THE ACC AMPLIFIER: NEW YEAR, STRONGER CHAMBER, GREATER IMPACT

Leading with Purpose in the Year of the Horse

As we welcome the Lunar New Year, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our members, partners, and friends. This season is a time of renewal, reflection, and hope—an opportunity to honor our traditions while looking ahead with optimism and purpose. May the year ahead bring you prosperity, good health, and continued success.

At the Asian Chamber of Commerce, we are energized by what’s ahead and grateful for the strength of our community. Our work is driven by connection, collaboration, and creating opportunities for our members to grow and thrive.

As you plan your year, please be sure to save these important dates:

Asian Chamber Golf Tournament – Apr 6 | Wildcat Golf Course
Annual AAPI Heritage Month Luncheon – May 1 | Ocean Palace
National ACE Conference – September 17–18 | The Westin Galleria
Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards – October 24 | The Post Oak Hotel

Each of these events reflects who we are as a Chamber—celebrating culture, elevating leadership, and championing entrepreneurship.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and to another year of meaningful impact together.

Warm regards,

Fan Chen

Chair, Asian Chamber of Commerce

New SBA Ownership Rules Take Effect March 1, 2026

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced an important update to its loan program rules that will affect who can own a business applying for SBA financing. Starting March 1, 2026, all owners of a business seeking an SBA loan must meet both of the following requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national
Have their primary residence in the United States or its territories

This rule applies to 100% of the business’s ownership, including both direct and indirect owners.

What’s Changing?

The SBA is eliminating a previous exception that allowed up to 5% ownership by foreign nationals or by owners living outside the U.S.
Legal Permanent Residents (green card holders) will no longer be eligible to own any ownership stake in a business applying for an SBA loan.
These restrictions apply to borrowers, operating companies, and eligible passive companies.

What This Means for Business Owners

If your business has any owners who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals, or owners who live outside the U.S., you may no longer qualify for SBA loan programs beginning March 1, 2026.

Business owners considering SBA financing are encouraged to review their ownership structure now and speak with their lender or legal advisor to understand how these changes may impact future loan eligibility.

Texas Leads in Jobs—but Lags in Voter Participation

Texas continues to lead the nation in job creation and economic growth, attracting businesses, entrepreneurs, and talent from around the world. However, one critical indicator tells a different story: voter turnout. In 2024, Texas ranked second worst in the nation for voter participation.

This gap matters. A strong democracy—where people actively participate in civic life—is essential to a healthy and competitive economy. According to a recent survey by the Texas Business Leadership Alliance, 91% of Texas business leaders agree that broad voter participation is vital to the state’s long-term economic success.

Low voter turnout doesn’t just impact elections—it affects policy decisions, workforce development, infrastructure investment, and the overall business climate. When fewer voices are heard, communities and businesses alike miss opportunities to shape the future of Texas.

Early Voting Is Underway

Early voting for the Texas primary elections has officially begun, giving Texans the opportunity to make their voices heard before Election Day. Participating in the primary election is one of the most direct ways voters can influence the candidates and policies that will appear on the general election ballot.

Your vote matters. Whether you are a business owner, employee, or community leader, civic engagement plays a key role in strengthening both our democracy and our economy.

To find your polling location and learn more about voting options, visit:

👉 www.votetexas.gov

Together, informed participation and civic responsibility can help ensure Texas remains not only an economic leader—but a democratic one as well.

Member Spotlight:

LexWise Law Group

Bridging the U.S. - China Legal Divide

LexWise Law Group (美国敏睿律师事务所) provides comprehensive legal counsel designed for today’s globally connected businesses. With attorneys licensed in both Texas and China, LexWise offers a rare dual-market advantage that helps companies navigate complex legal systems seamlessly—without costly jurisdictional gaps.

From forming a Texas-based entity and navigating SB 17–compliant real estate acquisitions, to ensuring federal trade compliance for importing and exporting goods, LexWise supports businesses at every stage of growth. The firm also assists companies in securing U.S. visas for executive-level talent, helping organizations build strong leadership teams while remaining compliant. Whether advising startups or established corporations, LexWise partners closely with clients to protect their interests and support long-term success.

What Drives Their Work

At LexWise, the team believes regulatory complexity should never slow innovation. Their mission is to serve as a “legal bridge”—providing strategic insight and clarity so businesses can confidently operate across borders. Helping entrepreneurs expand into Texas or guiding companies through complex trade audits is what motivates their work every day.

Why They Value ACC

LexWise Law Group joined the Asian Chamber of Commerce because of its unique blend of shared heritage and collective ambition. The firm is committed to supporting fellow ACC members by offering specialized legal expertise that helps protect investments and build lasting legacies in the Lone Star State.

Connect with LexWise Law Group

Min Zhang, Attorney at Law

📞 (832) 234-8868

📧 office@lexwiselaw.com

🌐 www.lexwiselaw.com

📱 WeChat Official Account: 美国敏睿张律师

Celebrate Lunar New Year 2026:

Year of the Horse

Lunar New Year — one of the most important holidays across many Asian cultures — arrives on February 17, 2026, marking the start of the Year of the Horse. In the Chinese zodiac, the Horse symbolizes strength, energy, progress, and good fortune — perfect themes for kicking off the new year with community, tradition, food, and festivity.

Greater Houston comes alive each year with celebrations honoring these traditions — from lion and dragon dances to cultural performances, markets, family activities, and more. Whether you’re reconnecting with heritage or exploring new cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

To help you plan your festivities, the Asian Chamber has curated a full list of Lunar New Year activities and events happening around Houston this season — including dates, locations, and celebration highlights. Check them out here:

👉 Lunar New Year Activities Around Houston

Lunar New Year celebrations across the Houston area continue with several exciting events for families and the community. Highlights include festivities at River Oaks District and Space Center Houston on February 21 and 22, as well as community celebrations in Sugar Land and Pearland.

To explore more events happening around the region, visit:

👉 https://asianchamber-hou.org/lunarnewyears/

Wishing you a joyful and prosperous Lunar New Year! 🐎✨

Black History Month

Honoring the Greater Houston

Black Chamber of Commerce

In honor of Black History Month, the Asian Chamber of Commerce proudly recognizes the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce (GHBC) for its longstanding leadership and impact on Houston’s business community.

Founded in 1935 as the city’s first Black civic organization, GHBC has evolved into a trusted leader in economic development and community engagement. Today, it is widely regarded as the go-to organization for business development and outreach partnerships within Houston’s Black community.

As a 501(c)(6), member-driven organization, GHBC is dedicated to supporting Black small businesses through education, certification, and access to contracting opportunities and capital—work that strengthens not only individual entrepreneurs, but Houston’s broader economy.

This Black History Month, we also celebrate the importance of collaboration among chambers. When organizations work together across communities, we create stronger pathways to opportunity and a more inclusive, thriving Houston.

We applaud the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce for its historic legacy, continued advocacy, and positive impact on our city.

Scholarships Open: Help Us Spread the Word!

Investing in Our Next Generation of Leaders

The Asian Chamber Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026 Student Scholarship Program, and we need your help sharing this opportunity with students, families, educators, and community partners across Greater Houston.

This year, the Foundation will award up to ten (10) scholarships of $2,000 each to deserving, academically motivated graduating high school seniors—providing meaningful financial support as they take the next step in their educational journey. Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic achievement, GPA, community service or employment, school involvement, and a written essay.

Since 2005, the Asian Chamber Foundation has remained committed to supporting Houston-area students—awarding at least $10,000 annually in scholarships. In 2022, the Foundation doubled its investment, increasing awards to $2,000 per student, with up to $20,000 granted each year.

🎓 Graduating seniors are encouraged to apply, and ACC members are encouraged to spread the word—share the link, forward this announcement, and help us reach students who could benefit from this opportunity.

📅 Scholarships will be presented at the Asian Chamber AAHNPI Luncheon on Friday, May 1. Together, we can help open doors and invest in the future leaders of our community.

Apply for the Scholarship Here!

Maximize your Membership

Curious about ACC membership—or want to better leverage everything the Chamber offers? Join us for our ACC Monthly Info Session, an interactive, step-by-step session designed to help you maximize your membership and use it to grow your business.

During this in-person info session, you’ll learn about the mission, values, and structure of the Asian Chamber of Commerce, along with an overview of our 2026 programs, events, and opportunities. Whether you’re a long-time member or new to the Chamber, this session will help you connect the dots and get real value from your involvement.

✨ Free and open to members and non-members—bring a colleague or friend who’s interested in learning more about ACC!

Date & Time

📅 Friday, March 6, 2026

⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (CST)

📍 In Person

Location

Asian Chamber of Commerce

3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite 108

Houston, TX 77042

✅ FREE TO ATTEND

Come learn, connect, and take the next step in growing your business with ACC.

⛳ Tee Up for Impact

at the

Asian Chamber Foundation

Golf Tournament

Mark your calendar for one of the Asian Chamber Foundation’s signature events of the year—our Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, April 6, at the beautiful Wildcat Golf Club. This premier event brings together business and community leaders for a day of friendly competition, meaningful connections, and lasting impact.

Designed for golfers of all skill levels, the tournament features a scramble-format course of play, delicious breakfast and lunch, awards and prizes, and plenty of on-course contests and raffles to keep the energy high throughout the day. Beyond the fairways, participants will enjoy valuable networking opportunities with professionals and leaders from across the region.

Most importantly, every swing supports the Asian Chamber Foundation’s mission. Proceeds from the tournament help fund scholarships and educational programming that empower the next generation of leaders.

Event Details

📍 Wildcat Golf Club

🕖 Registration & Breakfast: 7:00 a.m.

🏌️ Shotgun Start: 8:30 a.m.

Join us on the green and help drive opportunity forward—one round at a time.

World Chamber of Commerce Texas to Host Dialogue on

the Future of Healthcare

The World Chamber of Commerce Texas invites business and community leaders to its upcoming Dialogue with Industry Leaders series, featuring a timely conversation on “The Future of Healthcare: Innovation, Access, Cost, and Global Perspectives.”

This high-level discussion will bring together healthcare executives, medical innovators, and global experts to explore emerging trends shaping the healthcare industry and Houston’s continued role as a world-class medical hub.

Event Details

🗓 Wednesday, February 25, 2026

🕠 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

📍 Legacy Room, Houston City Hall

900 Bagby Street | Houston, TX

Featured Speakers Include:

Sherif Z. Zaafran, MD, FASA – President, Texas Medical Board
Randy Briones – Division VP of Rural Outreach & Telemedicine, HCA Gulf Coast Division
Lila Fass, MBA – CEO & Chief Business Officer, LMB Management Consulting Services, LLC
Faisal Masud, MD, FCCP, FCCM – Centennial Chair in Anesthesia and Critical Care, Houston Methodist Hospital System

The event is sponsored by Avicenna Clínicas. Space is limited, and advance registration is encouraged.

ACC members interested in healthcare innovation, policy, and global business trends are encouraged to attend and be part of this important conversation shaping what comes next.

RSVP Here!