ELECTIONS AND EVENTS: A BUSY SEASON AHEAD

I am thrilled to invite you to our 2024 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards, a premier celebration of leadership, innovation, and community impact. This event, on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria, honors outstanding companies and individuals who have significantly contributed to our vibrant community. It’s a prime opportunity for your business to shine, offering unmatched visibility and the chance to connect with influential leaders across Houston’s dynamic business landscape.

In addition to the awards, the evening will feature a glamorous Fashion Runway Presentation by renowned designer Chloe Dao, adding a touch of elegance to an already unforgettable night. This black-tie event promises great networking opportunities, along with an atmosphere of celebration, inspiration, and community.

As we celebrate innovation on November 1, don’t forget to use your voice in another important way—by voting in the November 5 election. Your vote shapes the future of our community and business landscape. Be sure to research the candidates and their policies and make an informed decision that will benefit you and the growth and prosperity of Houston.

I look forward to seeing you at the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards and hope you will join me in making your voice heard at the polls.

Warm regards,

Sydney Dao

Board Chair

Asian Chamber of Commerce

SPIRIT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARDS

Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

The Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is proud to present the 2024 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards, celebrating over 34 years of service to the Greater Houston Area. We invite you to be a part of this prestigious event through sponsorship and support of Houston's thriving business community.

This event honors companies and individuals who have significantly contributed to our community, offering a prime opportunity for your business to shine. Sponsorship provides unmatched visibility, allowing you to connect with influential leaders and showcase your commitment to excellence and innovation in Houston’s business landscape.

Event Details:

📅 Date: Friday, November 1, 2024

📍 Venue: Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria

⏰ 6:00 PM: Registration

⏰ 7:00 PM: Awards Program

The evening will include a glamorous Fashion Runway Presentation by renowned designer Chloe Dao. This black-tie event promises an unforgettable night of elegance, networking, and celebration of leadership, innovation, and community impact.

Sponsorship Opportunities: By sponsoring the gala, your brand will be showcased among Houston’s top business leaders, strengthening your connection to the Asian business community. Align your company with a legacy of service and support ACC’s mission to foster growth and collaboration in our region.

For more information on sponsorship packages, contact Paul Gor at pgor@asianchamber-hou.org. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to make a lasting impression at one of Houston’s most prestigious events!

GET TICKETS!

Deadline is Approaching for Hurricane Beryl Relief Assistance

Business owners and residents affected by Hurricane Beryl still have time to apply for federal assistance, but the deadline is tomorrow, October 10. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided over $750 million to nearly 700,000 Texas households, with October 10 being the last day to request aid or apply for a Small Business Administration disaster loan.

If your business or home was impacted, now is the time to act. Residents in 22 counties, including the Houston area, have received financial support, with more than $21 million in loans already approved for those affected by the flooding.

Take advantage of this opportunity to secure assistance before the deadline passes. For more information on how to apply, visit FEMA's website or contact a local disaster recovery center while they are still open. Don't miss your chance to get the help you need!

Prepare to Vote in the November 5 Election:

Your Voice, Your Business

As we approach the November 5 election, being informed and ready to cast your vote is more important than ever. Your vote doesn’t just impact your community—it can also significantly affect your business. The leaders we elect and the policies they implement will shape the economic environment, regulations, and resources available to local businesses for years to come. That’s why it’s essential to take the time to research the candidates and their platforms.

Before heading to the polls, here are a few steps to ensure you’re prepared:

Research the Candidates: Investigate each candidate’s track record and policy priorities. Are they focused on small business growth, economic development, or lowering taxes? Look at how their decisions might affect your industry, workforce, and future business opportunities.

Understand the Issues: Whether it's changes to business regulations, tax incentives, or infrastructure improvements, the issues on the ballot often directly influence your business operations. Make sure you understand how local, state, or federal proposals will impact the business landscape.

Consider Long-Term Impact: The leaders we elect today will make decisions that affect the future. Consider which candidates align with your vision for the growth of your business and the local economy.

Get Out and Vote: Your vote is your voice. Encourage your employees, colleagues, and peers to do the same. Participating in the election, you help shape a business-friendly environment that supports success for you and the broader community.

Let’s ensure the business community is well-represented at the polls on November 5. Your vote matters—make it count!

Executive Business Program Update:

A Transformative Journey for Local

Business Leaders

The Asian Chamber of Commerce’s exclusive Executive Business Program, launched on September 28, 2024, continues empowering local entrepreneurs with cutting-edge strategies for business growth and success. This program, designed to provide high-level insights and practical tools for business owners and executives, kicked off with a powerful session led by Bin Yu, former ACC Board Chair (2019-2021) and Founder of Utegration LLC. Bin shared his wealth of experience in strategic planning, inspiring the 19 participants with actionable advice and setting the stage for a robust and impactful learning experience.

On Saturday, October 5, 2024, Franco Carusi, AVP Small Business Banker at Wells Fargo, delivered a highly informative session on "Managing Business Credit." Participants gained valuable knowledge on key financial principles, including how to manage credit effectively, what potential lenders look for, the business credit lifecycle, and making sense of various financing options. Carusi's session was packed with insights to help business owners make more informed decisions about financing their ventures.

The program’s classes, held every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, will continue until November 16, 2024. With each session offering unique insights from industry experts, participants are well on their way to enhancing their business acumen and fostering growth within their organizations.

Stay tuned for more updates as this incredible program continues to build strong, knowledgeable leaders in our business community!

Member Spotlight:

Wallis Bank

The Asian Chamber is proud to spotlight Wallis Bank, a trusted institution with deep roots dating back to 1906. From its beginnings in a small Texas town, Wallis Bank has grown into a valued financial partner serving communities across Texas, California, and Georgia.

For over a century, Wallis Bank has been committed to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, recognizing their vital role in strengthening local economies. The bank offers a range of tailored financial solutions, from SBA loans to commercial lending, always prioritizing each business's unique needs.

Wallis Bank’s approach is centered on building lasting relationships and supporting business owners in reaching their goals. Their dedication to community involvement has earned them the respect and trust of countless entrepreneurs, contributing to the success and growth of diverse businesses.

We celebrate Wallis Bank for its ongoing commitment to helping small businesses thrive and its positive impact on the communities it serves.

Chase for Business:

The Insights Tour – Propel Your Business Forward

Mark your calendars for October 22, 2024, and prepare to elevate your business at Chase for Business: The Insights Tour. This exclusive, complimentary event will equip Houston business owners with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to succeed in today's competitive landscape.

Hosted at The Revaire (7122 Old Katy Rd, Houston, TX 77024) from 3:30 p.m. to, the event offers a unique opportunity to explore industry trends, engage in hands-on marketing workshops at The Strategy Studio, and hear from inspiring keynote speakers who will share actionable insights for business growth.

In addition to learning cutting-edge strategies, attendees will also have the chance to network with fellow entrepreneurs and business owners, creating invaluable connections that can drive future opportunities.

Don’t miss this chance to boost your business and gain insights from experts in the field. Register today and take a step toward future success with Chase for Business!