|
The
growing establishment of Brazilian businesses in South Florida
that commenced in the late 1970s rapidly brought about the
need for a business exchange forum between Brazilian and U.S.
firms. Under the tutelage of Thomas J. Skola, the Brazilian-American
Chamber of Commerce (Miami), Inc. was created in November
1981 with Mr. Skola's law office serving as the Chamber's
office and corporate address.
During the 1980s, the Chamber initiated a series of monthly
luncheons featuring speakers involved in Brazilian-American
business issues. The luncheons quickly became popular venues
for the exchange of ideas within the Brazilian-American business
community. In 1987, the Chamber began publication of a monthly
newsletter, Chamber News, to inform members of Chamber activities
and to reach members in distant locations who could not attend
the Miami luncheons.
In 1989, the Chamber inaugurated its own office in the Miami
World Trade Center, and thereafter appointed a full-time Executive
Director. These developments allowed the Chamber to significantly
expand the level and array of services that its growing membership
required. In 1992, the Chamber's name was changed to the Brazilian-American
Chamber of Commerce of Florida to reflect the expansion of
its activities beyond greater Miami.
In 1997, the Chamber added new services and programs for the
benefit of members. These included the ID Card Program, Group
Health Insurance Plan, Internship Program and Chamber Notes
fax notices. During 1998, the Chamber initiated a series of
workshop seminars focusing on small business issues and developed
and established its own website to provide timely information
of interest to members. To further promote bilateral trade
and investment, agreement was reached with the Associação
Comercial de São Paulo (ACSP) allowing the Chamber to offer
ASCP's information services directly to members. Late in 1998,
the Chamber was awarded a grant by BellSouth to assist in
small business development.
The Chamber serves as Florida's leading organization linking
U.S.-Brazil business. With over 300 members, the Chamber is one of the largest bi-national chambers
of commerce in Florida and serves as a key vehicle of communication,
cooperation and development for the Brazilian-American business community.
 
|
