CCCI recognizes Cebu biz leaders

They are “Cebu’s champions”.

This was how the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry described their  Cebu Grand Chamber awardees who were recognized last   Saturday night  at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City.

“I really mean that. We need a champion or a group of champions for every sub-sector or advocacy or project,” president Tess Chan said in her speech at the  culmination event of  Cebu Business Month.

“Today, the chamber continues the tradition of recognizing  those who have distinguished themselves above all others by their hard-earned accomplishments and trailblazing investments in specific niche industries, enterprises and sectors,” Chan said.

The awardees were Carlos Co as Entrepreneur of the Year, Vince Yap as Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Dr. Odysseus Camarillo,  Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year, and Marcelino Co as  Countryside Entrepreneur of the Year.

Dr. Norberto Quisumbing,  chairman of the Norkis Group of Companies, was the Grand Chamber Awardee of Distinction.

Vicsal Foundation was honored as the CSR Institution awardee. The Cebu IT Park also received a special citation.

Co, president of Cebu Oversea Hardware Corp. Inc., was recognized for steering the company  to become one  of the biggest hardware construction and finishing materials suppliers in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Co, a chemical engineer,  was a former president of the CCCI and  Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers. He also  served as a  Port of Cebu commissioner and past vice president for Visayas of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Vince Yap made his mark with his  Nice Day! Car wash franchise outlets.

Yap joined the company last 2009 and was responsible for making  Nice Day Carwash the top  car wash provider in Cebu. He is now  chief executive officer and president of VJY888 Prestige Corp., which is the franchisor.

Yap finished a business administration degree at the University of San Carlos and a master’s degree in business management from the University of the Philippines.

Dr.   Camarillo, the Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year awardee, pioneered the   Cebu Veterinary Doctors Animal Clinical Center—a dog and cat clinic,  grooming suite, and  pet boutique facility rolled into one.

Camarillo started  with  two employees and grew the  business to five outlets in Metro Cebu with 46 employees  in four years. He was recognized as  Outstanding Veterinarian from 2011 to 2014.

Quisumbing, who received the Grand Chamber Award of Distinction, started his company 49 years ago with his late wife Bretta, selling Yamaha motrocycles.

Under his leadership, the Norkis Group diversified to  furniture export, metal crates, agribusiness, air conditioners and finance.

In his acceptance speech,  Quisumbing encouraged  other successful businessmen  to share their blessings.

Norkis Cyberpark, a 2.8 hectare  development along A.S. Fortuna Street in Mandaue City, aims to get a share of the booming business outsourcing industry.

Chan, the president,  thanked the CBM staff and chairman Felix Tiukinhoy, for the successful celebration.

Chan also challenged chamber members to be ready for the Asean integration.

“There’s just so much to be done and we have to move fast to take advantage of the opportunities before us, especially with the Asean integration,” she said.