Asian Chamber Raises $100,000 for Two New Executives

By Rachel Phua
For Reporting Texas and Austin Business Journal

Ten supporters of the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce have collectively donated $100,000 to help the organization broaden its reach.

Marina Bhargava, the chamber’s executive director, said the contribution from the new Legacy Council will fund two additional employees. One will concentrate on linking local businesses with consulting expertise, she said. The other will help businesses find funding, including grants.

“These grants can hopefully provide more marketing support for Asian businesses and help them get certified as minority businesses,” she said.

She said the chamber also will focus on connecting local Asian businesses with international organizations such as the Japan External Trade Association.

The Legacy Council will continue fundraising and hopes to attract another $100,000 in the next several months, Bhargava said. It has 10 initial members — eight are on the chamber’s board and one is an advisory board member.

Legacy Council members include:

–Paul Kim, CEO of ATX Environmental Services and chairman of the Asian Chamber’s board.

–Ali Khataw, CEO of Encotech Engineering.

–Jim Yatsu, director of international supplier relations at Tokyo Electron.

–Ying McGuire, vice president of international relations for Technology Integration Group.

–Robert Lee, CEO of LD&C Development.

–Sam Bakir, president of TNT Financial Services.

–Richard Jung, managing partner of the Jung Ko PLLC law firm.

–Fayez Kazi, president of engineering firm Civilitude.

–Jimmy and Cindy Ferguson, McDonalds franchise owners.

–Sam Chen, owner of Casulo Hotel.