View this email in your browser

AACC participated in a series of vibrant events celebrating the Lunar New Year and fostering community engagement!

The festivities kicked off with Celebrate Lunar, bringing together over 7,000 attendees to experience the rich diversity of Asian cultures through music, dance, and cuisine. Avalon Spring Fest continued the celebrations with lively dragon and lion dances, marking the Year of the Snake with enthusiasm. At the Dragon Parade, AACC members and board members proudly walked together, showcasing their spirit and unity in the celebration. AACC also held its Board of Directors Election, encouraging active participation and leadership within the community.

These events collectively underscored AACC's commitment to cultural celebration and community involvement!

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (February 13, 2025) – The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding announced today a multi-year extension with Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital to continue as the race’s official healthcare partner through 2028. The healthcare organization has served as an integral partner of the annual motorsport event for many years, providing on-site care to both race fans and participants.

Take a break and embrace your playful side at Mardi Gras. Play catch with some parade beads, travel the world with your tastebuds* and sing at the top of your lungs at live concerts. Catch spectacular floats, including colorful new ones inspired by New Orleans Mardi Gras traditions like masks, beads, food, music and more. Savor dishes like Hot Maple Lacquered Salmon from Canada, Spicy Szechuan Chicken Bites from China, a Colombian Burger and Beignets for days which are available for purchase.

• Orlando Magic vs. Golden State Warriors: Game Preview
• The DeVos Family Foundation and Central Florida Kia Dealers Announce $260,000 Donation to Orlando Magic Youth Foundation
• Orlando Magic Unable to Slow Down East-Leading Cleveland Cavaliers Josh Cohen

Orange County Parks and Recreation will celebrate the 13th annual Mayor’s Jazz in the Park on Saturday, March 8, 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., at Cypress Grove Park. This is a FREE event (no tickets or reservations required) emceed by jazz personality Yvonne Loggins-Coleman, with support provided by WUCF 89.9 FM. Guests should bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets, or purchase from food trucks. Questions? Email parks@ocfl.net or call Parks Marketing: 407-836-6257.

Here's the amazing line-up of talented national and local performers:

• Jones High School Alumni Band
• Naomi Joy Music
• Will Patrick Band
• Best in Brass: The Yo Cats
• Divas of Jazz
• Dayve Stewart and Band
• Orlando Sanchez & The Latin Jazz Tribe
• Internationally-known Featured Artist Nat Adderley Jr. Quartet

Community and service (non-profit or not-for-profit only) organizations that would like to staff a table to provide information to the community can email parks@ocfl.net to request the Service Organization Participation Form.

The Pride Chamber: Safe Place

Join us for an informative session on the Safe Place Initiative, with Orlando Police Dept., Orange County Sheriff's Office and Winter Park Police Dept., a community partnership program designed to create safe havens for individuals in crisis. This initiative empowers businesses to stand as symbols of safety, inclusion, and community support by providing a safe space for individuals facing harassment, bullying, or threats.

Attendees will: Learn the mission and purpose of the Safe Place Initiative. Discover the responsibilities and benefits of becoming a Safe Place partner. Receive training on best practices for assisting individuals in need. Complete their business registration to officially join the program.

Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida 

Serving our members and the Central Florida community since 1986. Dream. Believe. Achieve.

Board of Directors

Christine Berk, AACC President, The Collier Companies

Jay Shah, AACC Vice President, New York Life/Eagle Strategies

Natasha Jaipaul, AACC Treasurer, ADP

Kenway Wong, AACC Secretary, Akerman LLP

Vi Ma, AACC Former President / Membership Chair, Global Diversity Marketing Network

Tom Lin, AACC Board of Directors/Sergeant at Arms, Orange County Sheriff's Office

Gary Mata, AACC Board of Directors, Orlando Magic

Board Advisors

Richard Ly, Advisor to the Board, Maaco

Simon Choy, Advisor to the Board, ADP

Gregory C. Maaswinkel, Legal Advisor to the Board, Maaswinkel Law P.A.

Thank you to our Sponsors!