JULY 2025

FEATUREMore than 30 people attended a meeting in El Cajon about establishing a California chapter of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce.Leverage to LaunchChaldean Chamber heads to CaliforniaBY CRYSTAL KASSAB JABIROOn the evening of June 9, thesecond floor of the CrystalBallroom in El Cajon, Calif.,buzzed with conversation aboutestablishing a Chaldean AmericanChamber of Commerce (CACC)modeled after Michigan’s successful2003 organization.Arkan Somo, interim organizerof the emerging San Diego chapter,asked the roughly 30 attendees if theyhad heard of the CACC. Only a fewraised their hands. Somo explainedthe vision: replicating the metroDetroit model. Already, 38 foundingmembers had committed $10,000each to support the launch. He thenintroduced El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells,who has served since 2013.In an enthusiastic address, themayor admitted he hadn’t knownabout Chaldeans until moving to thearea. He emphasized that El Cajonis now home to the third-largestChaldean community in the world.“When you open your chamber, thecity of El Cajon will do everything itcan to help you.”Martin Manna, president and CEOof the Michigan-based CACC, followedwith a listening session highlightingthe organization’s growth andsuccesses—including the ChaldeanCommunity Foundation, householdsurveys, business networking, politicaladvocacy and support for Chaldeans inIraq. He acknowledged past misstepsbut stressed that lessons learned inMichigan could benefit San Diego.“There has to be a will and willingnessto believe in it,” Manna said. “We’retrying to grow our influence more thananything else. How can we connectour community and our influence inWashington, D.C.? And if we don’tpreserve our culture, who will?”During the Q&A, the audience wasengaged and supportive. Toward theend, a man asked, “I’ve been here 48years. How can you help us until westand on our own two feet?” Mannareplied immediately: “Whatever ittakes.”The idea for a California chapteremerged when Somo visited Detroitlast year. He and Manna spent overthree hours discussing the potential.United, their communities could beeven more powerful. After Mannapitched the concept to the Chamber’sboard, they approved a licensingagreement, provided all requirementsare met. “The CACC has spent morethan two decades building ourbrand,” Manna said. “The right groupto manage the new affiliate must beidentified—one that will protect ourimage as a national organization.”During his California visit, Mannamet with Bishop Emanuel Shaleta,who pledged full support for the newaffiliate. Somo had previously attendedthe CACC’s annual dinner and thegrand opening of its communitycenter in Michigan, where he wasinspired by the unity, leadership andimpact he witnessed. “We are one ofthe most entrepreneurial communitiesin California, yet we haven’t had aformal, unified voice to advocate forour interests, support our growth orelevate our cultural identity,” Somosaid. “The Chamber in Michigan hasshown us what’s possible when weorganize with purpose. There’s noreason we can’t replicate—and evenexpand on—that success here. Wehave the numbers, the energy and,most importantly, the heart.”Somo emphasized he has nointerest in serving as executive directorof the San Diego chapter and wouldn’t26 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2025

accept the role if offered. He believesCalifornia’s young talent will groom itsown “Martin Manna.”Manna echoed the optimism butcautioned that much needs to beworked out. “The Michigan Chamberis extremely busy right now,” hesaid. “The California chapter must becarefully rolled out.” He referred toa past incident when an illegitimateCalifornia CACC misused the logo andfalsely claimed affiliation, promptinglegal action to stop them.By the end of the meeting inCalifornia, Somo had secured a fewmore seed-money commitments. Themoment was especially meaningfulto him, having spent decades inSan Diego’s Chaldean businesscommunity—from co-founding andserving as the first president and CEOof the Chaldean American GrocersAssociation (CAGA) in 1995, whichlater evolved into the NeighborhoodMarket Association (NMA), to nowhelping bring this movement full circlein California.Ricky Haisha of Jamul also felt afull-circle moment. More than 50 yearsago, his father, the late Habib Haisha,helped purchase the land for St.Peter’s Chaldean Catholic Cathedral,the first Chaldean church in California.Following in his father’s footsteps,Haisha committed to the seed moneyand became a founding member of thenew Chamber.He described the experience asboth historic and deeply rewarding.Haisha, 58, is president of HaishaInsurance Services, Inc. in La Mesaand currently serves as presidentof the California Agents and HealthInsurance Professionals – San DiegoChapter. He believes the new Chamberwill amplify the community’s voiceand strengthen its presence inCalifornia’s diverse economy.“It’s a testament to the enduringlegacy of Chaldeans who haveworked tirelessly to build a betterfuture,” Haisha said. “This will serveas a catalyst for economic growth,collaboration, and cultural pride foryears to come.”Steve Mattia, 38, of El Cajon, wasenergized by the Chamber’s potential.Deeply involved in the community,Mattia has served with the NMA, onthe parish council, and as the GrandKnight of the Knights of Columbus. Heis also an active member of the La MesaChamber of Commerce. Having grownup in the liquor store business, Mattianow works as a business transactionalattorney with expertise in complianceand licensing.He plans to sign his firm, Mattia &Yousif Law, up for membership in theCalifornia Chamber.Mattia said he was especiallymoved by Manna’s honesty in sharingthe Chamber’s early missteps,believing that if San Diego canreplicate the model, the Chamber willbecome a powerful force for the localChaldean community.“Right now, the only body wehave that is consistent and unifyingis the Church,” Mattia said. “I thinkmore young people should getinvolved. They’re not just interestedin business—they’re also interested inpreserving our culture, and I give ourpriests credit for encouraging that.”Afaf Konja of El Cajon was theonly woman in attendance. She leadstwo nonprofits in San Diego that helpnew immigrants and English languagelearners achieve self-sufficiencythrough education and connection.Konja, a former United Nationsresident correspondent andgeopolitical journalist, also served asspokesperson and lead media adviserfor UN President John W. Ashe. Afterreaching the height of her career, shereturned to California to be with herfamily.She was inspired by the Chamber’svision but wished more women hadbeen present at the meeting.“Women can build beautifulfamilies and beautiful communities,”Konja said. “I want them to havethe confidence to know their voicesmatter—especially for causes theybelieve in.”As interim organizer, Somo iscommitted to ensuring the Chamber’sstrong launch. He believes the best isyet to come as California and Michiganwork hand in hand to uplift and unitethe Chaldean community across thenation.“We’re not reinventing the wheel,”Somo said. “This is just the beginning.What we’re building is more thanan organization, it’s a movement.A space where Chaldeans can groweconomically, preserve our culture,and lead with pride.”Trusted Eye CarewithSinan Albear, M.D.Glaucoma Treatment & ManagementCataract SurgeryCorneal ConditionsDiabetic Eye DiseaseComprehensive Eye ExamsFluent in ArabicProviding care in Troy & Madison HeightsSchedule an Appointment Today!(248) 526-1010TrueSightEyeHealth.com415 E Maple Rd, Ste. #100Troy, MI 48083(248) 268-1079OSMich.com301 W 13 Mile RdMadison Hts., MI 48071DOWNLOADOUR FREEMOBILE APP!JULY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 27