On May 18, the Alhambra Chamber convened an elite group of Asian-American business leaders in recognition of the significance of AAPI Heritage month in Alhambra and to launch the Asian Business Leadership Council. At this inaugural gathering of the Asian Business Leadership Council, attendees included Angela Chang, Jeffrey Chao, Paul Chen, Sophia Chou, Raymond Ho, Winn Hong, Kent Hsieh, Rayna Ku, Ken Lee, Daniel Lin, Nicolas Lin, Lorraine Sun, Min Thian, William Wei, Carl Wong, Thomas Wong, and more than two dozen others.

“I’m glad we were able to kick off this important initiative during AAPI Heritage month, since so many of our businesses in Alhambra are Asian-owned and we want to provide these respected leaders with a place to connect and together raise their collective voices,” said Chamber President-elect Christopher Teng Balmaseda.

Future meetings of Asian Business Leadership Council will continue to connect these leaders with one another, as well as elevate the voices of the Asian business community with city officials and other policy makers. As the membership of this venerable group expands, it will form an alliance with other esteemed Asian entrepreneurs and organizations in Alhambra, developing the mission and vision of the Council with their insights.

“It’s an honor to be able to focus the Chamber on serving such an important group of entrepreneurs and business leaders in Alhambra. The insights of this group will provide a stronger foundation for our community’s economic future,” noted Chamber CEO John Bwarie.

Initial programming ideas include the participation of local financial institutions and experts to discuss generational wealth planning, capital management, and organizational development. In addition, members will contribute their insights on programs to help smaller, emerging businesses. They will provide guidance on how business leaders can build greater visibility and economic development in Alhambra. This effort will revitalize the interpersonal connections that have waned over the last two years and build new, fruitful connections.

Special acknowledgment goes to Big Catch Seafood House for hosting this event and providing a delectable array of their signature appetizers and other refreshments.

Leaders looking to engage with this esteemed group should contact Cindy Lee at the Alhambra Chamber at clee@alhambrachamber.org.