Message from Anil Sampat, Founding President of AmCham.

July 15th, 2010

 

Message from Mr. Anil Sampat

First AmCham President

 

Dear David,

 

It is hard to believe that it has been 10 years since we all got together to form a chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce in Armenia. This was a historic event, as 10 years ago the conditions were very much different. The values were different as the Republic of Armenia was a young & growing country.

 

The venue we all chose was also at the very historic building. Numerous meetings were held at the Armenia Hotel. The objective was to come up with an acceptable charter & conditions to maximize accountability, transparency, facilitate growth & implementation of the rule of law and expand the membership base.

 

This process was time consuming but rewarding. I distinctly remember that there were number of people participating with passion, for this I am thankful to them - Tom Samuelian, Edith Khachaturian, Andrew Hovhanissyan, Tim Patworth and Jonathan Stark.

 

I am very thankful to the AmCham members and to the associates of Hotel Armenia Marriott for their unconditional support and for providing the meeting rooms that they gave us during critical times of formation. The US Embassy staff has been always helpful and supportive to AmCham, especially the HE US Ambassador Michael Lemon.

 

I would also like to thank current president David Atanessian & past Presidents Tom, Tim and Edith as well as the members of the committees for their hard work & dedication.

 

Looking back, I feel that we did the right thing. We planted the seeds that David and his team is nurturing for better future for all. I am proud to see how AmCham has grown from a small group to a leading business association in Armenia with over 85 members today.

 

I congratulate all AmCham Members with AmCham’s 10th Anniversary!

 

All the best,

 

Anil Sampat

Founding AmCham President