About Us

A group of businessmen interested in the development and expansion of trade relations between the United States and Venezuela, and dedicated to the Pan American ideal, met on the 9th day of July 1936 at the India House on Hanover Square in downtown New York. The purpose of their meeting was to form a nonprofit organization pursuant to the Membership Corporation Law of the State of New York which they named the Venezuelan Chamber of Commerce of the United States, Incorporated.

John L. Merrill was chosen as President, Herman G. Brock, Carlos A. Scholtz, and James S. Carson were elected Vice Presidents, and Amos B. Foy,Treasurer.John L. Merrill was chosen as President, Herman G. Brock, Carlos A. Scholtz, and James S. Carson were elected Vice Presidents, and Amos B. Foy,Treasurer.

This institution was founded in 1936 with the mission of promoting investment, commerce and cultural exchange between the United States of America and Venezuela. Today, we believe that due to the magnitude of the economic, social and political catastrophe that has befallen the country, it is the mission of our chamber to become a platform to provide a forum for a variety of opinions, open dialogue and awareness of the most current issues affecting Venezuela through our programs and events.

OUR MISSION:

The Venezuelan American Association of the U.S. (VAAUS) was founded in 1936 with the mission of promoting investment, commerce, and cultural exchange between the United States of America and Venezuela. Today, we believe that due to the magnitude of the economic, social, and political catastrophe that has befallen the country, it is the mission of our chamber to become a platform to provide a forum for a variety of opinions, open dialogue, and awareness of the most current issues affecting Venezuela through our programs and events.

VAAUS’ programs and activities will be envisioned, designed, and executed with a specific goal of informing about the current Venezuelan economic, political, social crisis and promoting cultural exchange through events from top-level speakers.

VISION:

VAAUS believes that our image in the community with our stakeholders (our members, the board of directors, elected officials, future members, and partners) is paramount to the organization's success. With this in mind, we will incorporate our values into our messages and actions.

 Member-Driven: We appreciate and value our members, as they are the core of our existence.
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Integrity: We will ensure alignment between our actions and beliefs, engage in honest self-scrutiny, and do what is right for the broader good. We will remain consistent with our values, and we will keep our commitments.
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Excellence: We will strive to the best that we can be in the pursuit of our mission, and we will endeavor to constantly look for ways to improve our service to our members.
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Collaboration: We value the diversity of our community and encourage
participation, inclusion, and collaboration.
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Leadership: We will be true to our roles as an organization committed to providing an open forum for a variety of opinions, open dialogue and awareness of the most current events in Venezuela through our programs.
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Innovation and tradition: We are a proactive and forward-thinking organization while preserving and honoring the organization’s strong history.
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Democracy: Free trade and human rights: We are unwavering in our support
for basic Western political, economic, and humanitarian principles.