2019 was a milestone year for the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC). Not only did we accomplish with much success our first signature event last Feb. 2019 – Franchising & Retail Trade Conference (FRTC) held in Cerritos, CA, but we also managed to organically grow our membership base from a startup of five (5) Filipino American Chambers of Commerce in Southern California to its present sixteen (16) partner organizations in a matter of 1-1/2 yrs.
COFACC’s current roster of active partner organizations include eight (8) in Southern California, four (4) in the State of Texas plus four (4) strategic corporate members operating at the regional level. Overall, these chamber organizations represent no less than 2,500 Filipino American business owner members. We envision to double the current roster size of COFACC by the end of 2020 to support our mission to help more small businesses who are members of our partner chambers.
In terms of membership benefits, we managed to open the doors for small business owner members of partner chambers to – a) avail of various small business assistance programs offered by Mabuhay Credit Union, a division of the Japanese-owned Nikkei Credit Union; b) avail of huge corporate discounts from world renowned Avis & Budget Rental Cars; and lastly, c) avail of lower priced office supplies, office equipment, & other office systems through strategic partnership arrangement with a huge wholesaler OfficeZilla. More exclusive membership benefits in 2020 are lined up for COFACC partner member organizations as we continue to identify the needs, help grow and succeed our small and start-up Fil Am businesses.
Other intrinsic value benefits COFACC provides to each partner member organization include access to a wide resource base including sharing of membership directories & events calendar, sharing of best practices among chambers, same member fee rate application to all COFACC partner members attending a local event under our reciprocity agreement, leadership training and mentoring, fast start program for new chambers, B2b matching services and a whole lot more resulting from the strong ties and collaboration.
Last January, 2020, all leaders of the sixteen (16) partner organizations of COFACC met together to chart the Roadmap to Success of COFACC in the next 3 to 5 years. Our mid to long term growth strategy focuses on both VERTICAL growth by adding more partner chambers in COFACC and HORIZONTAL growth thru aggressive recruitment of new members by partner Chambers. To further add value to our membership base, we plan to add more significant discount items under our Vendor Discounting Program.
In closing, we are very fortunate to have such a high caliber, high quality business professionals in the Leadership Board of COFACC who have unselfishly contributed their talents and skills in the formulation of a solid business plan for the organization in the next 3 to 5 years. Thank you so much for your continued dedication and passion towards the attainment of our Mission as an organization. Together we rise!
Sincerely,
Gerry Palon
COFACC President
