ニュース詳細

Featured Committee: Independent Business Committee

The Independent Business Committee is an excellent networking and idea-generating venue for those aiming to become successful entrepreneurs in Japan.

We host speaker events, luncheons, and workshops that inform members on how to start and grow a new business in Japan. By primarily inviting successful entrepreneurs as speakers to share their insights, we benefit members by honing in on practical tools and implementing techniques that they can apply to their business ventures.

Throughout the first half of 2012, our committee has hosted numerous events. In March, Louisa Wong, the Executive Chairman of Bó Lè Associate, spoke about the growth and opportunities for those wanting to relocate to China; her talk was poignantly titled, "Sucking Talent Out of Japan." She specifically spoke about the global market, where human resources has become one of the key factors for successful corporations. In April, the Chamber's very own Andrew Silberman, President & Chief Enthusiast of AMT Group, gave a presentation on his book "It's All About Getting a G.R.I.P." His book explains his radical approach to self-development, in which he details the use of tools and techniques, such as: music, exercises and discussions aimed at raising the leadership quotient. In late May, we heard from Ernest Higa, Chairman & CEO of Higa Industries Co., Ltd., and CEO of Wendy's Japan (GK), about that very timely story of the return of Wendy's to Japan; the presentation was titled "Third Time's the Charm?"

Throughout the year, we have also collaborated with the Young Professionals Group to bring the well-known series, “Talking Business Points” to our members. In June, Kevin McAuliffe, President of Newport Ltd., spoke on how to take a successful business model in the U.S. and keenly adapt it into a successful business in Japan. Then in early July, Mark Henry Saft, founder of The Ingenium Group, shared his insights regarding topics such as: founding, fundraising, financing, business building and selling. He also discussed the successful transition of The Ingenium Group into Fusion Systems Ltd.

With nearly 150 members and their guests attending these events thus far, it has been a nice first half of 2012 for the Independent Business Committee. The feedback has also been incredibly positive. One member at an event noted, “The presentation was on target and the speaker in tune with the audience.” Another member said, “Great story about doing business in Japan and the American Dream.” And a third commented, “Great group of people, highly interactive, very enjoyable. Nice takeaways.”

With all of the positive momentum the Independent Business Committee has acquired, we hope that you will come to what will surely be an even better set of events than the first half of the year!

Chair: Thomas Shockley
Vice-Chairs: Paul Kraft, Michel Weenick