when I joined the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry and was elected its President. My accomplishments were enough to lead to my election as PCCI’s Regional Governor in Region 3 and then as Area Vice President of the North Luzon Chambers.
PCCI by the way is the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry where all local chamber of commerce and industries in the entire country is affiliated with.
Those years of being exposed and immersed in the chamber network enabled me to expand my business exponentially. Up to this time, my connections in the chamber continue to propel my company’s growth.
And for you the possibilities are endless.
PCCI now has connections and affiliates worldwide.
Imagine the opportunities that awaits us all if we tap into these connections wisely.
How? Simple. Join PamCham.
This is a tried and tested formula.
It worked for me. It worked for the LausGroup of Companies and it worked for the companies of our Board of Directors.
Why will it not work for you?
We are opening our doors wide for you to enter. If you actively attend the many activities and events of PamCham and learn how to utilize the services we provide for you, I assure you, you will not regret you decision.
PamCham is also your way of gaining a foothold in the global business community.
For majority of businesses, especially for the small companies and quite a few medium enterprises, joining a business organization like PamCham is not a priority.
Some even consider organizations like us as nuisance and a waste of time. They would rather spend hours cooped up inside their offices, strategizing on how to expand their business and maybe gripe about the state of the local and national economy.
My experience taught me that if I want a better business environment, I need to go out of the four walls of my office and do something to improve the economy and participate in enhancing the development of my province and country.
I call this nation building and each and everyone of us has a responsibility to help our country grow. This realization became clear to me when I started actively involving myself in the advocacies and activities of the Chamber.
Why do you think PamCham is this influential?
Why do you suppose PamCham is always invited to join the many advisory councils and technical working groups of government?
Because, the business sector is a rich source of ideas.
When we share these ideas to government, we help in governance.
And when we help in governance and assist in improving the business climate, we help our country grow.
In truth and in reality, if you want to expand your business, joining the local chamber of commerce and industry is a must.
The power and influence of a united business community, collective and resonant in voicing issues to government, cannot and will not be ignored, by our local and even national leaders.
To do so would cost them substantially in terms of tax income and political credibility because it is business that drives the economy forward.
It is business that generates employment and provide livelihood to the community they woo for votes and support come election time.
And so I end my talk with these questions and please bear them in mind in the course of this orientation.
Do you want to grow your business?
Do you want to expand your network?
Do you want to provide employment to your community?
Do you want to contribute to nation building?
If your answer to these questions are all yes.
Then your decision to come here this afternoon is meant to be.
Thank you and welcome to PamCham’s 42nd Orientation of New Members.” (PR)