Chilean and American Chamber of Commerce
22nd Annual “Friend of Chile” Awards Luncheon
Wednesday, November 6th, 2019
The Union League of Philadelphia
On Wednesday, November 6th, 2019, members and distinguished guests gathered in the historic Union League of Philadelphia for the Chilean and American Chamber of Commerce (CACC) 22nd Annual “Friend of Chile” Awards Luncheon to honor individuals who have demonstrated great commitment in the trade partnership between Chile and the United States.
As guests arrived, they were welcomed by a wine reception featuring two delicious Chilean wines. Shortly after, guests were asked to take their seats in Lincoln Hall to begin the luncheon and awards ceremony. Leo Holt, of Holt Logistics, was the afternoon’s emcee and was the first to approach the podium. He welcomed everyone to the event and congratulated all attendees for being part of the CACC, one of the most active and dynamic Chilean Chambers of Commerce in the United States. After a short prayer led by Rev. William Rex, Leo came back to the podium. He gave congratulations to Miriam Borja-Fisher of Western Fumigation and Dennis Rochford of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, the two award recipients on the day. He also recognized special guests such as His Excellency Alfonso Silva, Chilean Ambassador to the U.S., Jorge O’Ryan, Director of ProChile, Matías Pinto Pimentel, Trade Commissioner, Karla Martin, Chancellor of the Chilean Consulate in Philadelphia, and members of the USDA. Holt then invited Ambassador Silva to the stage to say a few words.
The Ambassador began his speech by speaking to the mutually beneficial relationship between not just Chile and the United States, but also the relationship between Chile and the Greater Philadelphia region specifically. The fruit trade has provided both regions with thousands of jobs, boosting both economies. Ambassador Silva then transitioned to the current situation in Chile. He projected a calm, confident demeanor in which he stated that Chile is a country “obsessed” with growth. The country still boasts the 2nd highest minimum wage in Latin America as well as one of the lowest unemployment rates in the region. He finished his speech with a strong message: “Keep faith. Democracy will prevail.”
Following the Ambassador’s speech, Holt brought Eric Casey, CEO of GT Wilmington, to the stage to present Dennis Rochford with the Albert S. Marulli Lifetime Achievement Award. Casey said although he has only been working in the area for a little over a year, it is already apparent to him how key Rochford is in the local business.
In his acceptance speech, Rochford mentioned how honored he was to be receiving the award. He also took time to recognize his colleagues at the Maritime Exchange and said he could not have done it without them. Rochford also praised the CACC, stating it is an honor to work with such an outstanding chamber.
Following Rochford, Holt retook the stage to introduce Carlos Martinez from the USDA. Martinez had some brief remarks regarding the ports in the Philadelphia region and how important they are. He also mentioned that the relationship between the Philadelphia region and Chile is one of mutual benefit.
Next to approach the podium was the Director of ProChile, Jorge O’Ryan. This being his first time in the city of Philadelphia, O’Ryan immediately endeared himself to the crowd as he mentioned he is a fan of the local basketball team, the 76ers. As his speech then transitioned to a more serious note, he, much like the Ambassador, gave confident remarks regarding Chile’s current political situation. O’Ryan stated that he had been in contact with the ports and assured the crowd that the Chilean fruit trade would proceed as normal. He also commented on the importance of the city of Philadelphia for Chile. Not only has the Philadelphia area been home to the fruit trade, but the region has also been one of the best markets for the burgeoning Chilean IT market.
After O’Ryan, Holt quickly returned to invite Kurt Reichert, of Western Fumigation, to present his colleague, Miriam Borja-Fisher with the “Friend of Chile” Award. Reichert mentioned a lot of Borja-Fisher’s accomplishments since joining Western in 2002. He also said she is a friend to many in the room, so it was only fitting that she is receiving the “Friend of Chile” Award.
Borja-Fisher was very grateful to be receiving the award. She thanked Ambassador Silva and Jorge O’Ryan for joining us, as well as her colleagues at Western Fumigation. She also acknowledged her family, thanking them for their constant love and support. Following her acceptance speech, Borja-Fisher, “put her CACC Treasurer hat on” and thanked all of the attendees and wished everyone a safe journey home.
The 22nd Annual “Friend of Chile” Awards Luncheon would not have been possible without the help of its sponsors. The CACC would like to thank Visionary Sponsors, GT Wilmington, Holt Logistics, and Western Fumigation; Presenting Sponsor, PhilaPort; and Corporate Table Sponsors, Dayka & Hackett, Delaware River Stevedores, Diamond State Port Corporation, Dole Fresh Fruit Company , Ecolab, GEODIS USA, J&K Fresh East, Manfredi Cold Storage, Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, Sbrocco International, Tastyfrutti, The Pilots’ Association for the Bay and River Delaware, and William H. Kopke, Jr., Inc.
Additionally, the CACC would like to extend its thanks to the Union League of Philadelphia for the outstanding venue and delicious food.
Click here to see more photos from the event, and click here to learn more about our award recipients.
