South Carolina Haitian American Chamber of Commerce launches in Anderson, strengthening a growing network of Haitian business institutions nationwide.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ANDERSON, SOUTH CAROLINA — September 26, 2026 — The Federation of Haitian Chambers of Commerce (FHCC) proudly celebrates the official launch of the South Carolina Haitian American Chamber of Commerce (SCHACC), marking another important milestone in the growth of Haitian-American business leadership and economic development across the United States.
Held in Anderson, South Carolina, the launch brought together business leaders, chamber representatives, and community stakeholders to celebrate the establishment of an organization dedicated to empowering Haitian-American entrepreneurs and professionals through business development, strategic networking, advocacy, and economic opportunity.
The launch reflects the continued growth of a connected network of Haitian chambers of commerce working together to strengthen businesses, foster collaboration, and amplify the collective economic voice of Haitian-American communities.
A National Network United in Support
The event demonstrated the growing spirit of collaboration among Haitian chambers across the country. Leaders representing the Georgia Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce, Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay, Colorado Haitian American Chamber of Commerce, Haitian Chamber of Palm Beach, and the Haitian Chamber of Commerce based in Fort Lauderdale attended the launch to celebrate the milestone and show their support for the new organization.
Their presence reinforced the importance of cooperation among chambers in sharing knowledge, building partnerships, expanding business opportunities, and strengthening the collective influence of Haitian-American business leaders.
Dr. Ronald Cetoute, Chairman of the Federation of Haitian Chambers of Commerce, delivered remarks congratulating the new board and recognizing the significance of establishing strong business institutions that serve entrepreneurs and communities while contributing to broader economic development.
“The launch of the South Carolina Haitian American Chamber of Commerce represents more than the creation of another business organization. It is an investment in the economic future of Haitian-American entrepreneurs and the communities they serve. At FHCC, we believe our greatest strength lies in our ability to work together, build strong institutions, and create opportunities that extend beyond individual cities and states. We congratulate Chairwoman Sherline Pierre and her team on this important achievement and look forward to supporting the chamber as it grows its membership, builds strategic partnerships, and advances the interests of Haitian-American businesses throughout South Carolina,” said Dr. Cetoute.
From Vision to Institution: The Impact of ChamberStart
The launch of SCHACC also represents an important milestone for FHCC’s ChamberStart Initiative, through which the Federation supports the development and strengthening of chambers of commerce.
SCHACC was part of the initiative’s initial cohort, benefiting from a framework designed to help emerging chamber leaders move from concept to organizational development, establish governance structures, and build a foundation for sustainable growth.
For founder Mrs. Sherline Pierre, the initiative provided valuable guidance and support in transforming her vision into a functioning institution with an established board and a clear mission.
“The Chamber Start Initiative gave me the structure, guidance and confidence to move from an idea to building an institution with a board and a clear mission,” said Mrs. Sherline Pierre, Founder of SCHACC. “This chamber is about creating opportunities, strengthening businesses and building a legacy of economic empowerment for Haitian Americans across South Carolina.”
SCHACC’s official launch demonstrates the purpose of ChamberStart: helping emerging organizations develop the leadership, structure, and institutional foundation needed to serve their communities and contribute to economic development.
For FHCC, this milestone reinforces its commitment to developing the next generation of Haitian business institutions and expanding a network of chambers equipped to support entrepreneurs, facilitate partnerships, and advocate for their business communities.
(left to right) Mac Kenley Alexis, First Vice- Chair, Richardson Galette, Founder, Sherline Pierre, Chairwoman and Laurie Beauvoir, Second Vice-Chair
Recognizing Founding Leadership and Community Support
The South Carolina Haitian American Chamber of Commerce was established through the leadership and commitment of its founding team, including Chairwoman Sherline Pierre, Richardson Galette, Laurie Beauvoir, and Tashara Gray Laurie.
Together, the founding leaders are working to establish a platform where entrepreneurs and business professionals can connect, exchange ideas, develop partnerships, and collectively advocate for an environment that supports business growth and economic opportunity.
In recognition of the chamber’s launch, FHCC Executive Board members Esther Germain, Vice Chair of the Federation, and Djenane St. Fleur Gourgue joined in presenting an award to the new board on behalf of the Federation. The presentation celebrated the chamber’s establishment and recognized the leadership and commitment required to build a sustainable business institution.
The City of Anderson also recognized the occasion, with a representative from the Mayor’s Office presenting an award congratulating the chamber on its launch.
The recognition highlighted the importance of civic engagement and community partnerships as SCHACC begins building relationships within Anderson and the broader South Carolina business community.
Idline Dulcio, Founder of Haitian Chamber of Palm Beach, Sherline Pierre and Idly Etienne, Executive Director of the Colorado Haitian American Chamber of Commerce.
Advancing Business Development, Networking, and Advocacy
The establishment of SCHACC creates a new platform for Haitian-American entrepreneurs and business professionals to strengthen their connections, access resources, explore partnerships, and make their collective voices heard.
The chamber’s work will focus on four key areas:
- Economic growth: Supporting business development through resources, mentorship, and access to opportunities.
- Networking: Creating meaningful connections among entrepreneurs, professionals, and business leaders.
- Advocacy: Representing Haitian-American business interests and promoting an environment conducive to entrepreneurship.
- Workforce development: Supporting skills development and preparing future generations of professionals and business leaders.
Through these priorities, SCHACC aims to strengthen South Carolina’s Haitian-American business community while connecting its members to a broader network of business leaders and institutions.
Its launch also reflects FHCC’s broader commitment to helping chambers develop their organizational capacity, strengthen their leadership, and build sustainable programs that respond to the needs of their members.
Through initiatives such as ChamberStart, FHCC supports emerging chambers while promoting collaboration across its growing network.
As new chambers become established and existing organizations deepen their impact, the Federation seeks to foster a more connected Haitian-American business ecosystem—one that facilitates business relationships, encourages trade and investment, and expands opportunities for entrepreneurs across the diaspora and in Haiti.
Mayor’s Office presenting an award congratulating the chamber on its launch
Djenane Gourge, Assistant Secretary of FHCC presenting launch award
Attendee, Esther Germaine, Vice Chair of FHCC and Sherline Pierre
Building a Stronger Future Together
The launch in Anderson is another step toward a more coordinated network of Haitian-American business institutions. By bringing chambers together around shared interests and opportunities, FHCC is working to ensure that local business communities can benefit from national connections, collective advocacy, and stronger institutional partnerships.
The Federation congratulates Chairwoman Sherline Pierre, Richardson Galette, Laurie Beauvoir, Tashara Gray Laurie, and the entire SCHACC board on this important milestone.
FHCC looks forward to supporting the chamber’s continued growth and collaborating with its leadership to advance business development, strengthen professional networks, and expand opportunities for Haitian-American entrepreneurs throughout South Carolina and beyond.
Together, we are building stronger institutions, connecting businesses, and advancing Haitian economic leadership across the diaspora.
About the Federation of Haitian Chambers of Commerce (FHCC)
The Federation of Haitian Chambers of Commerce is a growing network of Haitian chambers of commerce and business institutions committed to amplifying the collective economic voice of Haitian businesses, fostering transnational business opportunities, and building a sustainable future for chambers, entrepreneurs, professionals, and communities across the diaspora and in Haiti.
Through chamber development, capacity-building, trade and investment initiatives, and strategic partnerships, FHCC works to build a more connected and prosperous global Haitian business ecosystem.
For more information, visit www.fhccglobal.org.
About the South Carolina Haitian American Chamber of Commerce (SCHACC)
The South Carolina Haitian American Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to empowering, connecting, and advocating for Haitian-American entrepreneurs and professionals throughout South Carolina. Through business development, networking, advocacy, and workforce development, SCHACC seeks to foster economic opportunity, strengthen businesses, and promote long-term prosperity within the Haitian-American community.
For more information, visit www.schacc.org or contact info@schacc.org.