Since 2007, when Cincinnati's French Chamber transformed into the
European-American Chamber, the organization has focused on a central mission: forging ties between Cincinnati and European companies.
"We are not a traditional chamber. We stay 100-percent focused on programs and resources that help develop business connections and open up markets in Europe," said Anne Cappel, EACC Executive Director. Cappel, originally from France, moved here after studying at the University of Cincinnati where she met her husband. Cappel has lived in Cincinnati for 23 years.
That focus appears to be paying off. The Chamber has a record number of corporate memberships, now standing at 115, representing 850 active members. Since its beginning, the Chamber's total member programs have jumped from 17 to 52. Attendance at those events has increased by more than 30 percent.
"We started in the middle of an economic crisis, and every year have broken our own records. We’ve increased our engagement with the community and program development," she said.
Those programs include social networking events, partnerships with the city's other ethnic chambers, sessions on doing business in specific European countries and meeting with international trade officials.
Coming into the New Year, the Chamber is planning to build on that momentum, with a major focus on increasing exports to Europe in line with the Obama administration's plan to double American exports in the next five years. The Chamber was recognized with the Governor’s Excellence in Exporting Award in 2010.
"(Exports) do drive economic development for the state of Ohio," she said.
According to the International Trade Administration, more than one-quarter (25.9%) of all manufacturing workers in Ohio depend on exports for their jobs.
The European-American Chamber is also awaiting approval to launch a J-1 visa program. This program will allow Greater Cincinnati employers to host college students and YPs from European partners.
"The J-1 visa program is a huge deal for us," Cappel said. "We will be able to secure the documentation for students or young professionals to bring them to work at local companies. The companies will get the benefits of accessing some talented students and young professionals. And it will expose them to a different work culture, and how business is done in the United States."
Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Anne Cappel, EACC Executive Director
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