The Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida (BACCF) is an independent, non-profit business organization. As a non-governmental association, the Chamber is supported primarily by membership dues and income from fund-raising events. The growing establishment of Brazilian businesses in South Florida that commenced in the late 1970s rapidly brought about the need for a business exchange forum between Brazilian and US firms. The BACCF was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Miami. During the 1980s, the Chamber initiated a series of monthly luncheons featuring prominent speakers involved in Brazilian-American business issues. The luncheons quickly became popular venues for the exchange of ideas within the Brazilian-American business community. Throughout its years of operation, the BACCF expanded its range of activities to breakfasts for new members, business card exchanges, timely seminars and workshops, receptions to honor visiting dignitaries, and social events. The Chamber’s main objective is to forge closer ties between the business communities of Brazil and Florida by assisting companies and business people seeking ways to penetrate or invest successfully in the Brazilian and US Markets. Since its founding, the BACCF has grown from a few companies to over 300 members, ranging from multinationals to individuals involved in Brazil-US relations. Mission
The mission of the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida is to foster business relations and partnerships in order to increase trade and investments between Brazil and South Florida. Objectives
The main objectives of the Chamber are to keep its members and the community at large informed and up-to-date on political, social, economic and technological developments that may affect trade and investments in both countries. Challenges
In a fast moving and ever changing market, one of the main challenges of the Chamber is to keep members informed of the most recent developments and trends in order to help them plan their investments and business. Members rely on the BACCF as a source of up-to-date information on political and economic developments in Brazil, as well as opportunities to discuss ideas and concerns with fellow members and guest speakers. Accomplishments
The BACCF has become the largest bi-national chamber of commerce of the Americas in the Southern US and has been instrumental in assisting an increasing number of companies and individuals in establishing business relations between Brazil and the US. It has developed close ties with other Chambers in the US and Brazil, including some of the most proactive local entities, as well as with many bi-national Chambers in South Florida. The BACCF has established active interface with academic institutions, such as the University of Miami, Florida International University, and the Florida-Brazil Institute of the University of Florida. How the Chamber Operates
The Chamber is run by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of representatives from member companies. The Board elects officers, determines BACCF policy and nominates committee chairpersons. Day-to-day operations are carried out by the Executive Director.
