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Who We Are

The institutional home of Albanian-American business in Michigan.

A 501(c)(6) trade association launched in 2026 by a coalition of business owners, professionals, and community leaders — building what generations of our community have needed and never had.
Founded 2026
Troy, Michigan
01 · Our Story

Built by leaders who refused to wait.

For decades, Albanian-American business in Michigan grew without a chamber. Entrepreneurs built side by side without the institutional structure their community needed to multiply opportunity.
In 2026, a coalition of six founding directors decided to fix it — convening in Troy with a simple commitment: to build the trade association Albanian-American business deserved. Not a social club. Not a cultural society. A working chamber with bylaws, committees, and a 501(c)(6) charter in formation.
Membership grew to over fifty in the first months — entirely through word of mouth, board referrals, and direct outreach. No paid advertising, no SEO funnel. The growth has been intentional. The foundation is being laid carefully.
We are building the chamber Albanian-American business in Michigan has always deserved — and the institution our next generation will inherit.
— The Founding Board, 2026
Read the Full Story →
02 · Our Mission

Four pillars. One institution.

Everything we do — every event, every program, every advocacy meeting — maps back to four obligations we hold to our membership and to the broader Albanian-American business community in Michigan.
01

Elevate

Increase the visibility and professional growth of our members through education, exposure, and active business promotion.
02

Accelerate

Build a trusted business network that creates referrals, partnerships, and durable opportunities — at the speed our members need.
03

Unite

Strengthen the Albanian business community in Michigan through meaningful connection, mentorship, and shared opportunity.
04

Advocate

Amplify the voice and contributions of Albanian-American businesses with elected officials, public agencies, and the press.
"Elevate · Accelerate · Unite · Advocate" is not a tagline. It is the promise the Chamber makes to every member who joins.
Read the Full Mission →
03 · Leadership

Founded by leaders who show up.

The Chamber's founding board brings decades of combined experience across business, finance, law, real estate, and community service in Michigan.
President · Founder

Siola Hashorva

Owns and operates multiple businesses across Metro Detroit; leads the Chamber's institutional direction.
Vice President · Founder

Adrian Bazaj

Deep experience across professional services; leads corporate partnerships.
Secretary · Founder

Rejla Bozdo, PhD

Oversees member experience, communications, and the Chamber's events programming.
Founder · Director

Leonat Lumaj

Leads small business and entrepreneurship programming, including the Ambassador initiative.
marjan camaj founder
Founder · Director

Marjan "Mario" Camaj

Established business leader; serves on the Chamber's strategic advisory.
Founder · Director

Paskal Qerama

Industry expertise supporting member engagement and Chamber growth strategy.
Six founding directors. One shared commitment.
Meet the Full Board →
04 · Committees

Where the real work happens.

Our committees lead programming, advocacy, and member services. Each operates under a 90-day plan with measurable goals, a budget request, and accountability to the full board.

Membership & Engagement

Owns member recruitment, onboarding, retention, and the experience of every new and existing AACC member from application through annual renewal.
Active Members
Sava Shqytaj

Events & Cultural Programming

Plans signature events including the Annual Gala, quarterly mixers, educational workshops with subject matter experts.
Active Members
Silvana Lumaj · Amarilda (Amy) Vucaj · Marina Camaj · Marcela Cali

IT & Marketing

Develops and programs the technology stack and keeps members informed through various digital platforms, such as social media, email, and the website.
Committee Chair
Ervin Kalaj
Active Members
Martina Camaj · Jozef

Ambassadors

Plans signature events, including the Annual Gala, quarterly mixers, and educational workshops featuring subject-matter experts.
Committee Chair
Julian Cifliku
Active Members
Miri Bibashani · Alket Mullalli

NextGen

Develops youth and next-generation engagement and communication channels between business leaders and the younger generation getting ready to enter the career paths.
Committee Chair
Donald Demiri
Active Members
Marki Camaj ·
Common Questions

What you might be wondering.

How is AACC different from other ethnic chambers? +
AACC is structured as a 501(c)(6) trade association — not a cultural society or social club. We are governed by bylaws, run committees on 90-day plans with measurable goals, and operate with the institutional discipline of any chartered chamber. Our cultural identity is the community we serve; our operating model is professional.
Is the board elected, and how are terms structured? +
The six founding directors were elected by acclamation when the Chamber was formed in 2026. Going forward, the board holds annual elections with staggered terms to ensure continuity. Every director files an annual conflict-of-interest disclosure as a condition of service.
How can members get involved with committees? +
All Chamber members are eligible to join a committee. Each committee accepts new members on a rolling basis, and committee chairs welcome members who can commit time to programming, member services, or small business support. Reach out to the committee chair listed above or contact our membership team.
Is membership open to people who aren't Albanian? +
Yes. Membership is open to entrepreneurs, professionals, business owners, and corporate partners who share our mission. Albanian heritage is not a requirement — allies, partners, and supporters of Albanian-American business are welcomed at every tier.
Join Us

Build the Chamber you want to belong to.

Whether you're applying for membership, exploring corporate partnership, or considering Founding recognition — every conversation starts the same way.