Pic; Addressing US Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Don Graves and Acting Under Secretary Eric Morrissette of Minority Business Development Agency,
The Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce recently led a delegation to Washington DC on April 3rd and 4th, accompanied by a group of the top 30 US presidents of Chambers of Commerce. The purpose of this mission was centered around a new initiative introduced by the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce called "The National Chamber of Commerce Leadership Roundtable." This groundbreaking initiative, organized by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Deputy Secretary Don Graves, in partnership with the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce and OFBNP National Partners, marks the first of its kind in bringing together top leaders in the field of commerce.
The National Chamber of Commerce Leadership Roundtable aims to revolutionize the Relationships between the Federal government and local chambers of commerce to help provide an intimate platform for collaboration, networking, and exchange of ideas across the United States.
This initiative highlights the commitment of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce to fostering economic growth, innovation, and partnership within the business community. By bringing together top leaders from various chambers of commerce, the Roundtable seeks to drive forward progress and create new opportunities for economic development and prosperity.
The Chamber took the lead of introducing this initiative with Invitations being sent out by the Secretary of Commerce's office to 30 handpicked chamber presidents, selected by the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce leadership.
The Roundtable held at the United States Department of Commerce in Washington D.C. Headquarters, was Hosted by Deputy Secretary Don Graves and Acting Under Secretary Eric Morrissette, Minority Business Development Agency, included opening remarks by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo addressing the delegation.
The Mission kicked off its evening April 3rd with a VIP welcoming dinner. Special guests included Senior Advisor to SBA Administrator, Deidra Henry-Spires and US Representative for the District of Columbia, Oye Owolewa.
The Dinner began with welcoming remarks and a blessing from Rabbi Levi Shem Tov of the Washington D.C. Chabad, highlighting the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving common goals. The dinner was sponsored by Randy Peers, Gil Cygler of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with DHC Public Relations Group.
The Historical and innovative initiative of establishing a “National Chambers of Commerce Leadership Roundtable” in Washington D.C. together with the U.S. Secretary of Commerce office was a groundbreaking step towards strengthening the American economy.
By creating a way to build strong partnerships between government and leading chambers of commerce who are the actual boots on the ground, solutions can be created to economic challenges and ensure that Federal resources are being effectively utilized to support businesses and communities in need.
U.S. Dept Secretary of Commerce Don Graves opened the National Chambers of Commerce Leadership Roundtable with remarks welcoming everyone and thanking Duvi Honig for his leadership, Vision and for convening a group of mission-driven leaders dedicated to strengthening the US economy.
Duvi Honig, the Founder and CEO of the Chamber, highlighted in his opening remarks the challenges faced by the Orthodox Jewish community in the United States. He emphasized to the Secretary how the Orthodox Jewish community is not just underserved, but rather not served at all by the US government.
Honig continued highlighting the need for change calling for a direct partnership to be established between the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce and the US Department of Commerce. Calling for inclusion of the Orthodox Jewish community's needs in government programs, MBDA explains our unique lifestyle and demanded existing and tailored services be established to help our communities businesses succeed on all levels and in all sectors.
The Round table included the participation of heads of various bureaus and interagency partners, such as the White House, Treasury, Small Business Administration, FEMA, EDA MBDA and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
This innovative”National Chambers of Commerce Leadership Roundtable” couldn’t have been made possible without the tireless dedication of Andres Torres, Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary. The Joint initiative was widely praised and embraced by the US Department of Commerce and the White House, who recognized the visionary and trailblazing approach of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce in introducing this concept.
Chamber Presidents addressed the issue of government funding being funneled to states who sadly redirected those actual funds for purposes other than economic development. They called for an end to this practice and urged the government to work from the bottom up and not from the top down by working directly with chambers and economic development organizations to ensure that funds are allocated and used appropriately, for economic development programs and organizations rather than being siphoned off by states for other purposes.
By bypassing the states and working with chambers and economic development organizations at the grassroots level, the government can ensure that resources are reaching those who need them most and are being used to stimulate growth and prosperity in local economies while saving the US Government billions of dollars annually.
The mission to Washington DC was not just a one-time event, but a call to action for continued cooperation and collaboration between government and chambers of commerce at all levels annually. By working together, we can create a more prosperous and inclusive economy that benefits all Americans, regardless of their background, race or religion.
In addition the event provided chambers with access to crucial resources and support from various heads of leading departments within the Department of Commerce. These resources include assistance with entrepreneurship, federal procurement, business development, data and innovation, climate resilience, equity, anti-hate community organizing, and more.
Participating at the National Chambers of Commerce Leaders Roundtable was a truly enlightening experience.
It was inspiring to see leaders like Hinojosa Anthony, Rochelle Ford, and Reena Bhatia sharing their insights and experiences in navigating the ever-changing business landscape. From Gil Cyglar and Lisa Sorin discussing strategies for promoting economic growth in their communities to Jessica Walker and KV Kumar emphasizing the importance of fostering international partnerships, there was a wealth of knowledge and expertise to draw upon.
The presence of individuals like Michael Edgenton, Jaime Schmeiser, Mark Jaffe, and Hope Blecher added valuable perspectives on government relations and community development.
Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President Randy Peers stated how Grateful he was for the Orthodox Jewish Chamber bringing this powerful group together! Stating
“It was a fruitful trip”.
Mark Jaffe President of the Greater NY chamber quoted stating on social media, “The Roundtable was magnificent and we at the Greater NY Chamber look forward to bringing the vital information back to our membership”
Lisa Sorin President of the Bronx Chamber Quoted saying “Thank you so much. Most importantly, thank yoy for arranging this event and your unwavering support for the work we all do.”
Participation at the National Chambers of commerce leaders Roundtable included
1. Anthony Hinojosa, Vice President of Government & International Affairs, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 2. Rochelle Ford, President LA Dillard University, 3.Reena Bhatia, Chief Executive Officer Proposal Helper, 4. Gil Cyglar,Vice Chair NY Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, 5. Lisa Sorin, President Bronx NY Chamber of Commerce, 6. Jessica Walker, President Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, 7. KV Kumar ,Founding Chairman Emeritus & Member, Executive BoardIndian American international Chamber of Commerce, 8. Appen Menon, Executive Chairman Indian American International Chamber of Commerce, 9. James Kim, President American Korean American Chamber of Commerce, 10.Michael Edgenton, Executive Vice President, Government Relations, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, 11. Jaime Schmeiser, President Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce,12. Blecher Hope, Board Director Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, 13. Yona Lunger, Vice President Greater North Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, 14. Karissa Thacker, Master of Divinity Student NY Union Theological Seminary, 15. Jorge Figueroa, President FL Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, 16. Randy Peers, President Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, 17. Duvi Honig, Founder & CEO Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, 18. Thomas Grech , President Queens Chamber of Commerce, 19. Leavy Brandon, Vice President Queens Chamber of Commerce, 20. Mark Jaffe President Greater NY Chamber of Commerce, 21. Roberts Michael, Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, 22. Harmon John Founder & President African American Chamber of Commerce 23. Baron Linda, President Staten Island NY Chamber of Commerce, 24. Ira Perlmuter Ambassador Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce and founder IJP Family Partners.
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