2009 BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS FOR TEN OUTSTANDING BUSINESS ACHIEVERS
In the midst of news of doom and gloom about the economic downturn, we need positive stories like this one coming from the Australia-Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Inc or APCCII in Sydney.
The chamber has started the quest for 10 outstanding business men and women who will receive the APCCII Business Achievement Awards for 2009 with a scheduled gala night on Friday 4 September in Blacktown, NSW.
Invariably, this will boost the morale of many small Filipino-Australian businesses feeling the brunt of economic downturn.
 |
APCCII Board of Directors 2009 -(L-R): Ric de Vera, Gil Belarmino,
Neil Galang, Nonoy Perdon, Nonoy Fernandez, Rodi Orantia, Atoy Sayas, APCCII Pres. Carol
Manaloto, and Blacktown City Mayor Cr. Charlie Lowles during general assembly at Blacktown
RSL Club. Not in photo is Director Bong David |
During a general assembly meeting held at Blacktown RSL, APCCII President Mrs. Carol Manaloto of Plumpton said, “The aim of this APCCII initiative is to recognise and give tribute to Australian-Filipino business persons for their exemplary entrepreneurial skills and demonstrated business growth and performance.”
APCCII also recently renewed a membership drive calling on Filipino-Australian businesses to join APCCII – an association of business individuals and self-employed persons and an advocacy group for interests affecting businesses. The APCCII Business Achievement Awards is a complimenting program to stimulate business.
In his speech to about two dozen APCII members, Blacktown City Mayor Councillor Charlie Lowles said, ”It is wonderful opportunity for APCCII to take a proactive approach and work with Council to achieve positive results for all.”
 |
Participants to APCCII General Assembly - (L-R) Ms. Venus Priest , Rodi Orantia, Tess Sayas, Atoy Sayas, Lolita Farmer, OAM, Neil Galang, Blacktown Mayor Cr.
Charlie Lowles, and APCCII Pres. Carol Manaloto at Blacktown RSL Club |
Mayor Lowles recalled that APCCII held a successful trade expo years ago at Homebush and this convinced Blacktown Council later on to support another Philippine Trade and Tourism Expo the following year at the then newly constructed Stanhope Recreation Centre in Stanhope, NSW a suburb of Blacktown Council.
Mayor Lowles said, “The Filipino community has and continues to make huge contributions to the Blacktown City community. Many are already engaged in a variety of business enterprises in the Blacktown area and other parts of Sydney.
 |
Members of the 2009 APCCII Board of Directors take their
oath of office before Blacktown City Mayor Cr. Charlie Lowles |
“I would be hopeful that in the future we will see more Filipino businesses here and that hopefully we will be able to welcome new enterprises in the city or at least establish a serious discussion about doing business here.” Mayor Lowles added.
Mayor Lowles said Blacktown City boasts a population of 25,000 Filipinos and is considered the largest multicultural group in the city.
 |
APCCII Sec. Rodi Orantia gives a token of appreciation to
guest speaker Blacktown City Mayor Cr. Charlie Lowles |
Mayor Lowles also led the oath-taking by APCCII set of officers for 2009 and congratulated two new members of APCCII Board of Directors and two other new members of the association.
 |
Blacktown City Mayor Cr. Charlie Lowles delivers his message
to the APCCII general assembly at Blacktown RSL Club. |
APCCII’s set of officers for 2009 and their respective business interests are Mrs. Carol Manaloto (mortgage broking.), president ; Atoy Sayas (travel agency), vice president; Rodi Orantia (tax consultancy), secretary; Nonoy Fernandez ( marketing), treasurer; and Nonoy Perdon (ethnic newspaper), PRO.
Two new directors elected were Gil Belarmino ( driving instruction), and Neil Galang (mortgage broking) whilst two new members were Letty Tay ( money remittance) and Menchie Monteiro ( business directory).
APCCII President Mrs. Carol Manaloto has called on the Philippine community to send their nominations as soon as possible.
A nomination form is available on page 18 of the Sydney Philippine community newspaper Bayanihan News and on this site.
Download Nomination Form