CHUBU
Closing Out Two Decades ACCJ-Chubu leaders wrap up their terms By Ray Proper and Michel Weenick
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s the Chubu chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) reaches its 20th anniversary year, and we wrap up our two-year terms as the chapters representatives on the ACCJ Board of Governors, we would like to share our thoughts on the chapter’s first two decades and wishes for the next two. MICHEL WEENICK (2020 GOVERNOR–CHUBU) As the first ACCJ-Chubu vice president, my fondest memories of the chapter are some of the earliest. I clearly remember the first trip that Robert Roche and I made to Tokyo to meet with then-ACCJ President Robert Grondine and Executive Director Donald Westmore to discuss merging our American Business Community of Nagoya (ABCN) with the ACCJ to form a Chubu chapter. I will not forget the graciousness of Robert and Don during that first meeting. Their willingness to allow our organization to retain autonomy and our fierce entrepreneurial spirit are the gifts on which the organization has built its history. I have many other fond memories—too many to list in full—that include:
Finally, circling back to the Chubu chapter’s entrepreneurial spirit, I will never forget some words of wisdom from Robert Roche, spoken as early members were lamenting the difficulties of growing our businesses in the then somewhat-closed business community that was Nagoya. Robert’s message was simple: “If we members don’t do business with, and support, each other, then who the #@*% else will?” I’d like to believe that has been the unwritten motto of our chapter over the past 20 years, and it serves as a fine foundation for the future. RAY PROPER (2020 VICE PRESIDENT-CHUBU) My favorite moment with the ACCJ is the first event that I put on for the Independent Business Committee. I had just joined the chamber—to make connections and push my career in
Camaraderie among members “Nommunicating” before that was even a word ■ Twenty-four successful Walkathons ■ All the Fall Balls ■ Business programs ■ Tremendous support from the US Consulate in Nagoya ■ ■
And there is also the commitment of past and current ACCJ presidents and board members to invest their time in Nagoya and open doors for me in Tokyo. It’s a simple list on paper, but I remember and cherish the value I gained from each.
Whatever that payoff is to you—be it personal growth, building a phenomenal network, finding a job, or building a business—it is here if you are willing to put in the work.
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THE ACCJ JOURNAL
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NOVEMBER 2020
