Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia

by PIDC
September 25, 2019

Categories: AAPI,

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Longtime partner of PIDC, Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia (AACCGP), is dedicated to promoting regional economic growth between Asian & non-Asian businesses while advancing business-friendly public policies and servicing their members through outstanding programs, benefits, and services. Founded in 2002 by Narasimha Shenoy, the current president & CEO, the organization currently includes 600+ Asian American member businesses. PIDC is proud to have staff members serve on the advisory committee of the organization. AACCGP has supported PIDC over the years by serving as a great community partner for events and as a vehicle to share information about PIDC’s resources with the Asian-American business community.

AACCGP recently hosted their board meeting at the office of PIDC where board members discussed the organization’s part in the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia’s PHL Neighborhood Growth Project as well as different legislations that affect small businesses, including the 11:00pm ordinance, the safety glass legislation, and the 2020 plastic bag ban. Betsy Lee-Fong, who has served nearly three years as AACCGP’s director of programs and operation, thinks it is important to keep business owners informed on the status of issues that will affect their business, so that business owners can plan accordingly.

The AACCGP focuses on expanding opportunities for the Asian-American community, including helping them obtain corporate contracts. “If more people hire and work with minority businesses, it really diversifies their business, and actually makes their business more valuable and helps them grow. It helps support the initiative for diversity inclusion and diversity supplier,” said Betsy. The organization serves as a liaison for corporations seeking relationships with the Asian community and Betsy believes that serving as a champion and mentor to minorities seeking these opportunities is the best way to build these mutually beneficial relationships.

According to Betsy, one of AACCGP’s biggest challenges is business owners may not see the organization as a resource and forget to ask them for support. “I think a lot of Asian-owned businesses operate on their own,” she said. “They don’t feel they need support. They get support in their own communities. It’s about trust. They turn to their own community first, even if they want to start a business or grow a business.” In fact, the AACCGP provides many resources. The organization’s mission includes, but is not limited to, promoting and fostering relationships between Asian American and non-Asian communities; providing technical assistance and educational services for the start-up and growth of Asian American businesses; bringing together Asian American business owners and professions, serving as a liaison between the federal, state, and local governments and other chambers of commerce organizations; and promoting education programs to increase awareness of Asian American businesses.

Upcoming Events

AACCGP will host their 2019 Annual Awards Banquet on Thursday, October 3, 2019 from 5 PM – 9 PM EDT by honoring and celebrating Asian American businesses and leaders. The organization is also hosting the first “Diverse Chamber Joint Event” with the African American Chamber of Commerce and Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week in October.

“Our motto is making the connections which matter. We do many events a year to have our members network with other businesses and corporations such as Asian American Women Signature Event, Intersections with IBA, and more,” said Betsy. Visit their event page to learn more about their upcoming events.

Get Involved

If you would like to get involved with the organization and stay informed on their endeavors, click here to learn more about AACCGP.

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