Chaldean Chamber of Commerce | The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce is a partnership of Chaldean businesses and professionals working together to strengthen members' businesses, increase job opportunities, encourage expansion and promote Chaldean business and culture. The Chamber seeks to service and represent Aramaic-speaking people, including Assyrians, Chaldeans and Syriacs.

Welcome to the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce

Michigan’s Metro Detroit area is home to the largest Chaldean community outside of Iraq with an estimated population of 121,000. Chaldeans are known for their strong work ethic and entrepreneurial skills – a combination that makes many community businesses highly successful.

For years, Chaldeans Americans have used their diligent business skills to build a robust financial network. Despite the economic downturn of 2008-2009, the Chaldean American business community continues healthy growth.

Illustrating their entrepreneurial spirit, nearly 60 percent of Chaldean Americans own at least one business, and 39 percent own two or more. High ownership is reported in convenience stores, rental properties/real estate holdings, supermarkets, gas stations, cell phone stores, hotels, restaurants and insurance companies. In addition, an increasing number of community members are becoming professionals in the medical, legal and educational fields.

Facts about the Chaldean Community

An estimated 121,000 Chaldeans reside in Southeast Michigan – the largest concentration outside of the Middle East.
Chaldeans have a history dating back 5,000 years to Mesopotamia
Aramaic is the native language for Chaldeans – the world’s oldest continuously spoken language
Chaldeans are Iraq’s indigenous people
The majority of Chaldeans migrated to Detroit in the late 1960’s
Chaldeans own an estimated 15,000 businesses in Michigan
61% of Chaldean households own one business
39% of Chaldean households own two or more businesses
Major business concentrations: Supermarkets, convenience stores, hotels, food service, cellular, real estate development and suburban gas stations
Chaldeans are Eastern-Rite Catholic
There are eight Chaldean Catholic churches in Michigan along with an Assyrian and a Syriac church
Since the 2003 U.S. Invasion of Iraq, more than two-thirds of Iraq’s Christian community has been displaced
Since 2007, more than 20,000 Chaldean refugees have arrived in Metro Detroit
25,000 Chaldean refugees are expected to arrive in Metro Detroit in 2011-2012