The Philippine Chamber of Commerce - Michigan opens to the world as it launches its website on this first month of 2009. In the 5 months of its existence, the organization has grown from the first 6 members, who met informally in August, to about 40 today - a true indication of what the Filipino community in Michigan is in need of - a solid, progressive organization of dynamic individuals committed to promote and enhance the economic growth of Filipino-American professionals and businesses working together to support each other and create a strong Filipino voice in Michigan.

To talk about the beginning of the Chamber will run the risk of editorializing as one who has been involved since conception. Since this is the newsletter section, excuse the editorializing as it serves a dual purpose: first, it allows one to share the experience, and secondly, it fills up space. The Chamber was created to provide members with the opportunity to establish an identity as a Filipino professional and business-owner in the community. As a relatively young business-owner who has just been transplanted in Michigan, it was a challenge to find a way into the Filipino community with so many different social clubs and professional organizations -- from every region of the Philippine islands to choose from. The idea came from the need to get together like-minded people to work for a common goal: to get established, build a business, develop a support group, grow, and eventually give back to the community. As a group, we aim to form a strong voice to push the Filipino professional and business-owner in the Michigan business community -- to build a reputation of excellence and an important contributor in the economy.

Still in its infancy, the Chamber is moving forward with big plans to make things happen. We will be having a series of networking events in various areas of the state to serve as a roadshow to introduce the Chamber to potential members, meet with the area professionals and businesses, as well as, add to the rapidly growing membership base - there is strength and numbers. Check out the Events section to get updated on the networking events in your area.

With the energy, enthusiasm, and optimism, of our members, we cannot help but believe that the Chamber will succeed - or at least get a really good start in 2009. We should all be proud to participate in helping this grow.