• CHERYL G. CRUZ
A summit that aims to foster stronger business relationships, promote collaboration, and attract investments to Bacolod City and Negros Occidental, will be held on Sept. 13 and 14 at Ayala Malls Capitol Central.
Initiated by the Bacolod Entrepreneurs United (BEU), a group of more than 200 Bacolod business people advocating as the voice of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the city, this year’s Bacolod Business Summit & Expo (BBSE) will be the second to be organized by the BEU, in partnership with the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and with full support from the city government and other partners.
The first one was last year, also at Ayala Malls, with around 40 exhibitors.
This year, the BEU expects about 500 participants, and 50 exhibitors. The summit and expo, on the theme “Building the Future for a Sustainable Bacolod”, will bring in renowned speakers to discuss the latest trends and opportunities in various industries.
These include Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Neil Montesclaros, Christopher Fadriaga, Lemar Ledesma, Engr. Fulbert Woo, and Charity Delmo.
BEU founder and president John Anthony Ledesma, in a press conference Aug. 31, said that “by bringing together key industry players from both local and international markets, the BBSE aims to provide a valuable platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and exploring potential partnerships.”
The Sangguniang Panlungsod already endorsed the conduct of this year’s summit, adding the BBSE will serve as “platform to showcase Bacolod’s thriving business environment, promote local enterprises, and attract potential investors, thereby contributing significantly to the economic development of the city.”
Ledesma said the conference ticket, worth P500, will cover the two-day event, with free admission to the expo hall and business networking areas. Those interested should register online via the BEU and BBSE Facebook pages.
The BBSE is committed to bring together local leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members to share their innovative insights, expertise, and give business leadership ideas, the BEU said, adding the event is a “gateway to innovative solutions and collaborative strategies that will help shape a more resilient Bacolod City for generations to come.” | CGC
