The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) held its 101st Annual General Membership Meeting (AGMM) and Election of the Board of Directors on November 20, 2024, at the Fairmont & Raffles Makati in Makati City. The event brought together members and key stakeholders to reflect on the chamber’s achievements, highlight business excellence, and elect new leadership.
Strengthening Ties and Celebrating Progress
The meeting commenced with a comprehensive President’s Report delivered by Sara Murphy, outgoing AmCham President and President of Capital One Philippines. Murphy underscored AmCham’s pivotal role in fostering enduring relations between the United States and the Philippines. She highlighted a successful year marked by:
- Strengthening US-Philippine relations through active dialogue and collaboration.
- Hosting a large US business delegation led by US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, who engaged with local business leaders to deepen bilateral ties.
- Continuing the “Door Knock” initiative to advocate for Philippine economic reforms and foster business opportunities.
- Supporting legislative measures such as the “Ease of Paying Taxes” Act and “CREATE More,” which aim to improve the Philippine business climate.
- AmCham’s membership increased to a record 874.
Following Murphy, Executive Director Ebb Hinchliffe delivered his report, which highlighted AmCham’s operational accomplishments:
- A significant increase in membership and the number of committee meetings, surpassing 400 year-to-date.
- Sustaining monthly general membership meetings and expanding training and development programs.
- Strengthening regional chapters in Northern Luzon and Visayas/Mindanao, enhancing nationwide engagement.
Honoring Excellence
A highlight of the AGMM was the recognition of two exemplary members with the Icon of Excellence Award:
- Robert “Bob” Blume, a longstanding AmCham member deeply involved in the Tourism and Trade & Investment Committees, maintained an AmCham desk at the Board of Investments to bolster US-Philippine business ties.
- Leslie Ann Murray is an AmCham historian who is recognized for founding the Filipino-American Memorial Endowment and the Business Leadership Program (formerly the Business Orientation Program) and for her ongoing contributions as a consultant and editor.
Electing New Leadership
The AGMM also marked the election of five new directors to the AmCham Board, who will serve two-year terms:
- Paul Favila, Managing Director, CEO-Philippines, Citi
- Antonio del Rosario, President, Coca-Cola Philippines
- Errol Ignacio, Country Manager & Sales Leader, Dow Chemical Philippines
- Peter Maquera, CEO, Microsoft Philippines
- Frank Thiel, Managing Director, Quezon Power
These newly elected directors will join the tenured board members serving one more year, including:
- Bruce Winton, Multi-Property Vice President, Marriott International
- Marissa de Ungria, Director & Country Manager, SC Johnson & Son
- Sara Murphy, President, Capital One Philippines
- Rick Santos, Chairman & CEO, Santos Knight Frank
- Paula Marie Navarro, Country Manager, United Airlines
- Mark Lwin, Managing Director, Reed Elsevier Philippines
Fellowship and Networking
The meeting concluded with a lively fellowship and networking session, offering AmCham members a chance to connect, share insights, and build new partnerships. Attendees exchanged experiences, discussed industry trends, and strengthened relationships, fostering community and collaboration.
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