OUR MISSION
To conduct activities that facilitate the investment and growth of U.S. businesses in the Lao PDR, thus contributing to the overall development of local communities and the Lao PDR as a whole.
OUR OBJECTIVES
The main objectives of AMLAOBIZZ are to:
- Represent American business interests in Lao PDR;
- Promote and support new direct U.S. investment in Lao PDR;
- Provide opportunities for U.S. businesses/organizations to network and do business with other companies in Lao PDR and in the region;
- Work closely with other chambers, particularly the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (“LNCCI”), and also the Lao Government to advocate for and further grow U.S. investment in Lao PDR;
- Liaise with the U.S. Embassy to better understand U.S. Government policy and initiatives in Lao PDR; and
- Invest in non-profit educational programs or other suitable programs which support the community and the mission of AMLAOBIZZ.
AMLAOBIZZ VALUES
Compliance with all applicable laws
Good Corporate Citizenship
Respect for the individual and dignity of the worker
Training and Education for employees
Environmentally responsible business practices
Improved market access and promotion of intellectual property rights
High standards of professional and business ethics.
2021
Board of Directors
President
Mr. Les Glosby
He is the encumbered President of the American-Lao Business Association. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer and is a proven operations executive with over 30 years of operational experience in both the public and private sectors.
With three technical and business degrees, his focus has been on operational excellence and organizational improvement from small startup organizations to large enterprises.
Mr. Glosby has also acted as a professor of physics at the University of San Diego and has been an award-winning author for various publications. Additionally, Mr. Glosby has won personal awards including the Modern Day Leader from the Black Engineer of the Year Award committee.
Executive Director
Kevyn McGraw
Kevyn is the CEO of ASEAN Contact Center, the #1 Contact Center BPO in Laos, and also the Founder/CEO of AiHak Solutions, the first freelancer platform in Laos. He previously worked for Aheeva Technology as their Asian Business Developer and created partnership in over 10 Asian countries.
Director
Paul Herr
Paul is the Laos PDR Country Director for ACO Investment Group and Convalt Energy. In this role, Paul is also the Country Director for ACO’s portfolio companies Convalt Energy, Oxaio Networks and DigiCollect. Convalt Energy is currently developing renewable energy projects in Lao PDR. Prior to joining ACO, Paul was the Lao PDR Country Manager for ADB, where he was leading the startup of the Small and Medium Entrepreneurs’ (SME).
Paul has received numerous Awards from the U.S. Federal Government, the U.S. Embassy in Laos, and Humanitarian organizations. He graduated with a BA (high honor) in Political Science at Columbus University, U.S.A.
Director
Souliyo Vongdala
Serial Entrepreneur co-founded multiple startups in Laos. Working to help build startup ecosystem in Laos.
Director
Wayne McIntosh
Wayne is the general manager of Lao Ford City. Wayne is a reliable and highly motivated manager with 25 years experience, covering the automotive, meat processing, food manufacturing and financial services industries. Proven achievement across sub-sahara Africa: in Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Angola, Madagascar, Mauritius, DRC and Nigeria in the roles of Sales & Marketing Director, Managing Director, Chief Operating officer and Business Team Director.
Director
Thouni Seneyakone
Thouni is a Business Advisor at BAF Laos. She previously was the Marketing Manager at Lao Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota.
Director
Todd Wassel
Todd is currently the Country Representative for The Asia Foundation Lao P.D.R. As a Senior-Level International Development and Conflict Management Professional, he has 15+ years of expertise leading and managing complex programs and directing large offices in difficult and politically challenging environments. Todd carries a track-record as a proven thought leader offering new ideas and presenting at conferences in the academic and practitioner worlds. He is dedicated to streamlining and improving processes, enhancing impact and ensuring budget and financial oversight.