Open House Draws Business Leaders, Diplomats
The Asian American Chamber of Commerce's Open House helps cement new relationships and reinforce old ones
The Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) of Georgia held its "Open-House/Member Appreciation" on March 15 at Midtown Atlanta Sheraton Hotel. Over 200 members and guests attended the event.
The event was sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company, Sheraton Midtown Hotel and John Lu of Chin Chin restaurants.
Rosemary Jones welcomed guests and gave an overview of the chamber, its role in the many trade opportunities and the business potential of new immigrants. Also present at the were John Lu, former president, chief guest David Chang, deputy director-general, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta, who spoke briefly about the significance of the chamber and the rapid economic growth in Asian countries.
President Subash Razdan said he was overwhelmed by the presence of prominent business leaders and diplomats at the open house. He acknowledged the support of the Coca-Cola Company, Turner Broadcasting Service, Publix, Home Depot, Air Tran, Georgia Power, Bell South, and member organizations and charter members of AACC.
Razdan added that their efforts to support the chamber have been getting due recognition. He said the emphasized the evening was more than just dining and entertainment, but opportunity to " know each other" to help create prosperity for people abroad and in Georgia. He also mentioned the chamber's outreach and charity activities including its donation to American Red Cross for the victims of the Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina.
Razdan thanked the volunteers Steve Bowman, Ram Sidhaye, Lani Wong, John Lu, K.J. Tan and Amitabh Sharma for helping with the success of the event. Later, awards were presented to Bell South executive Chris Tsai and Lu for exemplary service and leadership. Sheraton Hotel also received a plaque of appreciation from AACC.
Georgia's Assistant Secretary of State Terrel Slayton spoke on behalf of Secretary of State Cathy Cox, while Greg Pridgeon, Chief of Staff of City of Atlanta, represented Mayor Shirley Franklin. A Korean diplomatic delegation also attended the event. Lisa Jones of Cingular Wireless and Dan Stephens of Georgia Blue Prints were among the speakers at the open house, where they were inducted into the organization.
"Subash Razdan and his associates, past and present, officers and friends did a heck of a job in arranging a free, and casual open house to make the guests welcome and fully enjoy the evening," said Thomas Lee of the Coca-Cola Company. "Often programs such as these which have a social and commercial interest should reflect a spirit of ‘camaraderie' and there was plenty of it," said Giriraj Rao, executive director of the Gandhi Foundation of USA.
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