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Promoting Economic Development of the Houston Asian American Business Community
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As we reflect on this year and look forward to 2016, it is time to be grateful for
- Our members and volunteers who make our mission meaningful;
- Our sponsors who believe in helping us make a difference in the business community who provide funding support for our programs and operations;
- Our non profits, businesses and residents who work with us to create a great community;
- And our Board of Directors and Committees who donate volunteer hours to ensure the success of the Chamber and a positive impact on our community.
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Remember December 1 is www.givingtuesday.org. #givingtuesday.
Wishing you a healthy, peaceful prosperous holiday season and New Year.
Sincerely,
Linda Toyota President Asian Chamber of Commerce
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November 7 Workshop - Surviving An Active Shooter
HPD Public Affairs Stephen Daniel provided a useful presentation on how to survive an active shooter. The important point to remember is an active shooter's motive is to kill as many as possible and to die. There is no negotiation. What will save you is your head, not a gun. The way we respond to a situation will help us survive by recognizing three survival mindset is to run, hide, or fight. This program is available to any organization as a community service from HPD. It is a toolkit to help you be aware.
Mr. Danial emphasized the importance of Situational Awareness. Be aware of people's behavior and be aware of your surroundings. Action beats reaction. Plan where you could go. Be mentally prepared to defend yourself. Can you lock or block the door? Turn off lights in the room and turn sounds off on cell phone. Know where exits are located.
Thank you to program sponsor:
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November 12 - Asian Chamber Annual Meeting
The 2016 board slate was presented at the meeting, and George Kurisky administered the oath of office and the following board members were approved by the members.
Carolyn Benton Aiman
Managing Counsel-Capital Projects Americas Projects and Technology, Shell Oil Company
Dr. Parvin Bagherpour
Associate Vice Chancellor, Houston Community College - Office of International Student Services
Alice Chen, MBA, CPA, LUTCF
VP MultiCultural Markets, Mgr Defined Benefit Specialist, Guardian Wealth Design Group
Tu Dao, CPA
President, Dao CPA, P.C.
Claire W. Jin
VP Area Manager, Chase
Kathryn Karam
President, Law Office of Kathryn N. Karam
Shirley Kwan
Sr. Vice President, Commercial & Business Banking Portfolio Group Manager
Amegy Bank NA
Henry Lam
First Vice President, Texas Greater China Team Manager, East West Bank
Thomas Lam
Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC
Catherine A. Le
Attorney at Law, The Law Firm of Catherine Le PLLC
Travis Middleton
President, TradeMark Insurance Agency Inc
Bede Ramcharan
Founder, President, Indatatech
Wes Weaver
President, W-Squared Marketing
David Yi
President, Saja Energy Capital LLC
Bin Yu
President, Utegration
Austin Zhao (Chair)
President, China-US Pathway
Appreciation was extended to board members rotating off the board - Dat Dao and Jack Warkenthien. Another board member rotating off the board, who was one of the Chamber founders and long-time board member, John Kim, was recognized for his commitment and continued involvement. His parting words were to get involved with this dynamic Chamber because of friendships and business connections gained.
St. Rep. Gene Wu, District 137, shared his thoughts. Gene serves on the Energy Resources, County Affairs (management districts), and Federal Environmental Regulation committees. His diverse district has the lowest voter turnout with 40% of adults foreign born. Attracting international business as an opportunity to the SW area of Houston as an opportunity. Gene expressed that he would like to see improvement in Sharpstown Mall area and working on a management district for the Gulfton area. It is important for people to build relationships with their elected officials. Click here to view photos.
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November 18 Press Conference - Mandarin Program
Held at Jungle Cafe, the Asian Chamber of Commerce held a press conference announcing the countdown to an exclusive business program conducted in Mandarin. In partnership with Houston Community College, the Asian Chamber of Commerce along with presenting sponsor Wells Fargo, the program will cover various subject matters by renowned business experts. For more media coverage, see the following articles. To obtain more information, visit WEBSITE.
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Mark your calendars for our January 14, 2016 luncheon featuring the new Houston Business Journal publisher, Bob Charlet, who arrived from Honolulu and is an LSU alum! Register here .
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Our February 11, 2016 luncheon will be - Preparing for SuperBowl LI (February 5, 2017).
Ric Campo, Chairman/CEO, Camden Property Trust and 2017 Chair SuperBowl Host Committee; Hasting Stewart, Ex VP, External Affairs.
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Albina and Roger Rippy, YogaOne Studios, recently announced their latest business venture - the Blue Sky Retreat Center with 18 rooms on 3 acres in Taos, New Mexico! For information on planning a getaway, company retreat, email albina@yogaonehouston.com. To see more pictures of San Geronimo Blue Sky Retreat Center, click HERE
Congratulations to Bill Imada, IW Group, selected to the national public radio's board of directors.
Gary Nakamura has been elected to the board of Sister City of Houston. Terry Higginbotham, Workforce Solutions, presented "The Value of Veterans in the Workplace" to the Gulf Coast Diversity Council.
Congratulations to lifetime member, Trung Doan, Studio Red Architects, on the birth of his daughter, Tam! Congratulations to Studio Red Architects one of five architectural firms that has influenced Houston as recognized by Biznow. Click here to read the article. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo president, Joel Cowley, presented Consul General of Japan Nozomu Takaoka with a HLSR jacket and belt buckle as a farewell gift for his participation and interest in the rodeo during his term in Houston! Save the date for March 1 - 20, 2016 for the Rodeo! Yusi An, People Generation, tackled a $6 million project and spearheaded bringing "Magical Winter Lights" display to Sam Houston Race Park open now through January 10, 2016. This outdoor lantern festival is the first for Houston and one of the largest in the U.S. The lantern sets were built in Zigong and shipped to Houston. For more information, www.magicalwinterlights.com. New member, Affordable Health Insurance Agency, LLC, 8388 W Sam Houston Pkwy S Ste 178, Houston, TX 77072, (888) 803-3537 will be holding their ribbon cutting on Thursday, December 3 at 2 pm. Stop by to say hello - between the hours of 2 and 4 pm. University of Houston Downtown was a finalist for the national MBA Roundtable Innovation Award which recognizes innovative initiatives in MBA education and acknowledges institutions driving change! More than 160 business schools from around the world are members. UHD placed 4th for their Corporate Driven Curriculum, which employed an extensive methodology that engaged corporate representatives and faculty to define the knowledge that was needed in the business world and develop corresponding learning goals. It has drawn the college closer to the business community and attracted more students, who leave better positioned to deliver and perform in their organizations! Congratulations to Dean Michael Fields and his team. Janet Blancett has been selected to the board of the Houston Forensic Science Center. I DREAM TOO MUCH (a movie written and directed by a woman, about women and positively themed) -- a 77 Films production in association with Attic Light Films and The Pantheon of Women (co-founder, Donna Cole, Chamber lifetime member), written and directed by Katie Cokinos, and Executive Produced by Rick Linklater just screened at the Houston Cinema Arts Festival at the Museum of Fine Arts to a sold out house. Robert Cavnar was so moved, he wrote an impromptu review for The Huffington Post. Click here to read the review. |
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Andrew Bae
- China-US Pathway
- CORE Realty
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Jimmy Kim
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Li Xu
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- Marites Crosby
- Mark Jensen
- Wes Weaver
- Youngro Lee
- Yvonne Rivera
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JOIN THE CHAMBER
Join the Asian Chamber today and get connected. You can also renew or upgrade your membership to obtain greater benefits. Please register below or call us at 713-782-7222 for more information.
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Tuesday, December 1, 2015
2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
This event is free, however, seating is limited and registration is required. How to Navigate the Affordable Health Care Act for Individuals & Small Businesses.
Join the SBA Houston District Office and the Regional Administrator Yolanda Olivarez for a presentation of the Affordable Care Act at the Women's Business Center (WBC). With the new year fast approaching, get your questions answered before it's too late.
Where: Women's Business Enterprise Alliance
9800 Northwest Freeway, Suite 120
Houston, TX 77092
Contact: Artillia Haughton
(713) 681-9232 ext. 202
Presenter(s): Deputy District Director Mark Winchester, ACA SHOP
Onaldo Rivas, ACA for Individuals and Families
Health care is a top concern for small business owners across the country and many employers want to provide coverage but often can't afford to. The Affordable Care Act includes a variety of measures specifically for small businesses that help lower premium cost growth and increase access to quality, affordable health insurance. Attend the workshop to find out which provisions of the Affordable Care Act may apply to you.
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Wednesday, December 2, 2015
3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Business Assistance - Supplier Diversity
Department will be hosting their monthly
Workshop Wednesday entitled:
H.I.S.D. Bond Program Workshop Presenter: Derrick Sanders General Manager, Construction & Facilities Services We look forward to seeing you! Where: HISD Bond Office 3200 Center Street Houston, TX 77007
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Tuesday, December 8, 2015
3:00 p.m.
Networking Meet and Greet Events
Cigna
Cigna is committed to being a partner of choice for women and minority-owned business enterprises because supplier diversity expands and enhances our corporate relationships and experiences.
Discussion topics will include:
- Specific opportunities Cigna is currently seeking;
- Local, regional and/or national opportunities for minority business enterprises;
- The registration process to do business with Cigna;
- Cigna's primary clients in the area.
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Houston Independent School District Educational Support Center The Marketplace - Room 1ED32 Houston, Texas 77092-8501
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Free program - apply before the end of the year for the spring class!
Criteria:
- Be the owner or co-owner of the business
- A minimum of $150,000 in revenue in the most recent fiscal year
- Have at least 4 employees, out of which 2 are full-time
- Be in business at least 2 years
- When applying, please select referred by Asian Chamber
Companies who have participated have grown their business and received recognition for their accomplishments.
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2016 HCC Newspring Business Plan Competition Kicks Off
Application Period Opened November 18, 2015. Deadline January 20, 2016.
The annual HCC Newspring Business Plan Competition is an opportunity for startup and existing entrepreneurs to develop focused plans to start or grow their businesses. This working competition delivers five tuition-free training sessions and two experienced business advisors to each contestant team for the duration of the competition, which runs from February through April.
Each applicant team must either take a prerequisite class at HCC, OR have individual approval, OR have completed the HCC Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. The top five teams win prize money to use toward starting or growing their businesses. While the prize money is great, the real prize is the tuition-free training and mentoring designed to help all teams focus, differentiate and polish their plans. Twenty-five teams completed the 2015 competition, so they are all winners!
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Friday, December 4, 2015 - 7 pm.
Documentary - Off the Menu showing at Museum of Fine Arts.
Two of the Asian Chamber past Entrepreneurs of the Year are featured in this documentary . The Chamber is a community partner for this film. We are proud of lifetime member Glen Gondo and Banyan Foods, Gary and Carol Chiu. Tickets available here.
A post-film reception will follow.
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Wednesday, December 9, 2015 - 7p.m. to 9 p.m.
HPD to Host 2nd Meeting on New Open Carry Law
High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice
4701 Dickson, 77007
Free parking is available
With the new Texas Open Carry law going into effect on January 1, 2016, the Houston Police Department is hosting a second informational meeting to answer citizen questions about the new law.
HPD Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr. will be joined by Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson and Ms. Tracy Calabrese of the City Attorney's Office in a panel discussion about the new law.
The Open Carry law will allow a license holder to "open carry" a holstered handgun. HPD will live-stream the meeting on the HPD YouTube channel. For more information, contact the HPD Public Affairs Office at 713-308-3200 or go to the HPD website to view and print a flyer on the meeting at http://www.houstontx.gov/police/open_carry/Open-Carry-Info-Flyer.pdf.
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Thursday, December 10, 2015 from 9 am - Noon
George R Brown Convention Center, General Assembly C. City of Houston's 7th Annual Meet the Buyer Purchasing Forum.
Meet the Buyer is the ultimate opportunity for Small Businesses to connect and network with government procurement agents. Business owners who attend the event will have the opportunity to learn about upcoming contract opportunities and insight on how to do business with the City of Houston and other government agencies. Register Now! Click here for more information.
BUYSPEEDT E-PROCUREMENT SOLUTION
THE PORT OF HOUSTON
Any vendor or supplier who wants to do business
with the Port Authority must re-register
Mark your calendar and re-register starting December 10, 2015
On December 10, 2015,the Port of Houston Authority's new BuySpeed e-Procurement Solution (BuySpeed) will begin accepting registrations. BuySpeed will enable suppliers and vendors to find and respond to bid opportunities through a more efficient online procurement portal. You will be able to access more bid opportunities and submit bids electronically. It will be easy to maintain your profile and pick up purchase orders. Check www.portofhouston.com for updates.
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Sunday, December 13, 2015 from 12 - 4pm
Midtown - Cigna Sunday Streets
A family-friendly opportunity to be physically active. For just four hours one Sunday a month, selected Houston streets are closed to motorized traffic allowing Houstonians to cycle, walk, run, and socialize in the streets. Location: Smith from West Gray to Elgin and West Gray from Smith to Valentine. Find out more at houstonspecialevents.org
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The SBA is now accepting the following nominations for the 2016 Small Business Week Awards. The deadline for submissions is 2:00 p.m. CST January 11, 2016.
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National Award Categories:
* Small Business Person of the Year
* Small Business Exporter of the Year
* 8(a) Graduate of the Year
* Phoenix Awards for Disaster Recovery
* Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery
* Federal Procurement Award- Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year Award
* Federal Procurement Award- Small Business Subcontractor of the Year Award
* Federal Procurement Award- Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence
* Veterans Business Outreach Center Excellence in Service Award
* Women's Business Center of Excellence Award
* Small Business Investment Company of the Year
* Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Excellence and Innovation Center Award
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SBA Regional & District Award Categories:
* Young Entrepreneur of the Year
* Family-Owned Business of the Year
* Financial Services Champion of the Year
* Home-Based Business Champion of the Year
* Minority Small Business Champion of the Year
* Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year
* Women in Business Champion of the Year
* Entrepreneurial Success Award
The Houston District Office will award the Houston Cup to the organization that submits the most nominations. Regional/District Award nominations should be submitted to the Houston District Office, 8701 S. Gessner, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77074, Attn: Valerie Nguyen or Russell Hughes or emailed to Valerie.Nguyen@sba.gov or Russell.Hughes@sba.gov.
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CAREER OPPORTUNITY - HMSDC - President
President, Dick Huebner, has announced his intent to retire in 2016. Dick has served the organization well over the past 30 years and as HMSDC's leader he has created one of the most respected and active councils in the nation.
Although this news may come as a surprise to many, the Board of Directors and Dick have thoughtfully and strategically worked over the past three years with HMSDC member firm, Excel Global Partners, to plan a smooth succession process. This process has been designed to ensure a seamless transition and to provide a thoughtful approach to selecting the next President of HMSDC.
Applications from all candidates who believe that they possess the qualifications and vision to lead the organization to the next level. Click here for more information
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GOOGLE'S SMALL BUSINESS SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAM
Google's Small Business Supplier Diversity program is designed to connect more minority-, women-, veteran- and LGBT-owned small businesses to opportunities within Google, while helping them grow on the web. Our program supports our unique procurement structure, where every Googler is empowered to make purchasing decisions based on their specific needs.
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Tell a friend about the Houston Bike Plan
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U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
16TH ANNUAL HOUSTON PRIME CONTRACTORS MATCHMAKING EVENT
February 16, 2016
United Way
50 Waugh Drive
7:30am-3:30pm
We will "math" small businesses with large prime contractors and federal agencies in the Houston/Austin area. Each small business will have 15 minutes, face-to-face, to tell a large corporation or federal agency why they need to use their business.
There are two criteria that you must meet to attend:
1. Have a current profile in SAM (System for Award Management)
2. Have not attended this event in the past 4 years.
This is a FREE event, please contact Valeria Coleman with the U.S. Small Business Administration at:
valerie.i.coleman@nasa.gov
Only emails will be accepted.
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DIAMOND MEMBERS
CenterPoint Energy, Comcast, Houston Business Journal, Indatatech, Marsh & McLennan Agency, Metropolitan Transit Authority, The College of Health Care Professions, Utegration, Inc., Vethan Law Firm P.C.
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LIFETIME MEMBERS
Leeshan Birney, Hon. Theresa Chang, Alice Chen, Donna Cole, Lucy DeVilla, Trung Doan, Harry Gee, Glen Gondo, Shahid Javed, Shirley Kwan, Stephen Le Jr., C.C. Lee, Kenneth Li, Dan Nip, E. Allan Tiller, Don Wang, Don Woo, Y. Ping Sun, Jason Yoo
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