The Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia (AACC) and the Governor’s Entrepreneur and Small Business Office (G E&SBO) organized a successful and meaningful Procurement Symposium to bring suppliers represented by Minorities, especially Asian Americans, and buyers represented by Businesses/Corporations/Government Agencies on the same platform. The 4th Annual Asian Procurement Symposium offered resources and business opportunities to the participants at the Georgia Power Auditorium in Downtown Atlanta, Georgia, on October 19, Wednesday 2005,

The Symposium offered information on how small business owners can market their products and services to Federal, State, and local government entities and corporations such as Lockheed Martin, Coca-Cola, MARTA, Cingular Wireless, Turner Broadcasting Services (TBS), Bell South, Georgia Power and Coca-Cola Enterprises and many other corporations.

The program was launched at 12 noon with an impressive and glitzy ribbon cutting by the dignitaries present inclusive of various Consul Generals, Corporate and Government leaders. 

“We are proud to partner with the Asian American Chamber of Commerce to assist and support the growth and strength of the Asian business community in Georgia,” said Gilda Watters, Mistress of Ceremonies and Division Director of the Governor’s Small Business and Innovation Office. 

Marry Ellen McClanahan, Director, Governor’s Entrepreneur and Small Business Office (GE&SBO) welcomed the participants stating that “The Governor’s Entrepreneur & Small Business Office is committed to offering quality programs for minority entrepreneurs.” Gail Webb, Regional Outreach Manager, Governor's Entrepreneur and Small Business Office, who also co-chaired this year’s Symposium, echoed similar commitment. Marry Ellen then introduced the 2003 Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipient and the incoming President of Asian Chamber (AACC), Subash Razdan to present his remarks. 

Welcoming the guests, Subash Razdan observed that “With the emergence of new Asian businesses in Georgia, the AACC hopes to provide the Asian business community with opportunities and resources to grow and expand their business.” Razdan added, “This year’s symposium focused on government and the private sector and how that will affect the growth and survival of Asian businesses. The Asian Procurement Symposium provided an opportunity for business owners to consult one-on-one with government and corporate representatives.” Razdan recognized former President of AACC, Soon-Hee Paik, for her vision to initiate the First Symposium of AACC few years ago.

AACC, founded in 1995, is committed to promote international trade and commerce in USA, especially in Georgia. 

AACC (www.aaccga.org) is an umbrella organization with Korean, Chinese, Indian, Philippines, Japanese, Hong Kong and other Asian Chambers of Commerce; various Fortune 500 corporations; Government Agencies; etc, etc. as its members/supporters. 

Razdan invited his new team of officers of AACC that were recently elected for the term 2005-2006 to join him at the podium for their introduction. 

New Officers of AACC:

Subash Razdan, President
K.J. Tan, First Vice President
Charley Jin, Second Vice President
Roger Ozaki, Secretary
Ram Sidhaye, Treasurer
Rosemary Jones and Didi O’Connor, Members-at-large
John Lu, Immediate Past President.
Wayne Lazarus, Legal Counsel

Razdan, requested the Chief Executive Officer of American Red Cross, Tim English, to accept a donation check of $1001 from Ram Sidhaye, Treasurer of AACC, for the Katrina Hurricane Relief Fund in presence of all the past and current officers including the Founding Directors Lani Wong (2005 recipient of Atlanta’s prestigious Phoenix Award) and John Lee.

Awards were presented to the sponsors and supporters of the AACC Symposium. The recipients were Georgia Power (Title sponsor) ably supported by Bell South, TBS, G’E&SBO, and The Asian American Commission for a New Georgia.

Dr. Josephine Tan, Co-chair of 2005 Symposium, Founding President of AACC and the Chair for the Governor’s Asian American Commission, who also is a Corporate Manager of Georgia Power, thanked the Planning Committee for job well done. She welcomed Frank McCloskey, VP, and Georgia Power for his special remarks. Frank expressed his happiness at the success of the event and assured of Georgia Power’s commitment towards Minority business opportunities. Brian Fletcher, Vice President of Southern Company Services reiterated the need of frequent Symposiums such as this one organized by AACC.

A lively panel, moderated by Willie Palmer of Georgia Power, in company of prominent and well-respected bureaucrats George Lottier (MARTA), Catherine Morris (MARTA), Leslie Duhe (Georgia Women’s Business Council), Albert Smith (Georgia Department of Transportation), explained the importance of “Understanding the Value of Certification.” The Q&A segment was followed by one-on-one consultation between the suppliers and the buyers for their mutual benefit.

The ambiance of the packed Arkwright Auditorium of Georgia Power Co, bustling with the Symposium activity, Consultations, Exhibitors, souvenirs, T-Shirts, Brand Atlanta memorabilia, exotic Asian luncheon, all added to the superlative Symposium.