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Top: Subash
Razdan, John Lu and JosephineTan. Bottom: Hon. Terrel Slayton, Ram Sidhaye and Giriraj Rao.
On Wednesday evening of March 15, 2006, the Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) of Georgia had their "Open-House/Member Appreciation" at the Crown Room on the 27th Floor of Midtown Atlanta Sheraton Hotel, Colony Square. It was a beautiful evening and guests could see the sky line of Atlanta and truly a most delightful place to have an open House. Tables were elaborately decorated with candles and crystal ware. Inspite of the fact that it was a week-working day, more than 200, members, who is who, in the Asian and mainstream communities, business professionals, Corporate Representatives, official in City and State Governments, Chambers of Commerce officials and diplomats attended this open house/Member Appreciation event.
Guests were treated to a variety of tasty Chinese delicacies supplied by the past President of AACC John Lu who also owns a chain of Chin Chin restaurants and the Indian delicacies - finger foods and Hors D’oeuvres catered by Manju Kothari of the Palace Restaurant, Norcross and a nice selection of wine and soft drinks of the Coca-Cola Company served at the bar.
The Open House was well organized with immaculate managing and networking of the flow of the guests in a most orderly manner without any chaos or commotion.
"Very interesting discussions and people. Everyone was friendly and warm. I had a nice time meeting everyone and would recommend this experience of AACC Open House to others," said Lani Wong, one of the Founders of AACC.
The free time, before and after a short program, gave great opportunity for those present to get acquainted, converse and have a productive enjoyable evening.
"I found the entire evening most enjoyable. The men and women who participated were intelligent, funny and very sociable. I would definitely recommend AACC Open House as a way to meet someone in a trade and commerce environment,” advised Ram Sidhaye of Indo-American Chamber of Commerce.
"I just wanted to say that I really had a good time at the Asian Chamber networking event. I think it was full of wonderful people, and it was a fun time to mingle and socialize," observed K.J. Tan, First Vice President and co-coordinator of the event.
“Often programs such as these which have a social and commercial interest should reflect a spirit of "camaraderie" and there was plenty of it,” said Giriraj Rao, Executive Director of the Gandhi Foundation of USA.
“Subash Razdan, President of the Chamber and his associates, past and present, officers and friends did a heck of a job in arranging a free, casual and no straight laced open house to make the guests welcome and fully enjoy the evening,” added Thomas Lee of The Coca Cola Company.
The event was sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company, Sheraton Midtown Hotel and Mr. John Lu of Chin Chin restaurants.
The Mistress of Ceremony Rosemary Jones welcomed the guests and in her style that is crisp, audible and well organized text, she gave a thumbnail sketch of the Asian Chamber of Commerce, its role in the enormous trade opportunities because of the importance of the various people of Asian origin that are living in the State of Georgia and the business potential these new immigrants have to offer.
She introduced Mr. John Lu the past President of the Chamber who in turn introduced the Chief Guest of Honor, Mr. David Chang, Deputy Director-General, Taipei Economic and Cultural Officer in Atlanta who spoke briefly about the significance of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce and the fast growth of the Asian Countries and the great inroads they have made in America.
Rosemary then introduced the present President, Subash Razdan, who also is a 2003 Ellis Island Medalist, and also currently serving as the Acting Chairman of the Gandhi Foundation of USA.
Razdan thanked the gathering saying he was overwhelmed by the attendance of such prominent Executives and Diplomats. Razdan recognized the support of the Georgia corporations such as The Coca Cola Company, Turner Broadcasting Service, Publix, Home Depot, Air Tran, Georgia Power, Bell South and Member organizations and charter members of AACC.
Subash added that their efforts to support the Chamber are getting due recognition and it's not just dining, dancing and entertainment but truly an evening with the most meaningful purpose which is "getting to know each other" and meeting new people and make themselves known to promote commercial and sociological interests for creating more prosperity for people abroad and people here in Georgia.
Awards were presented to Bell South Executive Chris Tsai and outgoing president John Lu for exemplary service and leadership to the Asian Chamber. Sheraton Hotel also received a plaque of appreciation from AACC.
Razdan also talked about Chambers outreach and charity activities including Chamber’s donation to American Red Cross for Tsunami/Katrina victims. He also mentioned about the successful Procurement Symposium organized by AACC under the coordination of Dr. Josephine Tan of Georgia Power. Razdan added that AACC was exploring the possibility of leading two delegations to Asia in the next 24 months! Interested Businesses and Corporations are encouraged to contact AACC.
Special remarks were also presented by Assistant Secretary of State, Terrel Slayton on behalf of Secretary of State Cathy Cox, by Mr. Greg Pridgeon, Chief of Staff of City of Atlanta on behalf of Mayor Shirley Franklin and by Mark Pierson of International Leadership. A Korean diplomatic delegation was also thanked for gracing this Open House event. Ms. Lisa Jones of Cingular Wireless and Dan Stephens of Georgia Blue Prints also spoke as the new inductees into the Asian Chamber.
Razdan thanked the volunteers Steve Bowman, Ram Sidhaye, Lani Wong, John Lu, K.J. Tan and Amitabh Sharma for helping with the success of the event.
At the end of the program, people were still conversing, laughing, socializing and net working.
These men and women who were assembled at this open house represent almost the unheard potential of what a continent of 2-3 billion people with mercantile and technological abilities to America which only is seeing the emergence of this new wave of immigrants which is the tip of an ice-berg.
