Chamber Relations

Chambers of commerce are a new breed of associations in the Vietnamese American community. While there had been a few local chambers of commerce existing prior to VietAmCham's founding in 2009, most operate in isolation, focus heavily on business networking events, and have no plan for organizational sustainability. There was not a national network and support structure to promote and sustain the development of chambers. 

As a national chamber, VietAmCham serves as a bridge connecting and coordinating collaboration among various local and state chambers of commerce, and providing resources and services to associations and chambers that are members  of VietAmCham. 

Updates on chamber developments around the country:

• 2009: VietAmCham was established, with direct support from the US Chamber of Commerce at its Inaugural Gala. 
• 2010: Partnerships were established with five regional chambers of commerce on the East Coast. 
• 2011: VietAmCham partnered with BPSOS, the largest Vietnamese American community organization, to organize the National Summit of Vietnamese American Leaders. Delegates who attended the Summit's Economic Empowerment Track went on to rebuild or establish new chambers of commerce in Atlanta (GA), Dallas/Fort Worth (TX) and Houston (TX). A movement to build chambers of commerce as the new breed of organizations fostering economic development and civic leadership has begun across the country. 

The Soft Opening of the Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce of Houston, Texas

• 2012: An online national directory of Vietnamese American chambers of commerce and other associations is on schedule to be published.