A new Chamber of Commerce has been launched in West Hawaii.
The West Hawaii Filipino Chamber of Commerce was formed to support and promote Filipino-owned businesses.
Chamber President Dylan Andrion was part of the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce and realized that it could be something that could benefit many people on the Big Island, especially West Hawaii.
“I saw the impact in the community and the impact to businesses in Maui, and there is no reason we shouldn’t have something here,” Andiron said. “You walk around and see Filipino businesses everywhere. I think it’s important to get something like this off the ground.”
As a new chamber, WHFCC will be focusing on planning its long-term goals, as well as growing membership, hosting events and developing fundraising opportunities.
“We want to develop signature events to support scholarship opportunities for high school students and those already in college,” Andrion said. “We also want to raise money for resources that can be granted to business owners.”
WHFCC recently welcomed Mauna Lani Resort as a new corporate member, and the hotel will be further distinguished with lifetime recognition as a founding member.
Those who join WHFCC also will be part of the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce. The organization allows members to participate in weekly training sessions over Zoom which cover things such as grant writing.
There will be a COFACC convention in Houston that is open to WHFCC members from May 31 to June 3.
Those interested in joining or learning more about WHFCC can find more information on the website at theandrions.org/whfcc.
“We will be hosting our first exclusive dinner event for members on April 25,” Andrion said. “We invited (Mayor Mitch Roth), council members and community leaders to attend. It will be the first time we host an event for business owners to connect to the community.”
Although the chamber is based in West Hawaii, East Hawaii businesses are welcome to join and be part of the advocacy of Filipino businesses. Joining members will have access to educational seminars and workshops throughout the year.
“I think it’s important for Filipino community to have identity, strong identity to draw closer together to support each other,” Andrion said. “When a chamber has driven members and is part of the community, there will be an impact. There will be more support for high school students, higher revenue for local businesses, and more support within businesses. If we can have an active chamber, it doesn’t just benefit Filipino community, but community overall.”
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.