VOL. 1 ISSUE 1 - 1ST QUARTER 2019
PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TEXAS business chronicles WWW.PACCTEXAS.ORG
HOUSTON DALLAS
MCALLEN SAN ANTONIO
PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TEXAS BUSINESS CHRONICLES PUBLISHER PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EDITOR IN CHIEF GUS MERCADO PRODUCTION TEAM ASSISTANT EDITOR DANIELLA FLANAGAN, MINT CHIP PRODUCTIONS @MINTCHIPPRODCO DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS Web: www.pacctexas.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/paccfilam ADVERTISING INQUIRIES PACC-TEXAS 8315 NAVISOTA DR. LANTANA, TX 76226 Tel. (940) 728-2222 PACCTX@VERIZON.NET CELEBRATING OUR STATE OFFICERS Gary Ilagan, State President Gus Mercado, State Executive Director Flor Guinhawa, Deputy Executive Director Rowena Watters, Regional VP Greater Dallas Ricky Guinhawa, Regional VP Greater Houston Rhodora Elizondo, Regional VP Rio Grande Valley Robert Sibug, Regional VP San Antonio/Central TX Jennifer Cleveland, State Secretary Elna Mallari, State Treasurer Hon. Ethel R. Mercado, Pres. Emeritus/Founder
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PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TEXAS is in no way responsible for the loss of any unsolicited materials. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts or art. PACC TX is not responsible or liable for any misspellings, incorrect dates, or incorrect information in its captions, calendar, or other listings. The opinions expressed within the fair confines of Business Chronicles magazine do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the magazine or any of its agents, staff, employees, members, interns, volunteers, or distribution venues. Bylined articles and editorials represent the views style and libel, and are subject to condensation. Business Chronicles accepts advertisements from advertisers believed to be of good reputation but cannot guarantee the authenticity or quality of objects and/or services advertised. As well, Business Chronicles is not responsible for any claims made by its advertisers. As the publisher, PACC TX reserves the right to accept or to reject any editorial or advertising matter. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2019.
ANG ISANG TAO NA HINDI NAAALALA KUNG SAAN SIYA AY NAGMULA AY HINDI KAILANMAN MAKAKARATING SA KANYANG PATUTUNGUHAN. A PERSON WHO DOES NOT REMEMBER WHERE HE (SHE) CAME FROM WILL NEVER REACH HIS (HER) DESTINATION.
FILIPINO PROVERB
MISSION STATEMENT To inspire the spirit of entrepreneurship among Filipinos, FilipinoAmericans and their business associates to promote the growth of business and professions, and to be of service to our communities; To support and promote trade, investments, tourism and other economic relations and activities between the Philippines and the United States.
“Bridging Filipino and American Businesses Across the Seas.”
“The purpose of a business is to create a customer who creates customers.” – Shiv Singh PACC TEXAS OFFICERS Gary Ilagan, State President Gus Mercado, State Executive Director Flor Guinhawa, Deputy Executive Director Rowena Watters, Regional VP Greater Dallas Ricky Guinhawa, Regional VP Greater Houston Rhodora Elizondo, Regional VP Rio Grande Valley Robert Sibug, Regional VP San Antonio/Central TX Jennifer Cleveland, State Secretary Elna Mallari, State Treasurer Hon. Ethel R. Mercado, Pres. Emeritus/Founder
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PHILIPPINE CONSULATE NOW OPEN IN HOUSTON The Houston Consulate is now open and processing applications for new and renewal passports for Philippine citizens and for dual citizenship. This good news was announced by the Consulate General in in a recent official press release. All requests for Philippine passports, Dual Citizenship and other services are strictly by appointment only. To request an appointment at their new location on 9990 Richmond Avenue, Suite 100N, Houston, Texas, follow the instructions on the Facebook via this URL - https://www.facebook.com/PHinHouston/ The links provided below have all the information, forms and requirements for each of its services. It is linked temporarily with the LA PCG website as Houston PCG’s website is still under construction. PASSPORT https://pcghtpassport181203.eventbrite.com DUAL CITIZENSHIP https://pcghtdualcitizenship181203.eventbrite.com CIVIL REGISTRY https://pcghtcivilregistry181203.eventbrite.com AUTHENTICATION/NOTARIAL https://pcghtauthentication181203.eventbrite.com Please note that the Consular officials are currently swamped with applications, as expected, after reopening a Consulate that had been closed for 25 years. So we urge a little patience and understanding. For more information, please email pcghouston.consular@gmail.com or call (832) 668 5139. The Consular Outreach program will continue in Dallas, Rio Grande Valley, New Orleans, possibly Oklahoma, San Antonio and other outlying cities in 2019. With such a large constituency not only in Texas which is geographically bigger than California, the new Consulate General in Houston with a small staff of ten people is also responsible for Filipinos in 5 other big neighboring states – Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi and New Mexico. In a speech before the Filipino community leaders in North Texas, ConsulGeneral Jerril G. Santos announced that he will continue to support the Consular Outreach project in cooperation with the Honorary Consulate and the host organization – the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce (PACC Texas) which has been the Consulate’s effective volunteer partner in the Consular Outreach program in many parts of Texas in the last 10 years. The next Outreach in Dallas is tentatively scheduled for the Spring or early Summer of 2019 and the others (McAllen, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, etc.) will be announced at a later time. Stay tuned.
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PHILIPPINE CON-GEN TOURS TEXAS Upon arrival in Houston last summer, the affable new ConsulGeneral started a tour of major Texas cities. His first public appearance was with the members of the PACC Houston Chamber whose volunteers served the DFA’s Consular Outreach Program in the last 10 years and served more than 20,000 Filipinos secure consular services without traveling to L.A. This was followed by a meeting with the Dallas community leaders last October where the Consul-General and his staff met with L.A. Consul-General Adelio Cruz and his staff and worked together on the last Consular Outreach in North Texas, the L.A. consular staff’s last. Also in attendance were former Philippine cabinet secretaries Dr. Mina Gabor and Cora Alma De Leon. The Consul-General and his staff then hosted a well-attended reception for the Houston community leaders in the new Consulate office. Finally, last December, Consul-General Jerril G. Santos and Consul Gilbert Segarra attended a big Christmas reception hosted by PACC Central Texas. In attendance were the officers of all major Filipino organizations, including PACC San Antonio, the San Antonio Filipino Jaycees, SA Womens’ Organization, Veterans Organization, Filipino Organization of Texas, PNA and many others. In addition to Consul-General Santos, other dignitaries who graced the event included Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar and his Filipina wife, the part-Filipino Mayor of San Antonio (via video), the half-Filipina candidate for U.S. Congress Gina Ortiz Jones, Honorary Consul Ethel Mercado, PACC Texas Executive Director Gus Mercado and PACC North Texas Chair Myrna Carreon.
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TEXAS CONSULATE NEWS HONORARY CONSULATE IN DALLAS WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE FILIPINOS IN NORTH TEXAS WITH CONSULAR NEEDS. At the request of L.A. Consul-General Adelio Cruz and Houston Consul-General Jerril G. Santos, Honorary Consul Ethel R. Mercado announced that she will continue to serve Filipinos in North Texas and in states that are much closer to Dallas than to Houston, e.g., Arkansas and Oklahoma with emergency passports (travel documents), Powers of Attorney, authentication (red ribbon) services and general inquiries. Ms. Mercado’s second 3-year term ends on December 31, 2019. The Honorary Consulate in Dallas is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday, and consular services in Dallas are by appointment only. Call Consular Assistant Nelia Africa (940) 728-2222 for appointment or information. CONSUL-GENERAL ADELIO CRUZ AND COALITION OF FILIPINO CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE HONOR CONSUL ETHEL R MERCADO AT LA GALA Honorary Consul Mercado was recently surprised with a special tribute by L.A. Consul-General Adelio Cruz at a large gathering of community leaders in southern California including the greater Los Angeles and San Diego. Ethel and husband Gus were called to the stage of the very well-attended Hollywood Gala organized by the FACC Greater Los Angeles and the powerful Coalition of Filipino-American Chambers of Commerce and was honored with a special surprise plaque of appreciation “in recognition of her steadfast commitment to civic involvement, community building, and many years of selfless dedication to bring consular services closer to Filipino-Americans in the State of Texas in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles.” Ethel Mercado has served numerous Filipinos in Texas and in the Philippines for more than 30 years, organizing trade and humanitarian missions in the Philippine regions devastated by natural disasters. Since she was appointed Honorary Consul by President Benigno S. Aquino 5 years ago and later reappointed by President Rodrigo Duterte, Ethel has helped many thousands of Filipinos from all corners of Texas with their consular needs. Working essentially full-time without salary or allowances, Ethel with husband Gus in fact donates more than $60,000.00 every year, $300,000.00 in the last five years from her own pocket for staff salary, office space and travel to remote parts of Texas to assist Filipinos in distress. She expects her volunteer work for the Philippine government and the Fil-Ams in Texas to get lighter with the recent re-opening of the Philippine Consulate in Houston as a prelude to her eventual retirement.
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TEXAS HONORARY CONSUL HONORED AT COFACC GALAÂ L.A. Consul General Adelio Cruz paid surprise tribute to the Texas Honorary Consul Ethel R. Mercado
Honorary Con Gen Ethel Mercado Dallas, TX
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COFACC Leadership Team
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PACC TX
PACC TX
2019 VIP (VERY IMPORTANT PINOYS) TOUR OF THE PHILIPPINES LAUNCHED
The Philippine Consulate General in Houston has announced the upcoming 2019 VIP (Very Important Pinoys) and Filgrimage Tour, formerly called the Ambassador’s Tour, at community gatherings in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. Every year, for the past 12 years, the Philippine Embassy and the six Consulates in the U.S. gather 400-500 Filipinos from all corners of the U.S. and give them a tour of special tourist attractions in the Philippines offering them a red carpet welcome at the provincial destinations and at discounted land costs. This year’s tour is from July 14 to 21, 2019 and the intended destinations are Manila, El Nido in Palawan, Clark in Pampanga and Caza de Acuzar in Bataan. “We are very proud and excited to launch the 2019 VIP Tour, which continues to be a flagship tourism project of the Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in the United States, the Philippine Department of Tourism, and Rajah Tours. As in previous years, the 2019 VIP Tour will feature top destinations in the Philippines and provide participants with a memorable vacation experience in the Philippines at an affordable price,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said. A large delegation of Texas Filipinos led by Honorary Consul Ethel Mercado and the PACC Texas has joined the Tour every year since its inception 13 years ago. TO JOIN OR GET MORE INFORMATION To reserve your seats for the July 2019 Tour, express your interest in joining now by contacting the Houston Consulate or the Dallas Honorary Consulate; or to join or get more information about the VIP Tour, email: Consul Gilbert Segarra gilbert.segarra@dfa.gov.ph Honorary Consul Ethel Mercado EthelRMercado@philhonconsulatetx.org
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PACC SHINES AT STATE CONFERENCE IN PORT ISABEL The original Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston which has been serving the Filipino community in Houston for the last 22 years stood out at the last PACC State Conference hosted by the RGV Chamber and attended by 35 officers and representatives from the 4 Texas regional chambers. Each region reported their outstanding projects in 2018 and their strategic plans for 2019 and beyond. PACC Texas is the biggest state chamber in the country with more than 600 members; and one of the most active. The PACC Houston which has sponsored successful trade missions to the Philippines as early as 1996 had a very busy year. In addition to its regular Speaker Series seminars on different business topics given by subject matter experts, it also organized and sponsored two major events: (a) an incoming Trade and Investment mission, where they hosted top officials of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry and a large number of Philippine outsourcing companies in the health industry and arranged matching opportunities with local Houston health institutions and individual entrepreneurs; (b) hosted and sponsored a large Consular Outreach that helped very large numbers of Houston Filipinos with their consular needs. For most of the 10 years of hosting the Consular Outreach program of the DFA, Houston had the biggest turnout of applicants among about 50 cities in the U.S. where the Outreach is done. In the last 10 years, PACC Houston has helped more than 20,000 Filipinos and saved them about $10 million in travel costs. Former Consul-General Mary Jo Aragon has described the PACC-sponsored Outreach project as “community service at its finest!” In recognition of its year-long dynamism and concrete achievements, PACC Houston was awarded “Chamber of the Year for 2018” and Houston Region Chair Ricky Guinhawa was honored as “Chamber Man of the Year.” The PACC RGV Region officers outdid themselves with a remarkable job of organizing and hosting the last State Board Meeting in Port Isabel, with a post-meeting cruise of the South Padre Island bay, complete with a fishing contest, parlor games and and a Mexican dinner. Danny and Leah Theys coordinated the special Port Isabel event, along with new RGV Region Chair Rhodora Elizondo and the other RGV Region officers. The out-of-town participants have described the RGV meeting as “the best state meeting they have ever attended.”
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REGION REPRESENTATIVES MERPU ROA OF RIO GRANDE VALLEY, ATTY. CHRIS BELOW OF SAN ANTONIO AND TESSIE VILLORIA OF DALLAS GAVE THEIR RESPECTIVE REGIONS’ ANNUAL REPORTS ON PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES.
WHAT'S
in the news MANILA
EXPORT LEADER: PHL has reclaimed its position as the second-largest #exporter of #bananas in the world, but Filipino growers urged govt to provide more support amid tightening competition with South American producers! BACOLOD
ENTREPRENEURS: 32 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Negros Occidental have availed the free entrepreneurship and business planning seminar initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The activity was held at the Negros First Negosyo Center in Bacolod City on Wednesday, February 6. It aims to equip Negerense OFWs with the knowledge and skills on entrepreneurship.
SOCIAL MEDIA
GET CONNECTED: According to a 2018 study by Global Digital Report, 67 million Filipinos spent almost 4 hours on social media every day. That means your business is losing a lot of potential customers if you are not on social media. BE FOUND ON DEVICES! Customers can find your business on computers, mobile phones and tablets. Whether they're searching at home, on the go, on their devices your customers and future should find reliable information about your business.
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WHAT'S
in the news MANUFACTURING
IMPROVED: Philippines manufacturing sector saw a moderate improvement in business conditions in Jan. Indonesia rises, Vietnam falls slightly. Malaysia - sharpest deterioration in manufacturing since the survey began six-and-ahalf years ago. www.markiteconomics.com COFACC
COFACC: The Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce, Inc, (COFACC) is an organization of various sovereign Filipino American Chambers of Commerce united with a common belief in VISION, MISSION and CORE VALUES that provide the very essence and reason why this organization exist and operate. https://cofacc.org/who-we-are/
PH ECONOMY
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK: 3 of the top 6 economies on the scorecard are from Asia, including China, the Philippines and Thailand. The Philippines’ current-account deficit and high inflation rates are partly offset by growth of more than 6%. The Philippines is emerging as a role model for engaging the private sector in building resilience to disasters.
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FRANCHISING
FRTC 2019: Franchising & Retail Trade Conference
Los Angeles, CA | Feb 15-19, 2019 -- Join the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce as they bring together both domestic and international franchise and retail businesses from several industry spaces. Come and join us at COFACC's Franchising and Retail Trade Conference & Exhibits on Feb 15, 2019 at the Sheraton Hotel in Cerritos, CA. Visit more than 60 franchise exhibitors representing various industries and offering franchising investment opportunities for small business owners. COFACC offers workshops on franchising and funding sources for small businesses, b2b matching services and networking opportunities. Be a conference delegate and have full access of FRTC convention benefits. Visit cofacc.org for details. Who should attend? This is the event for anyone looking for opportunities to get into business for themselves or learn more about franchise opportunities. There is a ticket package available for attending the conference ONLY. Delegation Tour. The Philippine delegation will be participating several activities on the days after the conference. For US based delegates wanting to join in on this tour, purchase this package. Mark the date: February 19, 2019. COFACC will host an educational tour together with its visiting delegates from the Philippines and other states to a half day morning cruise of the Port of Las Angeles and San Pedro Bay courtesy of the Port of Los Angeles officials. In the afternoon, the delegation will visit the Google Corporate Bldg FAIR campus in Irvine, CA courtesy and as arranged by FACC OC President and COFACC VP for Public Relations Mr. Neil Estrada. For details in joining, pleas contact COFACC VP for Membership and FACC Tri-County President Merwynn Montenegro at (909) 319 3145.
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MEDIA
Expand Your Business Through Digital Marketing
Business has become an integral part of our everyday lives and it is the customers who help a business prosper. That is the most important reason why you need to establish an online presence for your business. You need to have an effective digital marketing strategy that can help you accomplish and set your business on the right path to success. The very first thing to know about is “What is Digital Marketing”? Digital marketing is a way to promote and advertise your products and services online by utilizing the power of digital marketing platforms or channels. It is one of the best methods that can help you get more customers and build your reputation, thus expanding your business. What are Digital Marketing Platforms? In order to get recognition from consumers. Digital marketing is a must. In today’s world of social media, digital marketing is used to get an online presence on the digital platforms. Here are the most popular digital marketing strategies along with some information that will help you decide which type of digital marketing might be right for your business: 1. Facebook marketing – allowing users to create individual profiles or business pages for companies, organizations, or any group attempting to develop a fan base for a product, service, or brand as a communication channel to maintain contact with and attract customers. 2. Instagram Marketing – businesses are using Instagram to get the attention of consumers. It is not only about sharing random pictures, it’s about spreading a message through the image. 3. YouTube Marketing – consumers are turning to YouTube to search for products and services. It will provide you a brand channel where your customers can see the latest events at your company and any updates on your new services and products. 4. Blog Marketing – a business blog is an up-to-date company resource. It keeps your potential and current customers interested in what you have to say. It offers updates on your business, tips or tricks, ideas, news, and more. It gives you the opportunity to share your unique point of view, or to contribute something worthwhile to the Internet.
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PINOY FIRSTS
CHIT CHAT HOUSTON A New Filipino Daytime Show
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Expand Your Business Through Digital Marketing
MEDIA
5. Twitter Marketing – used to promote your business to reach your target audience instantly. Users can get promising results in terms of increased website traffic, brand awareness, and leads. 6. Pinterest Marketing – a site for sharing eye catching images, organized around themes on virtual pin boards or bulletin boards. Pinners share everything from fashion to recipes to home decor ideas. 7. Search Engine Optimization – commonly known as SEO, is the practice of enhancing your website’s visibility on various search engines (Google, Bing and Yahoo). If someone is looking for your business on the internet, it is vital your website appears prominently in the search engines’ results pages. 8. Directory Listings in PH / US – submitting your profile and other necessary information about your business to online directories. 9. Google Adwords Marketing – Google AdWords is a PPC, pay-per-click, advertising model where you only pay when someone actually engages your advertisement with a click. It allows your advertisements to be posted to the top of each Google Search within the keywords you select for your campaign. All these methods are used to advertise and promote your products and services and to attract and engage with the target audience.
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MARKETING 101
The importance of online and visual content in the restaurant business
If you own a restaurant or if you are planning to start one, then establishing a strong online presence will increase your chances of reaching out to your target audience. For a long period of time, restaurant owners have been relying on traditional marketing techniques such as advertising their restaurants in newspapers and TVs. However, things have changed! Studies have shown that over 3 billion people use the internet on a daily basis. This means that the majority of people nowadays use the internet to look for products and services. The good thing about online marketing is that is cheaper and it enables you to reach to customers who are looking or interested in using your services. Tips on how to establish a strong online presence for your restaurant business. Create a WEBSITE! One of the best ways to make your restaurant known is by creating a website. Create a professional website that informs users about your restaurant. The quality of content that you post on your website is very important. You, therefore, need to take your time, research and create content that will add value to your target audience. Post crucial information about your restaurant on your website. This includes things such as menu, special offers, food prices, opening and closing time and many others. The content on your website should not sound too promotional, instead, it should be informative. Your restaurant website should be user-friendly and easy to navigate Register in restaurant booking app or locator app Such platform allows users to search and discover new restaurants as well as make reservations. A Where to Eat app is a reputable platform that has up to date seated over 1 million guests on various restaurants. Registering your restaurant in such an app will enable thousands of people within your locality to notice it. A Table management app allows the user to make online reservations. It also provides a reservation system meaning that you will replace the old-fashioned way of making a reservation. Take advantage of social media Social media has taken over and has now become part of people life. Using social media platform such as Instagram can help you reach out to many people. If you share visual content that is informative and engaging, then you will most definitely capture the attention of your target audience. Don’t forget reply to comments that people post on your page. It will make them feel appreciated and will most likely take an action that you ask them. It is a cost-effective and very reliable way of making your restaurant visible to your target audience. In conclusion, if you want to boost your restaurant visibility, then you need to embrace online marketing. If you use the right strategy as discussed above, then you will attract many people to your restaurant.
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WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? JOIN US TODAY! ANO PA ANG HINIHINTAY NINYO? SUMALI NA NGAYON! You are cordially invited to join the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce (PACC) of Greater Dallas, Greater Houston, Rio Grande Valley and Central Texas (San Antonio/Austin). We serve both business owners by showing them opportunities to expand their business in the U.S. and overseas and professionals by helping them enhance their careers. You will be proud to be a part of one of the “biggest and the best” Philippine-American Chambers in the country with over 500 members. We were honored with a special “Top Filipino Organization in America” award for Community Service, Trade Development and Aid to the Philippines at the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations national convention in San Diego in 2015. Membership in PACC Texas is a privilege! PACC is a 501c6 voluntary organization that has brought to you the Consular Outreach in the last 11 years in all regions of Texas and saved you and your family thousands of dollars by not traveling to L.A. for your consular needs. And we only charge lifetime dues, one time. Your commitment to serve is more important to us than annual dues. As a member of one of four Chamber regions you are entitled to all the member benefits and exposure for your business or company statewide. Apply on-line at www.PACCTexas.org or contact any of the following state officers: STATE: gilagan@fonglegal.com: DALLAS: rowenawatters@gmail.com; HOUSTON: rick@guinhawaphotography.com, RIO GRANDE VALLEY: dho_rome@yahoo.com; SAN ANTONIO CENTRAL REGION: robertosibug@yahoo.com
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EXCLUSIVE
PACC TX
"Another productive day with the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce PACC Texas people whose dedication and service I admire. Our new Consulate General for Houston (left) Jerril Santos, Consulate General Congen Adel Cruz of Los Angeles and Philippine Chamber Of Commerce Executive Director Gus Mercado." - Bing Lim "PACC Texas and our Honorary Consul Ethel are proud to be working with two great Consuls General -- LA Con-Gen Adel Cruz and Houston Con-Gen Jerril Santos. Looking forward to another 10 years of fruitful partnership and special achievements. Yuko po kami sa inyo!" - Gus Mercado
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Photo: ConGen Jerril Santos, Bing Lim, ConGen Adelio Cruz and Gus Mercado
business resources SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA) WORKS WITH NATIONAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION SCORE TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES SUCCEED THROUGH A VARIETY OF MEANS. THE HOUSTON SBA DISTRICT OFFICE OFFERS FREE COUNSELING ON HOW TO START A BUSINESS IN HOUSTON. ADDRESS: 8701 S GESSNER RD #1200, HOUSTON, TX 77074 PHONE: (713) 773-6500 HTTPS://WWW.SBA.GOV/OFFICES/DISTRICT/TX/HOUSTON BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) IS A NATIONAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO ADVANCING TRUST BETWEEN CONSUMERS AND BUSINESSES. IT ACTS AS AN UMBRELLA TO MORE THAN 113 INDEPENDENTLY INCORPORATED REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT MUCH OF NORTH AMERICA, INCLUDING ONE IN HOUSTON. SMALL BUSINESSES ARE LIKELY TO ATTRACT MORE CUSTOMERS BY EARNING A HIGH BBB RATING. FIND OUT HOW TO JOIN BY CHECKING WITH THE HOUSTON BBB OFFICE. ADDRESS: 1333 W LOOP S #1200, HOUSTON, TX 77027 PHONE: (713) 868-9500 HTTP://WWW.BBB.ORG/HOUSTON HOUSTON BUSINESS SOLUTIONS CENTER OPERATED BY THE CITY OF HOUSTON’S OFFICE OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY, THE HOUSTON BUSINESS SOLUTIONS CENTER IS WHERE TO GO FOR SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE IN HOUSTON. THE CENTER OFFERS FREE INFORMATION ON CITY, COUNTY, STATE, AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE MANAGEMENT OF BUSINESSES IN THE AREA, MAKING IT ONE OF THE BEST SMALL-BUSINESS RESOURCES IN HOUSTON. ADDRESS: 611 WALKER ST, HOUSTON, TX 77002 PHONE: (832) 393-0954 HTTP://WWW.HOUSTONTX.GOV/OBO/SOLUTIONSCENTER/ GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP THE GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP IS A MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION SERVING A 10COUNTY AREA SURROUNDING HOUSTON. THE ORGANIZATION IS COMMITTED TO ESTABLISHING REGIONAL PROSPERITY BY INFLUENCING POLICY, ATTRACTING AND RETAINING BUSINESSES, ENCOURAGING JOB GROWTH, AND DRAWING CAPITAL INVESTMENT THROUGH GLOBAL TRADE. PHONE: 713-844-3600 | EMAIL: GHP@HOUSTON.ORG HTTPS://WWW.HOUSTON.ORG/
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