David Oh, President & CEO of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia discussed the business building and business-to-business opportunities they offer.    

We spoke of his long career in public-service, as a three-term City Councilman and as a Mayoral Candidate this past year, and why he is now working with the Asian-American business community.   He discussed the various groups that make up this sector, including immigrants, from the ‘50s through today and their following generations, and the many countries who identify as Asian or Pacific Islanders, without sharing language or cultural interests. 

We discussed the opportunities the Chamber offers, from business planning for entrepreneurs, to networking and introductions to funding steams. 

He notes that many high-profile companies in the area do not have Asian-sounding names, and so go unrecognized as part of their community.  He also voiced his concerns that many businesses within the community close upon the retirement of the founders, he is looking for ways to pass these businesses on to the next generation. 

David discussed some of the recent success stories for the chamber, including increased membership and expanding staff to 3 full-time and office hours to 5 days a week, creating new initiatives for the construction and building trades, food and beverage and transportation companies, wrong on a coalition of AAPI news media organizations, and fundraising, with the AAPI Heritage Month Gala a huge triumph.  For more information about the Chamber visit asianchamberphila.org