Press release:
***********
OKLAHOMA CITY (January 25, 2023) - The Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce board of directors announced today the official kick off for the new organization and its inaugural year during Lunar New Year. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt joined the celebration by serving as the guest speaker at a media event at the Grand House Asian Bistro in Oklahoma City.
With a growing Asian population and an increasing number of Asian-owned businesses in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, a group of community leaders and entrepreneurs created the new Asian Chamber with a mission to support the economic growth of the Asian community in the Greater Oklahoma City area.
In addition to Mayor Holt, Gov. Kevin Stitt and Congresswoman Stephanie Bice’s staff shared remarks honoring the contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander members who have made Oklahoma and the United States their home.
“Asian American and Pacific Islander residents have made a tremendous impact in the State of Oklahoma and across the nation, serving in vital leadership roles at the local, state, and national level, leading businesses, making breakthroughs in science and technology, building businesses, serving in our military, serving in public office, excelling in sports, arts, education and more,” said Governor Stitt.
“The Asian American and Pacific Islander community is rapidly expanding and has already had positive effects throughout Oklahoma City. The Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce will empower businesses and allow new growth opportunities throughout Oklahoma’s Fifth Congressional District,” said Congresswoman Stephanie Bice.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
The Asian community is one of the fastest growing populations in the nation, state and city. Locally, the meaningful contributions to the economy have also increased. The 2020 Census data shows that nearly 50,000 Asian residents live in the greater OKC metropolitan area. Surveys show there are more than 5,300 businesses resulting in $203 million in payroll and $1.25 billion in sales.
“We started out with a small group of entrepreneurs from different businesses and backgrounds in early 2022 and quickly grew into a strong and passionate team of prominent business leaders serving as board of directors and committee members,” said Scarlet Le-Cao, the inaugural president of the Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce. “The Asian population is incredibly diverse, and we want to preserve our cultural heritage and support economic development for Asian communities in the greater Oklahoma City metropolitan area. It is critically important to advocate, represent and provide our communities with valuable tools for their businesses and professions.”
The Asian Chamber will work closely in partnership with other chambers of commerce, the city and state to strengthen the minority business enterprise and workforce. The goal is to establish long-term relationships to build foundational growth for Oklahoma City’s economy.
“For decades, Oklahoma City has been the proud home of a vibrant Vietnamese American community. The Asian community has grown significantly and made a remarkable impact on our neighborhoods and local economy,” said Mayor David Holt of the City of Oklahoma City. “This special Lunar New Year celebration not only marks a new beginning for the chamber and for our city but also promotes unity, spurs innovation and fosters economic growth.”
FOUNDING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A group of prominent business leaders and professionals make up the founding board of directors including officers Scarlet Le-Cao, president; Mary Nhin, vice president; Victoria Tran, vice president; Chante Sourignavong, treasurer; and Ernest Abrogar, Secretary.
Other board of directors include Cassandra Kalancha, education programs committee chair; Mydazjah Petties, events committee chair; Thao Nguyen-Pham, membership committee chair; Thuan Hieu Nguyen, advocacy committee chair; Valorie J Filippo, board member; Tasneem Ahmad Al-Michael, board member; Mike Hoang, board member; Jacqueline Sit, marketing committee chair; Justin Le, board member; and Victor Flores, fundraising committee chair.
The advisory board includes Roy Williams, Meg Salyer, Ban Nguyen, Nathan Cao and Robert Palmer.
“Our values treasure diversity, innovation, integrity, teamwork and communication, and we are excited as an organization to grow, serve and support our Asian community,” Le-Cao said.
The chamber’s vision statements are:
o To connect, strengthen and advocate for Asian businesses and professionals in the greater Oklahoma City metro by supporting pro-business policies.
o To recruit Asian-owned businesses and Asian talents to areas we serve.
o To facilitate fair and equitable access to opportunities for Asian businesses and professionals.
o To pursue educational and cultural initiatives for the greater Oklahoma City Asian communities.
The chamber’s founding sponsors were officially announced at the event. The sponsors include: Paycom, Chesapeake, Jimmy’s Egg, OKC Thunder, Super Cao Nguyen Market, OG&E, First National Bank, Gooden Group, Full Sail Capital, Nhinja Sushi & Wok, Ninja Life Hacks, True Sky Federal Credit Union, Tinker Federal Credit Union, Stride Bank, Practical Preparedness, THN Insurance, CMM Financial, Navaid Health, and Neuroradiology & Pain Solutions of Oklahoma.
To join The Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce, to become a sponsor or to learn more, visit asianchamberokc.com.