[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 65 (Friday, May 1, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E645-E646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 2015 ASIAN-AMERICAN CHAMBER ``JEWELS OF ASIA'' AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 1, 2015

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Asian-American 
Chamber of Commerce and the recipients of the 2015 Asian-American 
Chamber Awards.
   The Asian-American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) is dedicated to 
improving economic development opportunities for Asian Pacific 
American-owned businesses in the Washington, D.C., region. The 11th 
District of Virginia is blessed by its diversity. About 1 in 4

[[Page E646]]

residents are foreign born and approximately 40% are minorities. Half 
of our foreign-born population emigrated from Asia, and more than 
80,000 of our neighbors speak an Asian language at home.
   Northern Virginia has a robust international business community and 
is home to the largest concentration of minority-owned technology firms 
in the nation. The AACC and its members contribute greatly to our 
economic strength and stability; Asian-American businesses generate 
more than 52% of total revenues generated by all minority owned 
businesses in this region.
   In Fairfax County alone, more than 19,000 businesses are Asian-
owned. These businesses generate approximately $5 billion in revenue 
and create more than 30,000 jobs. Each year, the AACC recognizes 
businesses and non-profits in the Asian-American community for their 
outstanding contributions to the Metropolitan Washington community and 
economy. I congratulate the following honorees:
   Small Business Award: The Tu's Group
   Champions of Diversity: Morgan Stanley
   Asian Business Excellence Award: Zantech IT Services, Inc.
   Non-Profit of the Year: Asian-American LEAD
   Corporate Partner of the year: Capital Bank
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 
honorees of the 2015 Asian-American Chamber of Commerce Awards and in 
commending the Chamber for its work to support Asian and Pacific 
Islander owned businesses throughout our region.

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