THE ACC AMPLIFIER: GLOBAL COLLABORATION, LOCAL IMPACT: A POWERFUL MONTH FOR THE ASIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Charting New Paths:

Innovation, Partnership & Progress

As we close out 2025, I’m reflecting with a lot of gratitude and excitement about where we’ve been this year—and where we’re headed next. Earlier this month, our Chamber delegation had the honor of representing Houston at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, as well as visiting Tianjin for economic and cultural exchanges. It was an incredible opportunity to showcase Houston’s strengths, learn from international partners, and explore new pathways for trade, investment, and collaboration that will benefit our member businesses for years to come.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this delegation possible—from our staff and board to the members and partners who continue to believe in the Chamber’s vision for global connectivity. Experiences like CIIE reinforce why our work matters: when our businesses are connected, informed, and supported, our entire region grows stronger.

Looking ahead, we are already planning for 2026 with a clear focus: deepening member value, expanding global opportunities, and elevating Asian and minority-owned businesses across Greater Houston. You’ll see us refine our programming, strengthen our advocacy on issues that impact your bottom line, and create even more spaces—both in-person and virtual—for you to learn, connect, and do business.

Thank you for being part of the Asian Chamber Houston community. I’m excited about the momentum we’ve built in 2025 and even more excited about what we’ll accomplish together in 2026. We look forward to seeing you at our Annual Meeting and Holiday Luncheon on December 4!

Warm regards,

Fan Chen

Chair, Asian Chamber of Commerce

RSVP to the Annual Meeting and Holiday Luncheon

Houston Delegation Strengthens Global Trade Ties

at the 8th China International Import Expo

The Asian Chamber of Commerce proudly led a Houston business delegation to China for the 8th Annual China International Import Expo (CIIE), held November 5–10, 2025, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. Led by Fan Chen, Board Chair, and Barbara Joe, Director of Operations, this mission marked one of the Chamber’s most significant global outreach initiatives, reinforcing Houston’s growing presence on the international stage.

Building Global Connections: Tianjin Pre-Expo Visit

The delegation began its journey in Tianjin from November 1–3, engaging in a series of targeted economic and cultural exchanges designed to deepen cross-regional collaboration. In addition to productive meetings with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)—China’s counterpart to U.S. economic development organizations—the group toured several leading companies driving innovation and growth in China’s industrial landscape.

One stop included Automotive Engineering Corporation (AEC), the engineering and construction firm behind major global projects—including the Tesla Gigafactory in Austin. The delegation also met with Tianjin Bohai Chemical, a key player in petrochemicals and advanced materials, to learn about emerging opportunities in manufacturing and supply-chain partnerships.

From Tianjin, the group traveled to Shanghai, where they explored cultural landmarks such as the historic Wukang Building walking district, the former residence of Song Ching Ling, and the iconic Shanghai Tower. The delegation also visited Pop Mart, gaining insight into China’s booming designer toy and pop-culture retail sector.

A notable highlight in Shanghai was a tour of United Imaging, a global leader in high-end medical imaging technology—including CT scanners, MRIs, and X-ray systems—with a Houston office that anchors its U.S. presence. Their work represents a growing area of opportunity for collaboration in healthcare innovation and technology exchange.

Engaging at a Global Platform in Shanghai

Following the United Imaging tour, the delegation joined the global business community at CIIE—hosted by China’s Ministry of Commerce and the Shanghai Municipal Government. This year’s theme, “New Era, Shared Future,” underscored the importance of open collaboration and economic exchange, supported by international partners such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the International Trade Center (ITC).

The group then continued regional engagement across several innovation-focused cities, including Hangzhou, Changzhou, Wuxi, and Qingdao. These visits offered valuable insight into China’s rapidly growing industrial hubs—highlighting advancements in manufacturing, smart city development, supply-chain logistics, and emerging opportunities for expanded trade partnerships. Each city presented unique strengths and potential avenues for Houston businesses seeking to tap into global markets.

Asian Chamber Launches Supplier Development Academy to Equip Businesses for Contracting Success

The Asian Chamber of Commerce is excited to introduce the Supplier Development Academy, a comprehensive hybrid program designed to help small businesses learn the ABCs of becoming a supplier and position themselves to compete—and WIN—contracting opportunities.

Businesses often ask:

How do I get certified?
What is the procurement process?
How do I build a strong capability statement?
How do I prepare for a buyer presentation?

The Supplier Development Academy answers all of these questions through a mix of in-person sessions, online learning, and personalized coaching.

Program Structure

**📅 December 8 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

In-Person Kickoff (Location TBA)**

Participants begin with an interactive kickoff where they’ll learn program expectations, meet the facilitator, and schedule their one-on-one consulting session. A boxed lunch will be provided.

Online Learning Modules

Participants will complete four online videos followed by assignments that put learning into action. Online modules will cover:

Researching Bids & Vendor Registration
Building a Strong Capability Statement
Reading & Analyzing Bids (How to Apply)
Pitching & Networking

Assignments include:

Developing a polished Capability Statement
Recording a business pitch video

**📅 January 23 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

In-Person “Meet the Buyers” Round Robin**

The program concludes with a powerful networking opportunity where participants will present to and engage with corporate and public-sector buyers actively seeking diverse suppliers.

A Pathway to New Opportunities

With the combination of online coursework, hands-on assignments, personalized consulting, and direct buyer engagement, the Supplier Development Academy prepares local businesses to confidently navigate the supplier diversity landscape.

Entrepreneurs looking to strengthen their competitiveness and expand their contracting opportunities are encouraged to register at: asianchamber-hou.org/sdacademy.

Verizon Digital Ready:

$10,000 Grants Now Open for Small Businesses

Since 2021, Verizon has invested more than $14 million in strengthening small businesses across the country through its Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program. In partnership with LISC, Verizon is once again supporting entrepreneurs by awarding 50 grants of $10,000 in its latest funding round.

This initiative is designed to expand access to critical digital tools, training, and resources that help small businesses grow. In addition to hundreds of free courses and learning modules available through Verizon Digital Ready, eligible business owners now have the opportunity to unlock the grant application by completing select courses.

Who Can Apply?

For-profit small business owners based in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands
Business owners must be 18 years or older
Nonprofits are not eligible
Applicants may apply for one business only

How to Apply

To access the $10,000 grant application, participants must:

Register for the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform.
Complete any two eligible courses or events between July 1, 2025, and December 10, 2025.
Submit the grant application by December 10, 2025, at 11:59 PM (PST).

Late submissions will not be accepted.

The Chamber encourages our members and the wider business community to take advantage of this opportunity—not only for funding, but for the robust digital learning tools Verizon provides. These resources support owners in building stronger, more resilient businesses in today’s competitive marketplace.

For more information or to get started, visit the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform.

New Member Spotlight:

LowerEBill – Smarter, Personalized Energy Savings

The Asian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome LowerEBill, an energy technology company transforming how customers shop for electricity in deregulated markets. Founded in Texas in 2022, LowerEBill uses advanced data analytics, AI, and real-time usage insights to deliver personalized electricity plan recommendations through an easy-to-use online platform.

Smarter Energy Choices for Homes

Since launching in 2022, more than 2,500 residential customers have used LowerEBill to secure better electricity rates across Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Illinois. Plans are ranked by total estimated cost, and customers can enroll instantly online—whether starting service, switching providers, or renewing.

White-Glove Support for Businesses

In 2025, LowerEBill introduced a dedicated business energy concierge service, offering customized quotes and hands-on support for openings, expansions, and transitions. The service is already trusted by 50+ businesses across multiple industries.

Technology That Works for You

The platform provides:

Real-time usage matching
Daily scans of 99%+ available plans
Smart filters for solar users, EV drivers, and smart-home owners

LowerEBill is more than a comparison tool — it’s a trusted energy advisor helping customers cut costs and take control of their energy decisions. Please join us in welcoming LowerEBill to the Asian Chamber community!

National ACE Partners with Texas Chambers to Launch Planning for the 2026 National ACE Annual Conference in Houston

National ACE recently convened regional partners across Texas—bringing together the Asian Chamber of Commerce (Houston), the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, and the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Texas—for a series of regional leadership meetings focused on strengthening collaboration and setting the stage for next year’s major national gathering. These meetings marked the official kickoff of planning for the 2026 National ACE Annual Conference, which will be hosted right here in Houston September 18-19, 2026 at the Westin Galleria Hotel.

This is a significant opportunity for our region to showcase the strength, innovation, and economic impact of Asian American and Pacific Islander businesses throughout Texas.

The Asian Chamber Houston was proud to partner in these discussions, helping align local priorities, share best practices, and contribute to the early strategic framework for what promises to be one of the most impactful National ACE conferences yet.

A special thank you goes to ACE Foundation Chair Jimmy Ferguson and ACE Foundation Board Member Bin Yu, whose leadership and commitment continue to drive this vital work forward.

We look forward to welcoming AAPI business leaders, entrepreneurs, and partners from across the nation to Houston next September!

Discover the Value of Membership at Our December Monthly Meetup

The Chamber invites you to our December Monthly Membership Meetup, an in-person session designed to help you make the most of your chamber experience.

Whether you’re a new member, a long-time member, or simply interested in learning more, this step-by-step session will walk you through how to leverage ACC resources to grow your business.

Participants will learn about the Chamber’s mission, values, organizational structure, and the full slate of programs and events planned for 2025. This session is free and open to both members and non-members.

Event Details

Date: Friday, December 5, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (CST)

Location: Asian Chamber of Commerce Office|3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite 108| Houston, TX 77042

This is a great opportunity to connect, ask questions, and learn how ACC can support your business goals.

RSVP to the Dec Membership Meeting

Join Us for the

Annual Meeting & Holiday Luncheon

The Asian Chamber of Commerce invites members, partners, and friends to join us as we celebrate the holiday season and conclude another successful year at our Annual Meeting and Holiday Luncheon. This signature end-of-year gathering will include the introduction and election of our 2026 Board of Directors, along with festive networking and a warm celebration of our collective accomplishments.

📅 Event Details

Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: Omni Houston Hotel📍 4 Riverway Dr, Houston, TX 77056

🎟️ Register Today

Seating is limited — don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the season and connect with fellow members and partners as we look toward 2026 with excitement and optimism.