About the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria
Who we are?
The American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria (www.amcham.bg) is a fast growing business organization uniting over 300 American, Bulgarian and international companies operating in the country, collectively producing over half of the GDP in the country. The Chamber was established in December 1994.
The American Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to strengthen economic relations between U.S. and Bulgarian commercial enterprises within the framework of the U.S.- European transatlantic economic relations, as well as to further improve the business climate in Bulgaria.
AmCham Bulgaria is an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a member of the European Council of American Chambers of Commerce (ECACC).
How we help
For 14 years now, AmCham is the network of the leaders of the American, Bulgarian and international business community. Through the meetings we arrange and the publications we produce, we keep our members abreast of legislative changes, offer advice on economic matters and provide information of newfound business opportunities within Bulgaria and abroad. We lobby on behalf of our membership legitimate interests. Our members continued interest in the organization serves as a testament to the Chamber’s role as the ideal venue for lobbying and networking opportunities.
AmCham committees provide the members of the Chamber with an opportunity to actively participate in the implementation of the strategy of the Chamber and help AmCham reach its stated goals as defined in the Statutes.
The Executive Board Committee coordinates the execution of the strategy of the Chamber and supervises the operational issues in accordance with the Statutes.
Business Promotion Board Committee works to actively promote Bulgaria as an attractive business destination and encourage U.S. and foreign investments in the country
Public Affairs/Advocacy Board Committee focuses on policy issues such as: strengthening the competitive business environment, maintaining a level playing field for competition, promoting transparency in business transactions and public procurement, reducing inefficiencies and over-regulation by government, and promoting corporate citizenship.
Membership Development Board Committee works on providing value-added services to the AmCham membership and enhances communication with target audiences and various stakeholders.
The Human Resources Committee provides a platform for HR professionals and consultants from multi-national and local companies to share, discuss and learn about the latest trends in HR sector.
The mission of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee is to encourage and facilitate responsible business practices among AmCham members and to support them to improve the quality and effectiveness of their CSR programs and actions.
Ad hoc working groups are created for to advise and assist finding solutions to concrete issues.
Branch meetings bring together professionals to discuss common issues, to mix and network.
AmCham members meet regularly throughout the year discussing the relevant issues of the day with influential governmental officials, MPs, key figures within the private sector. Due to our good relations with the U.S. Embassy, we have been successful in representing US business interests within Bulgaria.
Our Members
The good corporate reputation is one of the most important criteria for membership. AmCham Bulgaria brings together reputable companies and organizations from all sectors of economy. The Chamber unites law and consultancy firms, advertising and PR agencies, non-profit and educational organizations, engineering and construction firms, chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors and financial institutions. The AmCham community also includes companies from within the transportation & logistics sector, consumer goods manufacturers and distributors, service providers, travel agencies, IT companies as well as industrial and office equipment suppliers. All these business interests, both American and Bulgarian, share a common sense of community and a determination to help improve US - Bulgarian economic relations.
Publicity
Our monthly AmCham Bulgaria Magazine provides in-depth coverage of a variety of themed issues, hot business topics, economic analyses and coverage of the chamber’s activities. We distribute 2000 copies to members, Bulgarian government and key contacts in Bulgaria and abroad.
In 2008, the events, activities and initiatives of AmCham received regular and wide-scale coverage in the Bulgarian media, reaching 142 citings (108 citings in 2007) in the print and Internet media, and over 60 in the TV-s and radio. In addition to that, AmCham board members gave over 30 media interviews on business related issues and AmCham initiatives that further raised the chamber’s public profile.