AmCham Visayas GMM & 4th of July Dinner

The American Chamber of Commerce in Visayas (AmCham Visayas) recently held its General Membership Meeting (GMM) and celebrated the 4th of July at JPark Resort in Mandaue City. The event, hosted by JPark and sponsored by Eastern Telecom, featured opening remarks by Brian Connelly, General Manager of JPark Island Resort & Waterpark Mactan, who underscored the importance of mutual support among Regions 6, 7, and 8.

A key highlight of Mr. Connelly’s speech was the mention of the economic growth in the Visayas Region. While he acknowledged the challenges faced by Region 7, the focus remained on the abundant business opportunities in Bohol, especially in Panglao. This optimistic outlook was reinforced by the announcement of JPark's plans to build a new resort in Bohol.

Keynote Address by Antonio Veloso

Antonio Veloso, the OPAV Spokesperson, delivered the keynote address on behalf of Undersecretary Terence C. Calatrava. The Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV), established in September 2016, aims to ensure that the Visayas region receives proper attention and support from the national government.

Veloso highlighted the Visayas as a dynamic region teeming with opportunities for growth and collaboration. He commended AmCham Visayas for its active engagement and collaboration within the region. His address conveyed OPAV's support and recognized the crucial role AmCham plays in fostering economic development, facilitating growth, and building strong relationships between businesses.

The GMM identified key sectors driving growth and development in the Visayas, including tourism, manufacturing exports, agriculture, information technology, and business process outsourcing. The importance of building partnerships between American businesses and local enterprises in these areas was emphasized.

This AmCham Visayas GMM provided valuable insights into the economic landscape of the Visayas region, particularly the promising opportunities in Bohol. The emphasis on collaboration between American Chamber and local businesses positions the region for significant future growth.

The evening concluded with a group photo as a celebration of friendship among AmCham Visayas members, complemented by a sumptuous buffet courtesy of JPark.