Committees
Each committee develops ideas that become the Chamber's overall position on relevant matters that go on to be addressed to the U.S. and Japanese governments. The committees also inform members of issues related to their businesses and act as a forum to encourage further contact between members.
Protocol Committee
The Protocol Committee has the responsibility of providing the Chamber with a conduit through which high-level government and military officials can be contacted.
Membership
The Membership Committee provides a chance to take part in forming policy recommendations on membership benefits. It also provides an opportunity to serve the Chamber as an important working committee responsible for membership growth and interest.
Trade & Labor / Okinawa Japan Advisory Committee (OJAC)
The Trade & Labor Committee provides the chance to network and take part in studying specific trade matters and make recommendations, within ACCO policy, to Japanese and American government agencies, trade organizations and the ACCO. The committee is one of the Chamber's largest and most vital committees.
Finance & Tax
The Financial & Tax Committee keeps Chamber members abreast of financial, economic and tax issues that may affect them as an individual or in business related activities.
Trade & Labor
Provides the chance to network and take part in studying specific trade matters and make recommendations, within ACCO policy, to Japanese and American government agencies, trade organizations and the ACCO. One of the Chambers largest and most vital committees.
Special Events
The Special Events Committee organizes Chamber events such as the annual President's Ball and Shinnenkai, among other events.
Programs
The Programs Committee arranges for guest speakers at our monthly general membership meetings. It provides the opportunity for business and government leaders to impart valuable information to our membership and guests.
APCAC Liaison
The Chamber has been a member of the Asia Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC) since 1968, which includes Chamber members from the Asia-Pacific region: Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Guam, Hanoi, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Okinawa, Pakistan, Philippines, Saipan, American Samoa, Shanghai, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Southern China, Taipei, Thailand, and Vietnam. The committee is dedicated to furthering the strength and competitiveness of U.S. businesses in the Asia Pacific region. It does so through interaction with other APCAC committees in the accumulation of information that may be of concern and interest to American business members. Additionally, it works to keep other Chamber members informed of APCAC's views, interests and concerns of individual and common problems the Chamber encounters in this region. APCAC holds an annual meeting in a different Asia-Pacific location that serves to elicit and develop timely resolutions on issues of primary concern to the American business community.
Military Liaison
The Military Liaison acts as the Chamber's representative to the U.S. Military in Okinawa. As residents of Okinawa, many Chamber members have business dealings directly and indirectly with the U.S. Military and associated U.S. Government entities on U.S. Military bases. The Military Liaison serves as a conduit for information about the U.S. Military and its effects on business. The Military Liaison also coordinates events and seminars that are held in conjunction with U.S. Military organizations.
Constitution By-Laws
The Constitution By-Laws Committee reviews the governing documents of the Chamber and has the responsibility of making recommendations and modifications that can be presented to the membership for approval.
Public Relations / Community Relations
The Public Relations / Community Relations Committee promotes better understanding and the good reputation of the Chamber by communicating information about the Chamber's happenings both to its own members and outside entities.
Local Liaison
The Local Liaison acts as the Chamber's representative to the Okinawan and Japanese governments and other local organizations. The Local Liaison serves as a conduit for information about the local government and its effects on business. The Local Liaison also coordinates events and seminars that are held in conjunction with the Okinawan and Japanese governments and other local organizations.
Information Technology
The Information Technology (IT) committee is comprised of a broad range of IT professionals who come together on common ground to provide members and people in the community the information and technology which drives today's business. Driven by the new and now, the focus for the committee is a more efficient way of providing businesses and business owners the power and technology to reduce overhead costs while improving efficiency in the process. The committee is open to all members that are interested in Information Technology in the ACCO.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee is responsible for finding and vetting members that can serve as officers and members of the board.
Tourism & Hospitality Committee
The Tourism & Hospitality Committee keeps Chamber members abreast of developments that can affect the Tourism and Hospitality industry in Okinawa. The committee also interacts with local and government tourism and hospitality entities, gathering information and making recommendations.
Education Committee
The Education Committee reviews local education policies and programs, especially English Language Programs, and makes recommendations to local and prefectural education entities. The Education Committee also supports and participates in educational events and initiatives aimed at increasing the internationalization, multiculturization and competitiveness of Okinawa in the global marketplace.