May 23 | View as Webpage

Celebrating Heritage, Driving Impact:

Honoring AANHPI Month and Expanding Global Opportunities

May is a vibrant celebration of culture, heritage, and economic impact as we recognize Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. It is a time to honor the achievements and contributions of our diverse communities and reflect on the powerful role Asian-owned businesses play in driving Texas’ economy. According to recent data, API households in Texas generated over $100 billion in income in 2023 alone, fueling local economies, creating jobs, and investing in future growth.

One of the highlights of this month was our Annual AANHPI Luncheon, held on May 2 at Ocean Palace. This signature event was a tremendous success, bringing together hundreds of business leaders, elected officials, community advocates, and chamber supporters. We were honored to welcome Hudson Yang, breakout star of Fresh Off the Boat and host of Crash Course Cuisine on National Geographic, who joined his father, journalist and author Jeff Yang, for an engaging fireside chat. Their conversation on identity, representation, and cultural connection through food was not only inspiring but a reminder of the importance of celebrating our roots while embracing global perspectives.

The 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit has officially come to a close—thank you for your involvement and contribution to making it a tremendous success. This year marked the largest Summit yet, with record-breaking participation from over 5,500+ attendees representing more than 100+ international markets and all 54 U.S. states and territories. The event brought together 1,100+ economic development organization representatives and over 2,700 international delegates, all engaging in valuable in-person networking and insightful sessions on key issues shaping the foreign direct investment (FDI) landscape.

Looking ahead, we are excited to spotlight Texas on the world stage this July 15–24 with our Delegation to China. Members will have the unique opportunity to participate in the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing and explore strategic business opportunities across several cities. This trip is more than just a trade mission—it’s a chance to expand your network, strengthen global partnerships, and showcase the innovation and strength of Texas-based businesses. Optional extended travel runs through July 27 for those wishing to further explore opportunities.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Let’s continue working together to elevate our community, empower our businesses, and create lasting impact—locally and globally.

Warm regards,

Fan Chen

Chair, Asian Chamber of Commerce

Asian Chamber Staff Engages in National Policy Dialogue at 2025 APAICS Legislative Leadership Summit

The Asian Chamber of Commerce proudly participated in the 2025 APAICS Legislative Leadership Summit, held on May 12–13 at The Royal Sonesta Washington, Capitol Hill. This annual summit, organized by the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS), convenes nonprofit and corporate leaders, subject matter experts, and elected officials from all levels of government to address pressing issues impacting the Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AA & NH/PI) communities and the nation at large.

The 2025 summit featured a jam-packed agenda, including plenary sessions and breakout discussions on topics such as immigration, healthcare, education, economic development, and the use of artificial intelligence. Key sessions included "Expanding Access and Affordability of Healthcare for Our Communities," which explored strategies to improve healthcare access and outcomes, and "Building Wealth and Opportunity in Our Communities," focusing on economic empowerment initiatives.

Notable speakers at the summit included Senators Tammy Duckworth (IL) and Andy Kim (NJ), Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, and mayors and councilmembers from various cities, reflecting the growing influence and representation of AA & NH/PI leaders in public service.

Asian Chamber Participates in National ACE’s 2025 Capitol Hill Day

On May 14, 2025, the Asian Chamber of Commerce joined fellow small business leaders from across the nation for National ACE’s annual Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C. This exclusive, invitation-only event brought together entrepreneurs, chamber representatives, and policymakers to advocate for the growth and prosperity of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) small businesses.

Throughout the day, National ACE facilitated 40 in-person meetings with members of Congress and their staff, providing a platform for small business owners to share their experiences and discuss policy priorities. Key topics included access to capital, the impact of tariffs on small businesses, workforce development, and the importance of federal support for minority-owned enterprises.

Notable discussions addressed the challenges faced by AANHPI entrepreneurs, such as rising operational costs due to tariffs and the need for fair opportunities to obtain funding and resources. Lawmakers, including Representatives Judy Chu (CA-28), Grace Meng (NY-06), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and Vince Fong (CA-20), engaged in bipartisan dialogues to explore solutions that support the vitality of small businesses nationwide.

Participating in Capitol Hill Day underscored the Asian Chamber's commitment to advocating for policies that empower our members and the broader AANHPI business community. By collaborating with National ACE and engaging directly with policymakers, we aim to drive meaningful change that fosters economic growth and inclusivity.

For more information about National ACE and its initiatives, visit www.nationalace.org.

Join the Asian Chamber Texas-Asia Delegation to Asia

July 2025

NOTICE: MEMBERSHIP CHANGES

We have changed some of our membership tier and benefits. We will no longer offer Basic Membership and have increased our Bronze level to $250. We have also increased the number of Complimentary Networking Night Tickets to 2 per organizations for your associates to attend our quarterly networking nights. We will be making more announcements to provide more membership value and ways to participate as well as engage with other our members.

$10K Grant Opportunity for Small Businesses Through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready

Running a small business can be challenging—especially when access to resources, training, and capital is limited. That’s why the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform exists: to make learning accessible and growth possible. It offers free courses, live coaching, personalized learning plans, and networking to help small businesses succeed.

Now, there’s even more incentive to get involved.

Verizon, in partnership with LISC, is offering $500,000 in grant funding—with 50 small businesses each receiving $10,000 during this grant cycle. These grants are part of Verizon’s broader $1M commitment in 2025 to empower small businesses.

How to Qualify:

• Sign up for a free account at Verizon Small Business Digital Ready.
• Complete any two courses or virtual events (including recorded ones) between January 1 and June 30, 2025.
• Submit your grant application by June 30, 2025.
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Eligible applicants must be:

• A U.S.-based, for-profit business
• 18 years or older
• Able to provide valid business and financial documentation

While priority will be given to new applicants, past recipients are welcome to apply.

The application is user-friendly—no grant writer required—and is also available in Spanish. All applicants will be notified of their status by August 10, 2025.

This is a powerful opportunity to gain skills and funding to help your business grow. Don’t miss out!

Board Member Spotlight: Patrick Powers Named to HBJ’s 40 Under 40

The Asian Chamber of Commerce is proud to congratulate our board member, Patrick Powers, Principal at Gray Winston & Hart, PLLC, on being named one of the Houston Business Journal’s 2025 40 Under 40 honorees!

This prestigious recognition highlights rising leaders in Houston who are making an impact across key industries including energy, real estate, finance, and legal services. Patrick’s selection reflects his exceptional leadership and deep commitment to community service—values that align with the Chamber’s mission to elevate and support business excellence across our region.

As a board member, Patrick brings thoughtful insight, professional integrity, and a passion for service. His recognition by HBJ is not only a personal milestone but also a moment of pride for our Chamber family.

All 40 honorees will be celebrated at a special event on July 17, where Houston’s business community will gather to recognize these emerging leaders who are shaping the city’s future.

Please join us in applauding Patrick Powers on this outstanding achievement!

 Celebrate the Future:

Join Us for the

2025 Scholarship Awards Luncheon

The Asian Chamber Foundation invites you to our 2025 Scholarship Awards Luncheon on Friday, June 6, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel. This annual event honors outstanding graduating high school seniors from the Greater Houston area, each receiving a $2,000 scholarship to support their higher education journey.

Tickets are $65 and include lunch and the opportunity to meet the scholarship recipients. Join us in celebrating these inspiring students and supporting the next generation of leaders.

Member Spotlight: Jim Bevill

Bevill Wealth Management Group at UBS Financial Services

For more than four decades, Jim Bevill has been a trusted name in wealth management—and for the last sixteen years, he and his wife have proudly led the Bevill Wealth Management Group at UBS Financial Services. After a successful 24-year career with Merrill Lynch, Jim took a bold step in founding a firm centered on deeply personalized financial guidance, grounded in trust, strategic insight, and a profound understanding of each client’s unique goals.

With over $400 million in assets under management, the Bevill Wealth Management team offers clients a holistic approach to wealth—one that goes beyond numbers to consider family dynamics, long-term aspirations, and generational planning. From investment management and estate planning to liability management and insurance, the team provides thoughtful, customized strategies backed by the global strength and capabilities of UBS.

Strategic Partners

Platinum Corporate Member

Diamond Corporate Member

3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite 108

Houston, TX 77042

(713) 782-7222