Sept 24 | View as Webpage

On the Road,

Building Opportunities

And we’re not slowing down.

Next Friday, October 2, we’ll gather at the Omni Houston Hotel for our Annual Business Conference, Expo & Rising 10 Awards. With a free business conference, more than 50 exhibitors, valuable networking and the celebration of some of our region’s fastest-growing Asian-owned businesses, this is an event you don’t want to miss.

October also brings the return of our Executive Business Program, now in its ninth year, and our Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards on October 24. Both offer wonderful opportunities to learn, connect and celebrate the people who make our business community stronger.

Finally, I encourage you to read this month’s Member Spotlight featuring Base Power Company, one of our newest Chamber members. Please join me in welcoming them to our community.

Whether we’re connecting businesses in Houston, bringing national leaders to our city or building new relationships across Texas, our goal remains the same: to create opportunities for our members to connect, grow and succeed.



Thank you for being part of the Asian Chamber community. I look forward to seeing many of you when I return from DFW—and at our Business Conference next week!

Warm regards,

Fan Chen

Chair

Asian Chamber of Commerce

Houston Welcomes National ACE:

Asian Chamber Connects with Business Leaders from Across the Country

From National ACE to UNITY: Houston Keeps the Momentum Going

The energy continued in Houston following the 2026 National ACE Annual Conference, as entrepreneurs and business leaders gathered for the ACE NextGen UNITY Conference at Houston City College.

Held immediately after the National ACE conference, UNITY provided another opportunity for entrepreneurs, professionals and community leaders to connect, exchange ideas and strengthen relationships across Houston’s Asian business community and beyond.

Throughout the conference, attendees gained practical insights and tools focused on building resilient businesses, strengthening leadership, developing impactful brands and creating stronger community partnerships. Just as importantly, the gathering created space for meaningful networking and collaboration among entrepreneurs at different stages of their business journeys.

The back-to-back conferences put Houston at the center of important conversations about entrepreneurship, innovation and the growing influence of Asian business leaders.

The Asian Chamber of Commerce was pleased to support and participate in a weekend that brought together so many entrepreneurs and leaders committed to learning, collaboration and economic opportunity.

Congratulations to ACE NextGen for creating an engaging experience that demonstrated what can happen when entrepreneurs come together to share knowledge, build relationships and strengthen community.

On the Road for Opportunity: Asian Chamber Trade Mission Heads to DFW

The Asian Chamber of Commerce is on the road in North Texas this week, leading a three-day trade mission to the Dallas/Fort Worth region focused on building connections, exploring economic opportunities and opening doors for future business growth.

From September 23–25, the Chamber delegation is meeting with regional economic development leaders, participating in site visits and attending Taiwan Expo USA, where attendees will connect with exhibitors and government representatives.

The mission includes meetings with the McKinney Economic Development Corporation and Fort Worth Economic Development Corporation, along with site visits in Dallas and Fort Worth. At Taiwan Expo USA, the delegation will have opportunities to engage with businesses and leaders while exploring potential partnerships and new avenues for trade and investment.

Trade missions are an important part of the Asian Chamber’s work to help businesses build strategic relationships, discover new markets and connect with economic development opportunities beyond the Houston region.

Missed This One? Join Us Next Time!

Registration for the DFW mission has closed, but there will be more opportunities to get involved. Be on the lookout for our next trade mission and join the Asian Chamber as we continue connecting members with new people, places and possibilities for growth.

Next Week:

Connect, Learn and Grow at the Asian Chamber Business Conference & Expo

The countdown is on! The 2026 Annual Asian Chamber Business Conference, Expo & Rising 10 Awards is happening next Friday, October 2, at the Omni Houston Hotel, bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, corporations, government agencies and community partners for a full day of learning, connections and opportunity.

Hosted by the Asian Chamber Foundation, the annual event is designed to give businesses practical resources and relationships to help them compete, grow and navigate today’s rapidly changing business environment.

Learn From Industry Leaders

The Business Conference is FREE and will feature industry experts sharing insights on topics that matter to businesses now, including artificial intelligence, business resiliency, economic outlook, growth and expansion, technology, and government laws affecting businesses.

Attendees will also have opportunities to learn how to do business with corporations and government agencies, develop strategic relationships and connect with fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Explore 40+ Exhibitors

Beginning at 1:30 p.m., the Business Expo will feature more than 40 exhibitors, creating a marketplace for attendees to discover products and services, make new connections and explore potential business opportunities.

Government agencies and resource partners participating in the event include the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE, SBDC, U.S. Department of Labor and City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity.

Celebrate the Rising 10

A highlight of the day will be the Business Luncheon & Rising 10 Awards, recognizing 10 of the region’s fastest-growing Asian-owned businesses and celebrating the entrepreneurs helping drive economic growth and innovation across our community.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the free Business Conference from 9–11:30 a.m. The ticketed Business Luncheon & Rising 10 Awards begins at 11:45 a.m., with the Expo opening at 1:30 p.m.

Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?

Fast-Track Your Success This Fall

What if you could strengthen your business knowledge, learn directly from experts and expand your professional network—all in just a few weeks?

The Asian Chamber of Commerce Executive Business Program returns for its 9th year this October, offering entrepreneurs, emerging leaders and ambitious professionals an opportunity to gain practical, real-world business knowledge in an engaging bilingual English and Mandarin learning environment.

Beginning October 6, this four-week intensive program goes beyond theory. Participants will learn about the issues that can make a real difference in starting, managing and growing a successful business.

Big Business Knowledge. Four Weeks. Real-World Impact.

The curriculum brings together experts to tackle essential areas including strategic planning, marketing, technology and AI, operations, tax accounting, cost control, employment law, workforce solutions, business lending, federal government contracting and business mentoring.

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas and develop relationships with instructors and fellow professionals—all while building knowledge they can put to work immediately.

More Than a Classroom Experience

One of the greatest benefits of the Executive Business Program is access—access to experienced business professionals, valuable resources and a network of people who can become future collaborators, mentors, clients and business connections.

The program also includes two receptions, providing additional opportunities to build relationships outside the classroom.

Whether you're growing a business, considering entrepreneurship, advancing your career or simply ready to become a stronger and more knowledgeable business leader, this program was designed to help you move forward.

Program Details

Tuesdays | October 6–November 10, 2026

4:30 p.m – 7:30 p.m.

Program Fee: $600

Participants also receive a $150 voucher toward an annual Asian Chamber membership, extending the benefits and connections beyond the program itself.

Your Next Business Breakthrough Could Start Here

Four weeks can introduce you to knowledge, resources and relationships that could influence your business or career for years to come.

Seats are available now. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the Asian Chamber’s 9th annual Executive Learning Program.

Invest in your knowledge. Expand your network. Strengthen your business. Register today.

An Evening to Celebrate Excellence:

Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards Returns October 24

Houston’s Asian business community is coming together for an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection and impact.

On Saturday, October 24, the Asian Chamber of Commerce and Asian Chamber Foundation will welcome business leaders, entrepreneurs, corporate partners and community champions to the 2026 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards.

For more than 36 years, the Asian Chamber has worked to strengthen Greater Houston by creating opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs to connect, grow and succeed. The Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards celebrates that legacy while recognizing individuals and organizations making an impact across Houston’s business and Asian communities.

Guests will enjoy an elegant evening of networking and celebration alongside some of the region’s influential business and community leaders.

Celebrating Those Who Make a Difference

This year’s awards will recognize outstanding achievement and service in four categories:

Entrepreneur of the Year

Enterprise of the Year

Corporate Champion Award

Community Ambassador Award

The evening also supports the work of the Asian Chamber Foundation, which invests in Greater Houston through scholarships, education, economic opportunity, workforce development and programs that help businesses thrive.

Join Us for a Special Evening

Saturday, October 24, 2026

5:30 p.m. – Registration Begins

6:00 p.m. – Cocktail Hour

7:00 p.m. – Awards Program Begins

Attire: Black Tie Optional

Come dressed to celebrate, make new connections and join a community united around entrepreneurship, opportunity and the continued growth of Asian-owned businesses throughout Greater Houston.



Who will take home this year’s honors? Join us October 24 and be there when we celebrate the people and organizations helping move our community forward. Get your tickets today!

Member Spotlight:

Base Power Company Is Bringing a New Approach to Energy

This month, the Asian Chamber is pleased to welcome Base Power Company, a Texas electricity provider bringing a different approach to energy costs and grid reliability.

Founded in Austin in 2023, Base Power provides electricity to homes and businesses across Texas. The company says most of its commercial customers save approximately 20% on their monthly electricity bills after switching to Base.

Behind those savings is an innovative business model. On the residential side, Base has built one of the largest distributed battery fleets in Texas. The batteries charge when demand on the electric grid is lower and send power back when demand is high, helping balance the grid while generating revenue that allows Base to offer competitive electricity rates.

For businesses in deregulated electricity markets such as Houston and Dallas, Base offers the opportunity to switch electricity providers and access its commercial rates. Batteries are not currently available for business accounts.

Building a More Affordable and Reliable Energy Future

Base’s mission extends beyond lowering electricity costs.

“We want to deliver affordable, reliable power to homes and businesses across Texas and beyond—and help fix the grid while we do it,” the company shared.

As Texas continues to experience growing electricity demand, Base sees distributed battery technology as one way to add capacity more quickly while supporting the existing grid.

In just three years, the company has grown significantly. Base reports raising more than $2.5 billion from investors and now employing more than 650 people across Texas and Illinois.

Why the Asian Chamber?

As a new Asian Chamber member, Base is looking forward to building relationships within Houston’s business community.



“What drew us in was the chance to sit down with other business owners in Houston and find where we can work together,” the company shared. “The Asian Chamber has spent years building trust among Houston business owners, and we’re looking to earn our place in it.”

The team points to the Chamber’s events, networking opportunities and strong business community as some of the resources they are most excited to experience. Base representatives plan to attend their first Chamber events in October and encourage fellow members to stop by and introduce themselves.

The Bedrock of American Care: How Asian Americans Shaped 250 Years of Healthcare

Dr. Margaret Chung

Photo Courtesy of: Museum of Chinese in America

As the United States continues to celebrate its historic 250th birthday, we are looking back at the diverse threads that weave our national fabric together. While often untold, one of the most vital chapters in the American story is the profound impact of Asian and Asian American healthcare professionals—the literal bedrock of our nation’s clinical care and medical innovation.

From the front lines of neighborhood clinics to the cutting edge of global research, Asian Americans have transformed the way our country heals.

🩺 Trailblazing the First Frontier

Long before the demographic shifts of the late 20th century, early pioneers broke through severe racial and gender barriers to serve the most vulnerable Americans:

• Dr. Margaret Chung (1889–1959): In 1916, she became the first American-born Chinese female physician. When mainstream hospitals rejected her, she established a vital clinic in San Francisco’s Chinatown and secretly helped mobilize the U.S. WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services) during World War II.



• Dr. Tsai-Fan Yu (1911–2007): A brilliant Chinese American clinician, she became the first female full professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Her foundational research mapping the metabolic pathways of gout directly led to the life-changing treatments used worldwide today.

Dr. Tsai-Fan Yu

Photo Courtesy of Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

🏥 The Backbone of Acute Care

You cannot walk into an American hospital today without witnessing the legacy of the Filipino nursing community. Following the Immigration Act of 1965, tens of thousands of highly trained, English-fluent Filipino nurses answered the call to fill severe domestic shortages. Today, Filipino Americans represent 1 in 20 registered nurses nationwide. From staffing urban intensive care units (ICUs) to serving on the front lines of pandemic crises, they have consistently been America’s shield against public health emergencies.

 A Pillar for the Next 250 Years

Today, the data shows that Asian Americans are more integral to our healthcare infrastructure than ever. Representing over 20% of the U.S. physician workforce and a rapidly growing segment of the critical home health aide sector, Asian American professionals continue to protect our communities every single day.

As America celebrates 250 years of progress, we owe a profound debt of gratitude to the generations of Asian American healers who have kept the heart of our nation beating.

Photo Courtesy of The Filipino Times

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