Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce, LA's photostream

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www.facc-sfv.org/

The San Fernando Valley Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce...

... started back in December of 2001 in the conference room of DeVry University West Hills, California campus. Rick Rolda, Assistant Admissions Director of the school and Board Member of the Asian Pacific Islanders Council (APIC), with fellow Board Member Joe Arciaga, and Leo Maranan, owner of American Health Care Services and member of California Hotel & Motel Association, started the group. Joe originally approached Rick with the idea of starting a civic association, but after meeting with Leo and other community leaders, the trio decided to create the SFV Chamber of Commerce and continue with the path taken previously in the mid- 1990's by the Greater Los Angeles Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce, formerly headed by businesswoman Gloria Weischadle.


photo by Karlo Patrick David

Concerned with the apparent need for a core group of Filipino-Americans geared towards commerce and community, they sought to establish the organization. Their devotion towards advocacy and empowerment of the Filipino-American Business Community continues today, extending outside the confines of the San Fernando Valley.

The main focus of the group has been the establishment of a collective body of civic minded Filipino-Americans who would work together for the common good and serve as advocate to change, including direct influence on political empowerment and success of our fellow compatriots and friends in the Filipino community in harmony with all cultures. From that point on, membership has increased dramatically, thus confirming the marked interest in involvement of its officers, members and constituents.

Membership

Membership in the San Fernando Valley Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce is reserved on an invitation basis. Those interested may be sponsored by a member or officer of good standing. A stringent screening process in undertaken to ensure the level of dedication and quality of membership in the organization.

The screening process is undertaken thru a committee-panel of officers who initiate the interview for membership eligibility. The advancement of the organization and dedication to its cause are some of the main concerns for qualification. Also, one's possible contributions, talents or professional services are also serve as good measures for acceptance.

With internal matters put under proper perspective, the organization has been registered as a legal entity with our local government and has established the necessary financial safeguards for funds and cash flow. Objectives, Mission Statement, House Rules, Code of Ethics, Committee Assignments and Events Handling have also been properly set up for a goal oriented and cohesive infrastructure. Noel Omega, Charter Co- Founder, was instrumental in organizing the Chamber.



What are the benefits of being a member? Well for one – membership entitles you to promote your current business into the organization. Also, it would be a venue for you to network with several other Filipino – Americans in the San Fernando Valley and adjoining communities. Being a member of SFVFACC puts a stamp of prestige in your business that could readily enhance your business affiliation and support to a growing, vibrant and soon prominent Filipino – American organization in the region.

more benefits here:
www.facc-sfv.org/component/content/article/1-latest-news/...


Our website: www.facc-sfv.org/

The Current Officers


left to right: Vangie Crowther, Corresponding Secretary; Rodel Lumanog, President; Mary Anne Omega, VP; Vangie Taberrah, Recording Secretary; Rosario Torres (not in picture), Treasurer.

Joe Arciaga is the Executive Director and Co- Founder of the Filipino- American Chamber of Commerce, San Fernando Valley, celebrating 10 years of service to the Filipino- American Community.



Joe has served on the Boards of the SFV American Diabetes Association and the SFV Asian Pacific Islander Council (in which he is President Emeritus) and currently serves on the Board of Directors of FilamARTS.

Joe also served as Executive Director of the Fil Am USA Assn, as a Member of the West Van Nuys/Lake Balboa Neighborhood Council, as a Member of the Panorama City Neighborhood Council, and as a CPR Instructor for the SFV Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Joe has a workers comp consulting business and an Actor Headshot photography business called Terra Verde Headshots. He previously owned and operated Valley Sushi Express (Asian food catering) and Finesse Carpet Cleaners from 1984- 1990.

Joe is proud to have served as a Desert Storm Veteran, formerly with the US Army, and is a proud Trojan- USC alumnus! Fight on!

Joe loves emceeing the Annual City of LA Lotus Festival and the Annual FilamArts' Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture.