By Alicia DeLeon-Torres

After a successful 2009-2010 fiscal year, members of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of San Diego re-elected Audie de Castro (de Castro P.C.) as President.

“This past year, FACC focused on assisting members with developing and securing critical knowledge, network, and partnership opportunities in order to maximize their businesses during these trying economic times and beyond,” de Castro stated. “This year, we’ll continue to do the same – and more!”

Willie Racelis (Foresters) was also re-elected as Vice President. Completing the slate of elected Board of Directors are: Vince Bumanglag (Aloha Floor Care), Dr. Tess Mauricio (Scripps Ranch Dermatology and Cosmetic Center), Dr. Cora Murillo (Mira Mesa Chiropractic), Bennett Peji (Bennet Peji Designs) and, Rufino “Pie” Roque (El Primero Hotel), and Robert Yee (Goldilocks Bakery and Restaurant). Brenda Dycus (AIG), Aileen Catapusan (Anakam), Tony Olaes (Olaes Enterprises and Gawad Kalinga) and Veronica Papa (Play More Imports) are in the midst of two year terms.

Under de Castro’s term, corporate sponsorship and benefits increased significantly.  He credits the Board and volunteers for the steady increase in membership and event participation.  Membership now includes: discounted joint membership with the Asian Business Association, 25% ticket discount for all San Diego Padres home games, 500 business cards free for first time members (compliments of Power Plaques), discounted networking opportunities, free 1 hour business consultation by members/entrepreneurs, discounted educational seminars, and member to member discounts.   

The educational seminars have become the foundation of FACC’s success in increasing awareness of changing laws, business benefits and working partnerships that are integral in to success in today’s world.  Topics such as employment and business law, branding, and marketing have become an enormous asset to those in attendance.

July 21st’s seminar topic, Saving Thousands of Dollars through the San Diego Regional Enterprise Zone, presented by Lydia Moreno from the City of San Diego, proved to be an eye opener for members in attendance.  

“We worked with a local small business owner who had put off applying for and filing wage tax credit documentation for 8 years,” Moreno said. “When they finally did so, the business received $60,000. It can make a big   difference for the company and the community!”

Lily Yee, owner of Goldilocks Baker and Restaurant agreed, “The tax credit is a great benefit. It’s an added bonus to doing business in National City.”

National City is one of 42 Enterprise Zones in the California. Chula Vista and parts of the City of San Diego south of Interstate 8 are also designated zones.

“Enterprise Zone wage tax credits aren’t the only advantage for qualified businesses,” Moreno shared. “Other key benefits include: manufacturing equipment tax credits, sales and use tax credits, carry-over of unused tax credits, no cost job referral service, development permit expediting and assistance, and tax savings for employees within Enterprise Zones.”

Qualified businesses include: light industrial/manufacturing, maquiladora-type facilities, retail/entertainment, commercial, and research/development.  

“This FACC luncheon seminar taught us that many of our members are losing opportunities to receive thousands of dollars in benefits through this simple program, just out of a lack of knowledge.”  de Castro, continued, “That’s why it’s important for businesses to join FACC – so they can stay connected with important issues, such as this, where they can learn to save money, improve their business – and perhaps increase their revenue.”

For more information on FACC, go to www.faccsd.com.  Information on Enterprise Zones can be accessed at www.sandiegoregionalez.org.