BY RAVI R. PONANGI

The seventh annual Asian procurement symposium organized by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) of Georgia was was held on October 7, in the Arkwright auditorium, Georgia Power Corporate Office, down town, Atlanta. Subash Razdan, president of Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia, in his opening remarks informed the participants that Asian American chamber was founded by Josephine Tan and others in 1995 and has now become well known not only in Georgia but in the entire nation. He also stated that the annual procurement symposiums are drawing the attention of more and more businesses with every passing year and providing one platform to bring together minority businesses, private, public sectors and government agencies.

Honorable Mayor Eva Galambos, ‘City of Sandy Springs’ in her key note address presented an overview of the city of Sandy Springs and remarked Sandy Springs is home to 98,000 residents who make this Georgia as the sixth largest city and the second largest in the metro Atlanta area. The city has several homely restaurants, shopping arcades, historic sites and picturesque local and national park sites. The city is home to Fortune 500 companies and world-class health care facilities. She said the city encourages small business owners and claimed there many businesses run by immigrants and they do business with many other countries. She also informed that we are having strong bonds with China and others. The atmosphere in the city administration is conducive and having infrastructure facilities for any business to come and thrive in the city. She asserted that we are quite open and all procedures are quick and smooth. The Mayor concluded her address by inviting all to the city of Sandy Springs. 

A panel consisting of Andrew Gentile, Managing Director of Prudential Finances, Tony Greene from Georgia Department of Economic Development and Ken Compton of Georgia spiritedly discussed on the theme of the symposium "Business Match-Making". Rosemary Jones of Turner Broad Casting Station moderated the proceedings of the panel discussion. The panel has presented their views in a question and answer format. All the speakers were experts in the field of small business certifications, business relationships, business development, supply diversity, procurement etc., Panel speakers were drawn from private, public and Government sectors and they are all well respected in their respective fields.

At the commencement of the symposium, William Rainwater, C&ED of Georgia Power welcomed the gathering and stated Georgia Power is proud to associate itself in a symposium that is being held to promote the interests of small business owners. 
Dr. Josephine Tan of Georgia Power, founder president of AACC/ Governor's Asian American Commission for a new Georgia, proposed a vote of thanks.

Honorable Mayor Eva Galambos, city of SandySprings with the officers and executive team of AACC.