The Grand Chamber Awards (CCCI's Recognition of Outstanding Entrepreneurs)

[Ms.Beau]

---

Check these out:

http://www.cebubusinesswebportal.com...129&Itemid=129

http://www.cebubusinesswebportal.com...124&Itemid=187

[Ms.Beau]

June 27, 2007 at the CICC. For tickets, please call the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry at 232-1421 to 24 loc 107.

[Ms.Beau]

Source: SunStar
Thursday, June 28, 2007

CCCI awards SMEs, industry leaders to close CBM 2007

SMALL and medium enterprises that have made their mark in the local business community were recognized yesterday as the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) capped its celebration of the Cebu Business Month 2007.

The CCCI said the Annual Grand Chamber Awards is a way to honor institutions and key industry players that helped shape the local economic landscape.

Pinoy Votes: Sun.Star Election 2007 Coverage

Michel Jones Lhuillier of Michel J. Lhuillier Pawnshops Inc. was recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year. Michel J. Lhuillier Pawnshops began a network of four pawnshops in 1987 and now has about 1,000 branches all over the country.

The company also ventured into related businesses like ML Kwarta Padala (money transfer), real estate, food manufacturing and restaurant.

Young entrepreneur

Gil Zaire “Butch” Carungay of Avatar Accessories Inc. was recognized as Young Entrepreneur of the Year after establishing his business in 2000 at the age of 25. From 30 employees, Carungay has expanded his staff to about 200.

Avatar Accessories received national and international awards such as the 2000 Swarovski Philippine Jewelry Design, and Etoile de Mode des Ecoles in Paris, France from 2003 to 2005, among others.

This year’s Small Business Entrepreneur award went to Jayme Fernandez of Factory Direct Ventures Co. Ltd. for being an inventor and contractor of one of Cebu’s biggest handicraft exporters, as well as his expertise in product development.

Pedro Delantar of Nature’s Legacy Eximport Inc. bagged the Environment-Friendly Entrepreneur award for transforming natural resources like twigs into decorative accessories providing livelihood to the local community.

The Countryside Enterprise Category went to Titay’s Liloan Rosquillos and Delicacies Inc.

From a small-scale livelihood home industry in Liloan, Titay’s grew into a lucrative baking business as it is patronized all over the country and now penetrating the international market.

Socially responsible

Julie’s Franchise Corp. was likewise recognized as a Socially Responsible Corporation through its community outreach projects, including Leaders for the Future Awards, Nutrition Month Feeding Program, Devotee City Project, Relief Operations, Operation Smile, Bloodletting Project, and 117 Emergency Calls at Julie’s Bakeshops.

Former Ambassador Frank Benedicto was accorded the Grand Chamber Award of Distinction for his “commendable leadership, integrity and service” as a respectable diplomat in national and international affairs, demonstrated in his statesmanship as Philippine Ambassador to Singapore, Korea and Canada.

Benedicto also serves as the Undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Well-renowned international furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue was also cited for his exceptional furniture designs that have earned Cebu and the Philippines distinct honors in the international arena.

His furniture collection at the Cebu International Convetion Center gained recognition from among the delegates of the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.

Meanwhile, international agencies were also lauded for their efforts in advocating Cebu in their respective countries.

The Grand Chamber Citation was awarded to the Canadian and Belgian Governments for their continued assistance to Cebu through sponsorship of various developmental community projects and programs.

The Japanese government was also cited for actively promoting tourism arrivals to the province. (MMM)