Celebrating Success in Houston, Creating Opportunities Around the World! | |
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What a spectacular night! Our 36th Annual Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards Gala was truly an evening to remember! It was wonderful to see so many elected officials, business executives, community leaders, sponsors and friends come together to celebrate entrepreneurship and the incredible contributions of Houston's Asian business community.
We were especially honored to welcome Houston Mayor John Whitmire as our keynote speaker. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a tremendous success! Congratulations again to our outstanding award recipients!
And we're not slowing down! Next up is our exciting Shanghai CIIE and Multi-City Business Delegation, November 5–13! This is a fantastic opportunity to expand your global network, connect directly with international business leaders, explore new markets and discover opportunities for growth. I encourage our members and business partners to join us on this exciting journey! Contact the Chamber right away to inquire about remaining opportunities to participate.
From celebrating business excellence here in Houston to building partnerships around the world, the Asian Chamber is opening doors and creating connections that matter.
Thank you for your continued support. Let's keep the momentum going and finish 2026 strong!
Warm Regards,
Fan Chen
Board Chair, Asian Chamber of Commerce
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An Unforgettable Evening Honoring Houston's Entrepreneurial Excellence!
Celebrating outstanding business leaders, inspiring success stories and the people who make Houston's business community thrive!
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A Night to Remember!
Celebrating the Spirit of Entrepreneurship
An incredible evening of celebration, connection and inspiration!
Last Saturday, October 24, the Asian Chamber of Commerce brought together Houston’s business leaders, entrepreneurs, community partners and friends at The Post Oak Hotel for our 36th annual 2026 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards Gala.
The evening was more than a celebration of business success. It was a powerful reminder of the innovation, determination and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to shape Houston’s thriving business community.
We were honored to welcome Houston Mayor John Whitmire as our featured speaker and recognize three outstanding honorees whose leadership and contributions are making a lasting impact:
🏆 Entrepreneur of the Year: David Fan, Fanale Drinks
🏆 Corporate Champion Award: SouthState Bank
🏆 Legacy Award: Harry Gee, Jr.
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A special thank you to our Gala Chair, Sally Sha and former ACC Board Chair Honorable Alice Chen, for their leadership and dedication to making this celebration possible.
To our sponsors, partners, board members, volunteers and everyone who joined us: THANK YOU! Your continued support allows the Asian Chamber and Asian Chamber Foundation to expand opportunities for entrepreneurs, strengthen businesses, support workforce development and invest in the next generation through scholarships and educational programs.
For more than 36 years, we've been proud to champion the businesses and individuals who make Greater Houston a dynamic place to live, work and succeed.
Here's to another year of breaking barriers, building connections and celebrating excellence!
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Meet our 2026 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award Honorees
Behind every successful business is a story of vision, perseverance and purpose. This year's honorees remind us that true success isn't just about what we accomplish, but the opportunities we create and the communities we strengthen along the way. We're proud to celebrate three outstanding recipients whose contributions continue to make a difference.
Entrepreneur of the Year: David Fan
Revolutionizing America's Bubble Tea Industry
From a small snow-ice dessert business to a nationally recognized industry leader, David Fan, founder and CEO of Fanale Drinks, has built his success on innovation, determination and a willingness to think big.
Founded in 2013 in Hayward, California, Fanale Drinks has helped transform America's bubble tea industry. In 2018, David made history by launching US Boba Co., the first company to manufacture traditional tapioca pearls in the United States, creating a domestic supply source for an industry previously dependent on imports.
Today, Fanale Drinks serves more than 2,000 businesses nationwide, with operations expanding into Texas and an East Coast hub in New Jersey. The company's remarkable growth has earned recognition from the Inc. 5000, CBS Mornings and The New York Times.
Beyond his business achievements, David remains committed to helping others succeed. Through Fanale, he supports local schools, the Chinese Community Center, hometown associations and small Asian family-owned businesses.
Congratulations to David Fan, our 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year, for turning an entrepreneurial vision into a thriving national business while helping others achieve their dreams!
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Corporate Champion Award: SouthState Bank
Banking Forward. Investing in Communities.
Success in business is about more than financial growth. It's about building relationships, creating opportunities and making a meaningful difference. SouthState Bank, recipient of the Asian Chamber's 2026 Corporate Champion Award, demonstrates that commitment every day.
As one of the nation's leading regional banks, SouthState serves more than 1.8 million customers across multiple states, including Texas, providing consumer, commercial, mortgage and wealth management solutions.
With approximately $69 billion in assets, more than 340 branches and 6,000 team members, SouthState combines the resources of a major financial institution with a commitment to personalized service and local leadership.
But its impact extends far beyond banking. SouthState reports $10.2 million in grants and charitable contributions supporting approximately 3,800 organizations, reflecting its dedication to strengthening communities and creating lasting opportunities.
Through innovative financial solutions, meaningful customer relationships and a commitment to corporate stewardship, SouthState continues to demonstrate what it means to be a true community partner.
Congratulations to SouthState Bank, our 2026 Corporate Champion Award recipient, for proving that investing in people and communities is an essential part of business success!
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Legacy Award: Harry Gee, Jr.
A Trailblazer in Immigration Law and a Lifetime of Community Leadership
A distinguished attorney, respected community leader and dedicated advocate, Harry Gee, Jr. has spent decades making a lasting impact on Houston and beyond. His remarkable career and commitment to service earned him the Asian Chamber's prestigious 2026 Legacy Award.
A graduate of Rice University and the University of Texas School of Law, Harry began his legal career with the Texas Attorney General's Office before establishing his Houston-based law practice specializing in immigration law.
His expertise and leadership have earned national recognition, including serving as President of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and being recognized as a Board Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law for six years.
Harry's contributions extend well beyond the courtroom. He has served on numerous civic and professional boards, championed educational opportunities and supported scholarships benefiting students at the University of Texas Law School, the University of Houston, Rice University and the University of St. Thomas.
His dedication to service has earned numerous honors, including the Spirit of Excellence Award from the American Bar Association, recognizing his significant contributions to the legal profession and community.
Through his advocacy, leadership and philanthropy, Harry has helped open doors for generations of aspiring professionals while strengthening Houston's Asian American community.
Congratulations to Harry Gee, Jr., our 2026 Legacy Award recipient, for a lifetime of breaking barriers, championing opportunity and inspiring future generations!
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Empowering Connections:
Asian Chamber ENERGIZE Leadership Summit Brings Professionals Together
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Building Stronger Networks, Inspiring Leadership and Creating Opportunities
When employees connect, businesses and communities grow stronger!
The Asian Chamber brought together various corporate leaders and business professionals for its annual Leadership Summit on October 23, creating an opportunity for meaningful conversations, collaboration and professional networking.
Approximately 75 participants representing 30 companies gathered to exchange best practices, share experiences and explore how Employee Resource Groups can strengthen workplace culture, develop future leaders and drive innovation.
The summit highlighted the important role leadership play in connecting professionals across industries, amplifying diverse perspectives and creating pathways for career advancement and business opportunities.
Thank you to our participating companies, speakers and attendees for helping make this gathering a valuable opportunity to connect, learn and grow.
Together, we're building stronger professional networks, developing tomorrow's leaders and creating opportunities that extend far beyond the workplace.
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From Houston to China: Your Gateway to Global Business Opportunities
Shanghai CIIE + Multi-City Business Delegation
November 5–13, 2026
Shanghai • Suzhou • Wuxi • Changzhou • Shenzhen • Foshan/Guangzhou
The world is full of opportunity. Let's explore it together!
The Asian Chamber is preparing for an exciting international business delegation to China, connecting Houston-area business leaders with potential partners, emerging markets and new opportunities for growth.
Delegates will attend the prestigious China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai and participate in curated company visits, networking opportunities and meetings with government and business leaders across East and South China.
This is more than a business trip. It's an opportunity to gain firsthand market insights, establish international relationships and discover new possibilities for your company.
Delegation Highlights:
- Access to the China International Import Expo, subject to approval
- Meetings with government officials and business leaders
- Curated company visits and networking opportunities
- Business matchmaking and opportunities to explore international partnerships
Delegation Fee: $2,699 per person
Optional Exhibition Booth: $7,500
The delegation fee includes CIIE admission and badge (subject to approval), coordinated group visits, local transportation for group activities and selected meals. Airfare, lodging, intercity transportation and other personal travel expenses are additional.
Interested in learning more?
Contact Barbara Joe at bjoe@asianchamber-hou.org or 713-782-7222, Ext. 1, to inquire about participation and availability.
Please note: The original registration deadline has passed. Contact the Chamber directly regarding any remaining opportunities.
| | One More Reason to Celebrate! Join Us for Our Year-End Gathering | |
2026 Annual Meeting & International Trade Luncheon
Wednesday, December 9, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Ocean Palace Restaurant
11215 Bellaire Blvd., Suite D
Houston, TX 77072
Let's close out 2026 together!
As another remarkable year comes to an end, we invite you to join the Asian Chamber for our Annual Meeting & International Trade Luncheon, our final signature gathering of 2026.
This special event brings together Chamber members, business leaders and international government representatives for an afternoon of networking, relationship-building and reflection on the year we've shared.
We'll also look ahead to an exciting new chapter as members participate in the introduction and election of our 2027 Board of Directors.
It's an opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new business contacts and celebrate the relationships that make our Chamber community so special.
Come for the connections. Stay for the conversations. Leave inspired for what's ahead!
Mark your calendar and make plans to join us!
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Grow Your Business!
Free Learning Opportunities with Harris County!
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Build Your Knowledge. Strengthen Your Business. Discover New Opportunities.
Ready to take your business to the next level? Harris County's Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity (DEEO) is offering upcoming business education and procurement readiness courses to help entrepreneurs and small business owners gain valuable knowledge, strengthen their operations and prepare for contracting opportunities.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow an established business, these sessions offer practical insights and resources to help you succeed.
Upcoming Sessions:
📌 Financial Foundations for Small Business Success
Thursday, November 19 | 2:00 PM
📌 How to Do Business with Harris County
Tuesday, December 8 | 10:00 AM
📌 A Legal Blueprint to Build, Protect, and Pass on What You've Built
Tuesday, December 15 | 6:00 PM
Don't miss these opportunities to invest in your business and position yourself for future success!
Registration is now open!
The Asian Chamber encourages our members and business community to take advantage of these valuable resources and share them with fellow entrepreneur
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Stronger Together.
Growing Forward.
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As we approach the final months of 2026, we want to take a moment to thank our members, sponsors, partners and volunteers for making this year so meaningful.
From celebrating outstanding entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for small businesses to strengthening corporate connections and opening doors to international trade, everything we accomplish begins with you.
Your membership is more than a connection to the Chamber. It's an investment in a stronger, more vibrant business community.
We look forward to continuing to grow, collaborate and create opportunities together.
Thank you for being part of the Asian Chamber family!
Connecting Businesses. Creating Opportunities. Strengthening Communities.
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Become a member today!
View your ACC membership benefits before joining
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3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite 108
Houston, TX 77042
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