July 15th: Associativism Day

July 15th: Associativism Day Credit: Disclosure. More than two hundred years ago, in Salvador, a group of traders decided that they would face the challenges of the market together, and not in isolation. There, in 1811, the Commercial Association of Bahia was born, the first associative entity in Brazil and the embryo of a movement that, more than two centuries later, continues to transform the way businesspeople and entrepreneurs build their businesses. It is in honor of this milestone that July 15th is celebrated, across the country, as National Association Day. In Limeira, this story has a very particular chapter: ACIL, Limeira Commercial and Industrial Association, which this year celebrates 93 years of existence, almost a century dedicated to representing, supporting and strengthening those who undertake business in the city. If Brazilian associations were born in 1811, ACIL has carried, in its own way, this same essence for almost 100 years, going through decades of economic and social transformations without ever ceasing to fulfill its role: uniting businesspeople around a common objective. "Reaching 93 years of age is a source of pride, but also a source of responsibility. This means almost a century of listening, representing and walking alongside those who undertake in Limeira. Every day, we think about the business associates and how we can work better for them. That's why we continue to be active in creating new products and services, in the search for training and in networking activities that bring entrepreneurs together and generate real business opportunities. Associationism only exists because each associate believes that together we are stronger and it is this strength that motivates us to continue", highlights the president of ACIL, Dr. Valmir Martins. A network that starts here and spreads across São Paulo ACIL does not walk alone. We are affiliated with FACESP, Federation of Commercial Associations of the State of São Paulo, which places Limeira within one of the most robust and representative business networks in the country. The numbers of this network are impressive: +420 affiliated commercial associations throughout the State of São Paulo 21 Administrative Regions, organizing and strengthening business representation in every corner of the São Paulo territory +200 thousand businesspeople and entrepreneurs collectively represented in São Paulo And within this state network, ACIL contributes a significant local force: more than 1,600 associated companies in Limeira, of all sizes and sectors, who find in the entity a support point to grow with more security, information and representation. What associations represent, in practice Numbers tell part of the story. The other part, more difficult to measure, is what these numbers mean in the daily lives of entrepreneurs: access to benefits and services that alone would be more expensive or more difficult to obtain; collective voice on issues affecting commerce and industry; training, networking and opportunities that arise precisely from the meeting between companies that, together, better understand the challenges of the city itself. This is the spirit that moved the first Bahian traders in 1811, and it is the same spirit that moves ACIL today: no one grows fully alone. We grow in a network, with mutual support and a shared vision of the future. And for those who are already part of this story: thank you for strengthening, every day, this movement that began more than two centuries ago and that ACIL has been carrying on for 93 years in Limeira, proving that unity continues to be the most solid path to development. If you are a businessman in Limeira and are not yet a member, National Association Day is a good time to find out what ACIL can do for your business and for you. Speak to the ACIL team via WhatsApp (19) 3404-4900.