THE ACC AMPLIFIER: YOUR CONNECTION TO OPPORTUNITY

Advancing Opportunity Across Industries and Regions

As we move forward in 2026, the Asian Chamber remains firmly focused on one priority: creating meaningful opportunities that enable our members to grow, connect, and lead in an increasingly complex and competitive economy.

A key driver of this effort is the work of our Industrial Committee, which is positioning our members to engage more strategically with one of the most influential and opportunity-rich sectors in our region.

Houston’s industrial economy continues to define the future of business in Texas and beyond. Through this committee, we are not only strengthening connections but also expanding access and building intentional pathways for our members to participate in large-scale projects, capital flows, and supply chain transformation. This reflects a broader evolution of the Chamber—from a traditional network into a platform for real economic opportunity and long-term value creation.

That same spirit of growth and leadership was on full display during our recent visit to the Dallas–Fort Worth region—a truly history-making milestone for our Chamber. This marked the first official ACC delegation to another major Texas metropolitan area, bringing together a multidisciplinary group of more than a dozen leaders across industry, development, finance, legal, and operations. It was not simply a visit—it was a clear statement of who we are becoming.

This was also the first time ACC formally engaged with key economic development leaders in Frisco and Plano, as well as the first direct outreach to the Dallas Regional Chamber and other leading chambers and companies in the region. These were not introductory conversations—they were high-level, strategic discussions focused on investment, manufacturing, and long-term alignment.

Most importantly, this initiative represents the first step in building a structured, long-term partnership between two of Texas’s most powerful economic regions—Houston and Dallas–Fort Worth. We are not simply participating in growth; we are helping shape it. This is how we lead: by creating firsts, setting direction, and opening doors that did not previously exist—for our members, our partners, and the broader business community.

Thank you for your continued trust, support, and engagement. Together, we are building something far greater than a chamber—we are building a platform that connects opportunity, drives impact, and defines the future of our business community.

Warmly,

Fan Chen

Chair, Asian Chamber of Commerce

There’s Still Time:

Join Us for our Annual Golf Tournament

The countdown is on! Our annual Golf Tournament is just days away, and there’s still time to register and be part of one of the Chamber’s most enjoyable and impactful events of the year.

Join us next Monday, April 6, at Wildcat Golf Club for a morning of golf, networking, and friendly competition—all while supporting a meaningful cause. This signature event brings together Houston’s business and community leaders for a day of connection and camaraderie, with proceeds benefiting scholarships and educational initiatives through the Asian Chamber Foundation.

In addition to golf, participants can look forward to a putting contest, networking opportunities, and a fun atmosphere centered around community impact.

Event Details

📍 Wildcat Golf Club | Houston

🕗 Shotgun Start: 8:30 a.m.

Registration Rates:

Individual (Member): $325
Individual (Non-Member): $350
Team of 4: $1,200

If you haven’t registered yet, now is the time to gather your team, secure your spot, and join us for a memorable day that supports the next generation of leaders.

We look forward to seeing you on the course!

New Member Spotlight:

Kearney, McWilliams & Davis, PLLC

The Chamber is pleased to welcome Kearney, McWilliams & Davis, PLLC (KMD) as a new member.

Founded in 2014, KMD is a full-service law firm known for providing personalized legal counsel tailored to each client’s unique needs. With roots in mineral and oil and gas law, the firm has expanded its practice to offer a broad range of legal services, including estate and tax planning, immigration, business formation and development, intellectual property, labor and employment, and residential and commercial real estate law.

With offices in Houston, Denver, San Antonio, Midland, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Sheridan, KMD serves clients across the region and beyond, bringing deep experience and a client-centered approach to every matter.

As a member of the Asian Chamber, KMD joins a vibrant network of business and community leaders committed to growth, collaboration, and connection. The firm has already engaged with the Chamber through events such as the 2025 Asian Chamber Foundation Business Expo & Luncheon and RISING 10 Award and looks forward to continuing to build relationships through the Chamber’s many networking and business development opportunities. Learn more: www.kmd.law

Kearney, McWilliams & Davis, PLLC

Houston: 55 Waugh #150, Houston, TX 77007

Denver: 1625 Broadway #2950, Denver, CO 80202

Dallas|Fort Worth: 1225 South Main #102, Grapevine, Texas 76051

Midland: 1101 W Illinois Ave, Midland, TX 79701

San Antonio: 40 N.E. Loop 410, Suite 431, San Antonio, TX 78216

Sheridan: 110 S. Gould, 2nd Floor, Sheridan, WY 82801

Office: (888) 855-1276 x115 • Fax: (281) 886-0007 • Cell: (832) 641-7450

Tax Day is Approaching:

Smart Tips for Business Owners to Stay Ahead

With Tax Day right around the corner, now is the time for business owners to take a proactive approach to ensure everything is in order. Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or managing a growing company, staying organized and informed can help reduce stress—and potentially save money.

1. Get Your Records in Order

Accurate recordkeeping is essential. Make sure your income statements, expense receipts, payroll records, and bank statements are up to date and properly categorized. Clean books not only make filing easier but also help you better understand your business’s financial health.

2. Don’t Overlook Deductions

Many business owners miss out on valuable deductions. Common ones include home office expenses, business mileage, equipment purchases, marketing costs, and professional services. If you’re unsure what qualifies, it’s worth taking a closer look or consulting a tax professional.

3. Review Estimated Tax Payments

If you pay quarterly estimated taxes, double-check that your payments align with your current income. Underpaying can result in penalties, while overpaying may impact your cash flow unnecessarily.

4. Separate Business and Personal Finances

If you haven’t already, ensure your business and personal finances are fully separated. This simplifies tax preparation, improves accuracy, and strengthens your financial management overall.

5. Consider Filing an Extension (If Needed)

If you’re not quite ready, filing for an extension can give you additional time to prepare your return. However, keep in mind that an extension to file is not an extension to pay—any taxes owed are still due by the original deadline.

6. Plan Ahead for Next Year

Tax season is also a great time to think forward. Consider working with a CPA or financial advisor to develop a tax strategy for the year ahead, especially if your business is growing or evolving.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, business owners are encouraged to visit the Internal Revenue Service website, which offers helpful resources, tools, and guidance for businesses of all sizes.

Taking a little time now to prepare can make a big difference—not just this tax season, but for your business’s long-term success.

IRS Tax Tips

Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month with the Asian Chamber

Please join us for our annual AANHPI Luncheon 2026, a special celebration recognizing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

This event is an opportunity to come together in recognition of the rich cultures, contributions, and impact of AANHPI communities in Houston and beyond. It is also one of the Chamber’s cherished traditions—bringing together business leaders, community members, and supporters for an afternoon of celebration, connection, and inspiration.

In addition to honoring AANHPI Heritage Month, this year’s luncheon will also recognize the 2026 Asian Chamber Foundation Scholarship Awardees, highlighting outstanding students and investing in the next generation of leaders.

Event Details

Asian Chamber AANHPI Luncheon 2026

📅 Friday, May 1, 2026

🕚 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

📍 Ocean Palace Restaurant

11215 Bellaire Blvd., Suite D

Houston, TX 77072

We invite you to join us for this special occasion as we celebrate heritage, honor achievement, and uplift the future of our community.

Invest. Connect. Advocate.

The Asian Chamber is leading a delegation to SelectUSA, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s annual summit promoting Foreign Direct Investment, with dedicated meetings on Capitol Hill with our Congressional leaders. Space is Limited.

Locations: National Harbor, Maryland & Washington, D.C.

Dates: Sunday, May 3 – Friday, May 8

Why Attend

Participate in SelectUSA, the premier national platform for foreign direct investment
Engage directly with U.S. government agencies and economic development leaders
Advocate for the Asian business community in meetings with Congressional offices
Build strategic connections with investors, policymakers, and global partners

Who Should Attend

International investors and companies exploring U.S. expansion
Business leaders and executives
Economic development partners
Community and industry stakeholders

VIEW THE AGENDA AND JOIN THE DELEGATION

Asian Chamber Delegation Visits Dallas Region to Explore Economic Development Opportunities

Last month, the Chamber traveled to the Dallas-Fort Worth area for a regional trade mission-style visit focused on economic development, business growth, and regional collaboration.

During the trip, the delegation met with several key organizations, including the Dallas Regional Chamber, Taiwan Trade and Investment Office, Plano Economic Development Corporation, and Frisco Economic Development Corporation. These meetings provided valuable insight into the region’s business climate, investment opportunities, and strategies for supporting innovation and growth.

The visit also included a commercial real estate overview of the Dallas metro area, along with other activities that allowed participants to connect with business and community leaders throughout the weekend.

As part of the trip, Chamber representatives also attended the Texas Chinese American Chamber of Commerce Expo and Gala, further strengthening relationships within the broader Asian American business community in Texas.

Overall, the visit was a meaningful opportunity to build connections, exchange ideas, and explore ways to support continued business growth and collaboration across Texas.

Learn How to Maximize Your Membership at Our Monthly Meetup

Whether you’re a current member or simply interested in learning more about the Asian Chamber, our Monthly Meetup is a great opportunity to get connected and discover how to make the most of your Chamber experience.

This informative session serves as a step-by-step guide to maximizing your membership and using it as a tool to help grow your business. Attendees will learn more about the Chamber’s mission, values, structure, and the many programs and events planned for 2026.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get more involved, build stronger connections, and fully leverage the benefits of membership, this session is for you.

Event Details

📅 Friday, April 3, 2026

🕙 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

📍 Asian Chamber of Commerce Office

3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite 108

Houston, TX 77042

Free to attend and open to both members and non-members.

Come learn, connect, and explore how the Asian Chamber can support your business growth and success.

Asian Chamber Foundation Scholarship Applications Open for Graduating Seniors

The Asian Chamber Foundation is proud to support the next generation of leaders through its annual scholarship program for graduating high school seniors in the Greater Houston area.

Last year, the Foundation awarded ten $2,000 scholarships to deserving, academically driven students to help further their education and support their future goals.

Scholarship recipients are selected based on a range of criteria, including:

Academic achievement and GPA
Community service and/or employment
School involvement and activities
A written essay

Please share this opportunity with a graduating high school senior and help them take the next step toward achieving their educational aspirations. The deadline to apply is April 6.

This scholarship program reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to investing in students, strengthening our community, and helping open doors for future success.

Apply Here Today!

ACC Business Leadership Series - Unlocking Capital: How Franchisees Finance Sustainable Growth

Unlocking Capital: How Franchisees Finance Sustainable Growth

Date: Thursday, April 9 @ 8:30-10:00am
Location: Beyond Flex Space, 9800 Richmond Avenue, Suite 700, Houston, TX 77042

This workshop is designed to help franchisees understand how to access the right capital to support expansion and long-term growth.

Empowering the Next Generation Through AI

The Chamber is proud to support an exciting new youth-led AI initiative in partnership with Youth Voice for Small Business (YVSB) and the University of Houston.

YVSB recently hosted its first AI Vibe Coding Workshop, bringing together 15 high school students for a two-hour, hands-on learning experience. During the session, students were introduced to tools such as Visual Studio Code and GitHub Copilot and used them to build an AI-powered customer service chatbot prototype for the Asian Chamber of Commerce. The chatbot was designed to answer common website questions, including membership, joining the Chamber, and other general inquiries.

The workshop was designed to give students practical exposure to emerging technology—not to make them AI experts overnight, but to help them understand how these tools can be used in real-world settings and to inspire continued exploration and learning.

YVSB plans to host two additional workshops in April and May, with each session expected to engage up to 50 students. Looking ahead, YVSB and the Asian Chamber also plan to launch a pilot program in June that will pair five student AI consulting teams with local small business owners to identify ways AI can improve workflow, efficiency, and day-to-day operations.

This initiative reflects a shared commitment to youth leadership, innovation, and small business success—while helping prepare the next generation of problem-solvers and entrepreneurs.