A 2025 Message From:
Gerry Palon
President, Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC)
Dear Filipino-American Business Community,
As we welcome 2025, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you—the incredible business owners, leaders, stakeholders, partners, and supporters who make up the vibrant Filipino-American business community. Your dedication and engagement with the 45 partner chambers of the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC) have been the driving force behind everything we’ve accomplished together.
Serving as the Founding President of COFACC since 2018 has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Reflecting on the strides we made in 2024, I am filled with pride and inspiration. Together, we championed the “Make It Happen, Make Us Matter” (MIH MUM) initiative, proving the strength of unity and collaboration.
This year, we look ahead with a renewed vision: Empower, Elevate, Evolve. In 2025, we aim to:
- Empower our leaders and members with tools, skills, and resources to succeed.
- Elevate the voice of Filipino-American businesses and amplify their contributions.
- Evolve our chambers into resilient, future-ready organizations.
One of the most exciting milestones for this year is the formal launch of the Leadership, Education & Training (LET) Academy in April. This program will focus on developing leaders, fostering innovation, and equipping our chambers with practical strategies for sustainability and growth. It includes key initiatives like the Basic Chamber Management Course (BCMC), which has already helped so many chambers improve operations and better serve members like you.
In August, COFACC will host the International Asian American Business Expo, a signature event that will bring business delegations from Vietnam and the Philippines to the United States. This expo will serve as a powerful platform for promoting international trade and commerce, forging connections, and opening new opportunities for Filipino-American businesses to collaborate globally. It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase the entrepreneurial excellence of our community on an international stage and engage with key stakeholders from across the globe.
None of these achievements would be possible without your unwavering support. Your passion and commitment inspire everything we do. As we step into this exciting year, let us continue to work together, uplift one another, and create opportunities for our businesses to thrive.
Here’s to a year of growth, connection, and shared success. Let’s make 2025 the year we truly Empower, Elevate, and Evolve—together.
With gratitude and warmest regards,
Gerry Palon
President, Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC)
Building a “High-Functioning” Board of Directors Team in a Filipino American Chamber of Commerce:
A Necessity for 2025 and Beyond
As Filipino American business and community leaders, we have collectively witnessed the pains of growing chambers. Over the years, our shared experiences have revealed the challenges of transforming and transitioning Filipino American chambers that were once deeply rooted in socio-cultural activities into organizations focused on business growth and thriving in an evolving 21st-century economic environment. This cultural shift has also paved the way for young, energetic, next-generation leaders to step in and contribute fresh perspectives.
Navigating the dual challenges of managing personal businesses while collectively helping others grow through the chamber’s programs has been a shared journey for many business and community leaders in the Filipino American community. It’s not always easy—balancing responsibilities with a commitment to community service can feel overwhelming. Yet, the impact of a well-run board, supported by dedicated and passionate volunteers, has proven to be transformative and rewarding.
Why a High-Functioning Board Matters
In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, leadership defines whether a chamber thrives or struggles. Chambers must evolve to address challenges such as post-pandemic recovery, digital transformation, and shifting member expectations. A strong Board of Directors is not just a luxury; it’s the engine that drives innovation, accountability, and community engagement.
As we transitioned to a more business-oriented culture, the role of the board became crucial in redefining goals and realigning efforts to meet the needs of our members. A well-functioning board inspires trust and demonstrates that chambers can be effective platforms for fostering growth, providing resources, and connecting members to opportunities.
Traits of a High-Functioning Board
- Diverse Perspectives: A board’s strength comes from reflecting the community it serves. Ensuring representation from various industries, age groups, and cultural backgrounds allows for a broader understanding of member needs and fosters innovation.
- Clear Roles and Accountability: Every board member knows their role. Whether mentoring small businesses, organizing events, or advocating for local policies, clarity ensures everyone contributes meaningfully. Without it, even well-intentioned efforts can fall flat.
- Collaboration and Trust: Our most impactful projects have come from working as a team. Open communication and mutual respect are the glue that holds the board together.
- Continuous Education: The business world evolves quickly. Regular board retreats and guest speakers keep us informed and inspired. Learning about trends like e-commerce and sustainability helps us better serve our members.
Building Emotional Connections
Serving on a chamber’s board is more than governance—it’s about making a difference. For Filipino American chambers, this often means creating opportunities for businesses to grow while maintaining a deep connection to our cultural heritage. These efforts remind board members why their work matters and inspire them to stay engaged.
The cultural transformation of Filipino chambers has been particularly rewarding. By shifting from primarily socio-cultural events to initiatives that drive business growth, we have empowered younger generations to see chambers as dynamic and relevant platforms for entrepreneurship and leadership. This cultural evolution has allowed us to bring in young professionals who are eager to contribute and lead.
Adapting to 2025 and Beyond
The future presents both challenges and opportunities for chambers:
- Digital Transformation: Virtual networking and online tools are essential. Boards need tech-savvy members who can guide the chamber into the digital age.
- Economic Advocacy: Small businesses face ongoing challenges. Boards must advocate for policies that support local businesses and economic growth.
- Purpose-Driven Leadership: Younger professionals want organizations that align with their values. Prioritizing inclusivity, sustainability, and social impact will attract the next generation of leaders.
Practical Steps to Build a Strong Board
- Recruit Strategically: Identify gaps in expertise and seek out members who can fill them. Recruiting individuals with fresh perspectives and specialized skills strengthens the board.
- Onboard Thoroughly: New board members need to understand the chamber’s goals, history, and expectations. Pairing newcomers with mentors ensures a smooth transition.
- Engage Through Action: Board members stay motivated when they see the results of their efforts. Celebrating milestones and accomplishments keeps the team energized.
- Evaluate and Improve: Regular self-assessments help us identify areas for growth. We’re not afraid to adapt roles or bring in fresh perspectives when needed.
Call to Action
To our fellow chamber leaders who are driving change within their respective organizations: let’s come together to strengthen our boards and our collective impact. It’s through collaboration, shared learning, and a commitment to excellence that we can elevate our chambers to the next level. By fully embracing COFACC’s mission of “Make It Happen, Make It Matter” (MIH MUM), we have the opportunity to refine our strategies, support our members, and inspire a sustainable future. Together, we can set the standard for leadership, foster innovation, and empower the next generation to carry our mission forward.
Conclusion
As we navigate the complexities of 2025 and beyond, the importance of a “high-functioning” Board of Directors cannot be overstated. Filipino American chambers are not just organizations; they are platforms for growth, innovation, and empowerment.
By uniting under the shared vision of supporting businesses and uplifting communities, we ensure our efforts resonate deeply with our members’ needs. Through collaboration and shared purpose, we truly make it happen—and make it matter.
Gerry Palon, President & CEO , Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC). (Founded 2018). Article written – December 11, 2024.
