[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 99 (Tuesday, June 21, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2016 ASIAN-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 
                           EXCELLENCE AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 21, 2016

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Asian-American 
Chamber of Commerce and the recipients of the 2016 Excellence 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 
residents are foreign born and approximately 40 percent 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 percent of total revenues generated by all minority owned 
businesses in this region.
   In Fairfax County alone, 25,000 businesses are Asian-owned. These 
businesses generate approximately $9 billion in revenue and create 
54,000 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 am pleased to submit 
the names of the following individuals and organizations:
   Citizen of the Year
   Ruth Crout, Fred Plum
   Young Professional of the Year
   Frank Chin
   New Member of the Year
   Dave and Joanne Adams
   Laura Drain
   Member of the Year
   Shakha Agrawal
   Business of the Year
   Kyllo and Pattana Cox
   Non-Profit of the Year
   Youth for Tomorrow
   Epoch Times
   Asian Business Leader of the Year
   Grace Kim
   Jimmy Rhee
   Chairman's Award
   Audrey Lustre
   Oanh Henry
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 
recipients of the 2016 Asian-American Chamber of Commerce Excellence 
Awards and in commending the Chamber for its work to support Asian and 
Pacific Islander owned businesses throughout our region.

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