Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (Phil) Inc.: February 2012

"PRESIDENT'S SPEECH ON JANUARY 31, 2012"

A pleasant good evening to everyone!

It has already been 23 months since our board took over the chamber' affairs and if I may coined what our Vice President, Pishu Mirpuri said in our meeting a couple of weeks ago, it feels like we had just been elected and that only a month has passed. How time flies really. I can only say that perhaps this was what we felt primarily because of the strong and consistent support you, our valuable members; have given us that certainly made our jobs seem easier. Indeed, we were all one in our relentless efforts to deliver the results we wanted and we did it as a TEAM!

In behalf of our board, allow me, please, to express our sincere and deep appreciation for your astounding support.

It goes without saying that my directors have been consistently cooperative and supportive as we effectively aligned our programs and activities with our chamber's expectations and within its high organizational standards. Our board meetings were never boring. as it has always been conducted with transparency, humor, and more importantly, objectivity.

At this point in time, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you or a say a few things about each director, as my way of thanking them.

Pishu Mirpuri

Our Vice President is a linguist, he speaks more languages and dialects than all of us 10 directors put together. He is an all around and an expert interior decorator. He has the gift of gab and an excellent sense of humor and there is never a dull moment with him.

Hiren Mirchandani

Our youngest and most handsome director who looks more like an actor than a director. He is also our Chairman on Youth and Publicity. We owe it to Hiren for setting our corporate and social networking websites including our FICCI you-tube. A 24/7 Workaholic with unlimited patience. Pragmatic yet highly organized and systematic. Hiren is the SUMMA CUM LAUDE of our board, who is tireless. always looking for more things/projects/activities to do and more importantly always finding ways on how best to improve what we're doing

Gautham Dadlani

Our Director and Chairman of the Committee for Socio- civic Charities and Special Projects. A very hardworking young and noble worker. a sincere giver and is able to convince everyone else to donate and support our charitable projects. Very hands on. he even uses his weekends to travel outside Metro Manila to be actively involved in our charity projects.

Frankie Gangwani

Our Treasurer and Chairman on the Committee of Ways and Means. He is our financial wizard. he takes extra good care of the Chamber's funds. He’s the hawk that watches our money 24/7.. And because of this the funds in our coffers are at an all time high

Vashu Dargani

. One of our Directors. My first cousin, who is like a brother to me. Chairman on the committee on by-laws. He is our legal eagle as he thoroughly scrutinizes everything that is FICCI's concern and never leaves a stone unturned. Has a penchant for details as he is highly knowledgeable on the by-laws and its intricacies and complexities.

Sangram Mohanty

. our Chairman on the Committee on Trade and Industries. our man of steel who is always out to protect all of us. Highly articulate and outspoken but knows the exact word to use at the opportune time. Very pro-active think tank

Raaj Balani

. Director and Chairman of the Committee on Programs. Raaj is our events manager, concierge liaison extraordinaire. Very good PR skills. Be-friends the Banquet Managers in most 5 star hotels to ensure all our GMMs do not just have the best ambience but have the best food

Bebo Menghrajani

. our corporate secretary. another dear cousin of mine. Also very keen on by-laws and like Vashu he is also a legal eagle. An excellent speaker who injects humor just at the right time eliciting laughter while encouraging ease on the part of guest speakers he introduces in his welcome remarks during our GMM

Arjun Shroff

Director and Chairman on the Committee of Public Affairs, Resources and Tourism. He is our Mr. "Travel to India" as he has channeled all his efforts to promote tourism to and from India as well as around the Philippines

We are still waiting for him to reward all of us, Directors and members with free holiday tickets.

Bhagi Lalwani

Our Director and Chairman on the Committee on Membership. our silent but very convincing Director who has significantly helped us increase our membership base through his friendly and persuasive abilities

By the way, it is not true that he has stopped accepting non-vegetarian applicants for membership... Sorry just had to say that (chuckle).. to set the record straight. Ahem.

To all of you, my hat's off and sincere congratulations for a job very well done! You all make me proud!

Yes it has been 23 months. And yes I would like to cite our 12 major accomplishments capsulated and these are:

1. FICCI Corporate Website

2. FICCI Social Networking Websites: Facebook and Multiply

3. Talk of Speakers can be viewed on FICCI Youtube

4. Rich Rosters of Business Speakers to Enlighten Members on Business Topics

5. 1st Executive Learning Seminar : "ESTATE PLANNING"

6. Corporate Social Responsibility Projects7. Financial Strength of the Chamber

8. Passing of the New By-Laws

9. Newly Renovated FICCI Office

10. Increased Membership and Notable Members

11. Stronger Connections with Different Government Agencies

12. Partnership and Sponsorship of Different Events and Activities

I would also like to make special mention of our former President Ramu Sitaldas for his constant and valuable guidance paving the way for a more efficient and effective management of FICCI affairs. Thank you Ramu!

And thank you all!

Attachment: 12 Major Accomplishments of FICCI board 2010-2012.pdf