By Ritu Jha-
The ITServe Bay Area chapter hosted its annual Holiday Party, aiming to foster collaboration and camaraderie among its members. The event, which drew 120 attendees, marked another step in ITServe’s ongoing effort to empower member organizations by enhancing their skills and profitability.
ITServe Alliance, one of the largest associations of IT services organizations in the U.S., serves as the voice for IT companies sharing common interests. The organization has grown into a respected platform for collaboration, working to protect the common interests of its members and ensuring collective success.
Hari Gakkani, president of the ITServe Bay Area chapter, spoke about the organization’s growth since its inception in 2016.
“ITServe is growing stronger by the day,” Gakkani said. “In 2024, we organized several online events with distinguished speakers to enrich our members. The majority of our members are owners of IT companies, and we cover a variety of industries, including companies developing products in India for U.S. clients.”
Gakkani also highlighted the Bay Area’s unique role in the IT industry, noting that it is more active than other regions in the country.
In addition to regular monthly meetings, ITServe’s discussions have included topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), real estate investments, and company growth strategies.
“We focus on relevant, timely topics. For example, we’ve had discussions about AI and its potential impact on businesses. We also had a tax accountant discuss ways to optimize company operations,” Gakkani said. “Our meetings offer valuable insights for company owners looking to improve revenue and hire the right talent.”
ITServe is also committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR). This year, the organization spent $1 million funding scholarships for underprivileged students, as well as STEM training and internships. ITServe also fights hunger, contributing food and funds to distribution centers and volunteering at these sites. Its CSR activities span all 23 chapters in the U.S. and California.
“We’re committed to giving back to the community,” Gakkani said. “In addition to our scholarships, we support first responders and local organizations.”
The Bay Area chapter, which includes 120 member companies, plans to expand its membership to 200 next year.
ITServe’s Political Action Committee works to protect member companies from external threats, particularly in the area of immigration policy.
“We recently won a case concerning the H-1B visa,” Gakkani explained. The organization is also closely monitoring immigration policies under the new administration, advocating for the removal of country caps on green cards and faster processing times.
“We are pushing for policy changes that will benefit our members and the broader IT community,” Gakkani said. “Although some politicians oppose removing the caps, we continue to engage with lawmakers to address these issues.”
As ITServe continues to grow and advocate for its members, its commitment to both business development and social responsibility remains a cornerstone of its mission.