Leverage to Launch

More than 30 people attended a meeting in El Cajon about establishing a California chapter of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce.

Chaldean Chamber heads to California

By Crystal Kassab Jabiro

On the evening of June 9, the second floor of the Crystal Ballroom in El Cajon, Calif., buzzed with conversation about establishing a Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce (CACC) modeled after Michigan’s successful 2003 organization.

Arkan Somo, interim organizer of the emerging San Diego chapter, asked the roughly 30 attendees if they had heard of the CACC. Only a few raised their hands. Somo explained the vision: replicating the metro Detroit model. Already, 38 founding members had committed $10,000 each to support the launch. He then introduced El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells, who has served since 2013.

In an enthusiastic address, the mayor admitted he hadn’t known about Chaldeans until moving to the area. He emphasized that El Cajon is now home to the third-largest Chaldean community in the world. “When you open your chamber, the city of El Cajon will do everything it can to help you.”

Martin Manna, president and CEO of the Michigan-based CACC, followed with a listening session highlighting the organization’s growth and successes—including the Chaldean Community Foundation, household surveys, business networking, political advocacy and support for Chaldeans in Iraq. He acknowledged past missteps but stressed that lessons learned in Michigan could benefit San Diego. “There has to be a will and willingness to believe in it,” Manna said. “We’re trying to grow our influence more than anything else. How can we connect our community and our influence in Washington, D.C.? And if we don’t preserve our culture, who will?”

During the Q&A, the audience was engaged and supportive. Toward the end, a man asked, “I’ve been here 48 years. How can you help us until we stand on our own two feet?” Manna replied immediately: “Whatever it takes.”

The idea for a California chapter emerged when Somo visited Detroit last year. He and Manna spent over three hours discussing the potential. United, their communities could be even more powerful. After Manna pitched the concept to the Chamber’s board, they approved a licensing agreement, provided all requirements are met. “The CACC has spent more than two decades building our brand,” Manna said. “The right group to manage the new affiliate must be identified—one that will protect our image as a national organization.”

During his California visit, Manna met with Bishop Emanuel Shaleta, who pledged full support for the new affiliate. Somo had previously attended the CACC’s annual dinner and the grand opening of its community center in Michigan, where he was inspired by the unity, leadership and impact he witnessed. “We are one of the most entrepreneurial communities in California, yet we haven’t had a formal, unified voice to advocate for our interests, support our growth or elevate our cultural identity,” Somo said. “The Chamber in Michigan has shown us what’s possible when we organize with purpose. There’s no reason we can’t replicate—and even expand on—that success here. We have the numbers, the energy and, most importantly, the heart.”

Somo emphasized he has no interest in serving as executive director of the San Diego chapter and wouldn’t accept the role if offered. He believes California’s young talent will groom its own “Martin Manna.”

Manna echoed the optimism but cautioned that much needs to be worked out. “The Michigan Chamber is extremely busy right now,” he said. “The California chapter must be carefully rolled out.” He referred to a past incident when an illegitimate California CACC misused the logo and falsely claimed affiliation, prompting legal action to stop them.

By the end of the meeting in California, Somo had secured a few more seed-money commitments. The moment was especially meaningful to him, having spent decades in San Diego’s Chaldean business community—from co-founding and serving as the first president and CEO of the Chaldean American Grocers Association (CAGA) in 1995, which later evolved into the Neighborhood Market Association (NMA), to now helping bring this movement full circle in California.

Ricky Haisha of Jamul also felt a full-circle moment. More than 50 years ago, 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 money and became a founding member of the new Chamber.

He described the experience as both historic and deeply rewarding.

Haisha, 58, is president of Haisha Insurance Services, Inc. in La Mesa and currently serves as president of the California Agents and Health Insurance Professionals – San Diego Chapter. He believes the new Chamber will amplify the community’s voice and strengthen its presence in California’s diverse economy.

“It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of Chaldeans who have worked tirelessly to build a better future,” Haisha said. “This will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, collaboration, and cultural pride for years to come.”

Steve Mattia, 38, of El Cajon, was energized by the Chamber’s potential. Deeply involved in the community, Mattia has served with the NMA, on the parish council, and as the Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He is also an active member of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce. Having grown up in the liquor store business, Mattia now works as a business transactional attorney with expertise in compliance and licensing.

He plans to sign his firm, Mattia & Yousif Law, up for membership in the California Chamber.

Mattia said he was especially moved by Manna’s honesty in sharing the Chamber’s early missteps, believing that if San Diego can replicate the model, the Chamber will become a powerful force for the local Chaldean community.

“Right now, the only body we have that is consistent and unifying is the Church,” Mattia said. “I think more young people should get involved. They’re not just interested in business—they’re also interested in preserving our culture, and I give our priests credit for encouraging that.”

Afaf Konja of El Cajon was the only woman in attendance. She leads two nonprofits in San Diego that help new immigrants and English language learners achieve self-sufficiency through education and connection.

Konja, a former United Nations resident correspondent and geopolitical journalist, also served as spokesperson and lead media adviser for UN President John W. Ashe. After reaching the height of her career, she returned to California to be with her family.

She was inspired by the Chamber’s vision but wished more women had been present at the meeting.

“Women can build beautiful families and beautiful communities,” Konja said. “I want them to have the confidence to know their voices matter—especially for causes they believe in.”

As interim organizer, Somo is committed to ensuring the Chamber’s strong launch. He believes the best is yet to come as California and Michigan work hand in hand to uplift and unite the Chaldean community across the nation.

“We’re not reinventing the wheel,” Somo said. “This is just the beginning. What we’re building is more than an organization, it’s a movement. A space where Chaldeans can grow economically, preserve our culture, and lead with pride.”