About

Mission

The Portugal–US Chamber of Commerce in New York was founded in 1979 to stimulate economic development, trade and investment, and cultural exchange between the United States and Portugal. The Chamber works closely with its counterparts in Portugal, Canada, and across the United States to promote shared interests in Portugal and expose the vast economic opportunities of the country.

The Chamber provides its members ongoing opportunities to network with individuals also engaged in Portugal-US affairs as well as numerous channels by which they can obtain essential bilateral support and information. Since its inception, the Chamber has served as a forum where individuals can unite to discuss and promote their interests. The Chamber attempts to foster a sense of community by planning events that capture and capitalize on the diversity of its members. These events vary from illustrious dinner galas and meetings with foreign dignitaries to informal luncheons and cocktail hours. The Chamber is always open to suggestions from members in order to better serve their needs.

Networking

The Chamber provides its members with ongoing opportunities to meet other individuals and firms involved in Portuguese-US relations, trade and commerce. The Chamber

  • Introduces members to civic leaders, government representatives and influential decision-makers in the Portuguese and US business communities.

  • Identifies and counsels on partnership and joint ventures for Portuguese and US corporations.

  • Arranges private meetings between US and Portuguese executives to discuss business and investment issues of mutual interest.

  • Sponsors regular networking meetings, luncheons and receptions that offer excellent opportunities for broadening contacts within the Portuguese-US community.

Consults with the Council of US – EC Chambers of Commerce on European Community issues.

Business Development

By being an active participant in both the Portuguese and US marketplace, the Chamber helps members identify valuable new business opportunities and obtain important demographic and marketing information. The Chamber also channels hundreds of business referrals each year, both from outside the organization and among members.

Information Exchange

Timely information helps members position their business and investments for the future. Each year, the Chamber responds to numerous requests for information on a wide range of trade issues, from import/export tariffs to the location of agents and distributors. The Chamber also sponsors trade shows, seminars, and conferences on pertinent trade and investment issues. In addition, frequent luncheons and dinners feature the Portuguese Minister of Finance, Minister of Economic Affairs, or other government dignitaries who address recent developments in economics, trade, finance, education, or cultural affairs.

  • President

    Rodolfo Lavrador
    CGD

  • Vice President

    Bernardo Goarmon
    EDP Renováveis

  • Secretary

    David Spencer
    Lawyer

  • Treasurer

    Susy Pestana

  • Rodolfo Lavrador
    CGD

  • Bernardo Goarmon
    EDP Renováveis

  • Susy Pestana

  • David Spencer
    Lawyer

  • Alexandra Champalimaud
    Champalimaud Design

  • Alfonso Finocchiaro

  • Carlos Paneiro
    TAP Air Portugal

  • Césaltine Grégorio
    BNP Paribas

  • Cidália Luis-Akbar
    M Luis Construction

  • Donzelina Barroso
    Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors

  • Howard Vickery
    Lawyer at Boies, Schiller & Flexner

  • Luis Tormenta
    Liro Group

  • Jorge Tito
    Pestana Miami

  • José Xavier
    WeDo Technologies

  • Miguel Anacoreta Correia

  • Manuel de Miranda

  • Nuno Mota Pinto

  • Pedro Belo

  • Pedro Fernandes
    Corticeira Amorim

  • Rogério Fernandes Ferreira
    RFF & Associados

  • Tomás Tavares de Almeida
    Sovena

  • Vasco Rato
    FLAD

  • Florentino Gregorio
    Anchor Construction

Executive Committee

  • Rodolfo Lavrador
    CGD

  • Bernardo Goarmon
    EDP Renováveis

  • Donzelina Barroso
    Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors

  • Césaltine Grégorio
    BNP Paribas

  • David Spencer
    Lawyer

  • Susy Pestana

  • José Xavier
    WeDo Technologies

  • Tomás Tavares de Almeida
    Sovena

Legal, Tax & Audit Committee

  • David Spencer
    Lawyer

  • Howard Vickery
    Lawyer at Boies, Schiller & Flexner

  • Rogério Fernandes Ferreira
    RFF & Associados

Nomination and Membership Committee

  • David Spencer
    Lawyer (Chair)

  • Alfonso Finocchiaro

  • Howard Vickery
    Lawyer at Boies, Schiller & Flexner

  • Luis Tormenta
    The Liro Group

  • Pedro Belo

Past Presidents Committee

  • Donzelina Barroso
    Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (Chair)

  • Césaltine Grégorio
    BNP Paribas

  • Donzelina Barroso
    2011-2015

  • Cesaltine Gregorio
    2008-2010

  • Richard Russell, Esq.
    2006-2007

  • Alberto Veloso
    2004-2005

  • Domitília M. Dos Santos
    2002-2003

  • Evandro Braz
    2000-2001

  • Pedro Belo
    1998-1999

  • Robert Block
    1996-1997

  • Francisco Graça
    1993-1995

  • Stephen Ham
    1991-1992

  • Joseph Fernandes
    1989-1990

  • Richard Russell, Esq.
    1987-1988

  • Mildred Mottahedeh
    1985-1986

  • Alfonso Finocchiaro
    1983-1984

  • Luís Gregório
    1981-1982

  • Domenick Scaglione
    1979-1980