May 10, 2023 | View as Webpage

Amplifying Our Voices

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month is not only a time to celebrate our culture and Asian American heritage; it is a time to amplify our voices and continue to build our legacy and pave the path for future AANHPI Americans.

To amplify our voices, the Asian Chamber continues to engage with elected officials and let them know about the issues that are important to the community. Last week, ACC board members and staff met with Congressman Lizzie Fletcher and shared our business concerns with her. On May 9, Board Members May Wang and Ning Kang along with Director of Operations, Barbara Gallo visited the Texas State Capitol on Asian American Day hosted by Senator Joan Huffman and Representative Angie Chen Button. They met with Jane Nelson, Secretary of State, Lisa Craven, Deputy Comptroller, Dawn Buckingham, Land Commissioner, and Adriana Cruz, Executive Director of the ED&T Office. Next week, our Directors, Paul Gor and Barbara Gallo, will attend the National ACE Business Summit in Washington D.C. This summit will focus on how legislature is impacting small businesses and offer opportunities to speak with U.S. representatives.

Board Members Ning Kang and May Wang along with Director Barbara Gallo with Adriana Cruz, Executive Director of the Economic Development and Tourism Division within the Office of the Governor.

As the Chamber continues to work on behalf of the Asian business community, I urge you to speak to your local legislators about issues that matter to you. Another way to participate and provide AANHPI representation is to complete the 2022 Economic Census. This five-year measure of American business and economy provides the most comprehensive economic statistics available.

Now, back to the celebration! I hope to see you tomorrow at our Asian Restaurant Month Luncheon, Have You Eaten Yet? at Ocean Palace. I am looking forward to hearing from our local celebrity chefs and learning more about the rich culinary history of the Asian community. Don’t forget to get your free Asian Restaurant Month digital pass. You have the entire month to explore over 100 Asian restaurants across Greater Houston and win prizes along the way.

Finally, I would like to introduce you to this week’s Houston Asian American Legend, Ban Tien, the Executive Assistant Chief of Police at the Houston Police Department. He is the first Asian American in HPD’s history to be appointed to this position. I encourage you to read more about him further along in the newsletter and the many activities happening throughout the city this month.

Sydney Dao



Board Chair

Asian Chamber of Commerce

AAPI Day at The State Capitol

Join us for a special Asian Restaurant Month Luncheon celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month on May 11, 2023. Hear from local Celebrity Chefs around Houston talk about the rich culinary history of our Asian community. 

Thursday, May 11, 2023 | 11am-1pm

Program Starts Promptly at 11:15am

Ocean Palace

11215 Bellaire Blvd.

Houston, TX 77072

Speakers:

• Suu Khin (Burmalicious by Suu)
• Jae Kim (Chi’Lantro BBQ)
• Tao Minh La (Kim Son)
• Tony Nguyen (Xin Chao)

Register at: https://asianchamber-hou.org/aapiluncheon

No walk-ins will be available.

Upcoming events

ACC Supplier Diversity Academy 2023 June 2 | Free (Bronze Members and Higher)

Be coached by decision makers from major corporations and the public sector in researching bids, learning the application process, and how to knock out a winning presentation.

Meet A Houston Asian American Legend

Ban Tien Makes History as First Asian American Executive Assistant Chief of Police in Houston

Ban Tien made history in April of 2023 when he was appointed Assistant Chief of Police for the Houston Police Department (HPD). Tien is the first Asian American to hold this position in the department's 150-year history.

Tien joined the HPD in 1997 and has worked his way up through the ranks. He was promoted to sergeant in 2009, lieutenant in 2014, and captain in 2018. In 2020, he was appointed Assistant Chief of Patrol Command, and in 2022, he was promoted to Commander of Homeland Security.

As Assistant Chief of Police Tien is a dedicated public servant who is committed to making a difference in the lives of others. He oversees the department's homeland security, emergency management, and critical infrastructure protection programs this this role. He also serves as the department's liaison with the Mayor's Office of Public Safety & Homeland Security.

Tien is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Southwestern Law Enforcement Institute. He is also a certified public manager and a certified emergency manager.



Tien's appointment as Assistant Chief of Police is a significant milestone for Asian Americans in law enforcement. He is a role model for young Asian Americans who aspire to a career in public service. Under Tien's leadership, the HPD has become a more effective and efficient organization. He has also helped to build a more diverse and inclusive police force. He is a dedicated and experienced professional who is committed to keeping the city safe.

PARTNER EVENTS

AAPI Heritage Month Events Around Houston Various Days

We have curated a list of various AAPI events happening around Houston celebrating AAPI Heritage Month in May. Support the various events going on around town.

2023 National AANHPI Business Summit May 17

The Minority Business Development Agency is hosting a National Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Business Summit at the U.S. Department of Commerce on Wednesday, May 17, 2023.

CelebrASIAN 2023 Business Procurement Conference 2023 June 6-8

CelebrASIAN 2023 is just around the corner, which will be an excellent opportunity for you to learn from industry experts, network with other spokes, and gain valuable insights to grow. 

3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite 108

Houston, TX 77042

(713) 782-7222