Fairfax, VA – The Asian American Chamber of Commerce held its 3rd Annual Awards Gala – Jewels of Asia, on Friday, April 5 at the Westin Tysons Corner.  More than 200 guests gathered to recognize businesses (public & private sector, for-profit & non-profit) as well as business leaders of Asian & Pacific Islander descent who have made outstanding contributions to the Metropolitan Washington DC business community and economy.  

Past award winners, elected officials and a diverse mix of business leaders enjoyed a reception, followed by dinner and awards.  Surae Chinn, award-winning news reporter from WUSA-TV 9 emceed the event.  Those recognized include:

Asian Business Excellence Award: Pragmatics, Inc.
Small Business of the Year: APS Pest Services
Asian Business Leader of the Year: S. Tien Wong, Lore System, Inc
Outstanding Corporate Partner Award: Wells Fargo
Non Profit of the Year: Becky’s Fund • Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, Fairfax Region
Volunteer of the Year: Le-Ha Anderson, Dominion  • Andrew Bittan, The Social Tea House
Government Agency of the Year: Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
Emerging Business of the Year: The W Salon
Next Generation Investment Award: Erie Insurance

One unexpected highlight of the evening was the special recognition of Judge John Tran.  On April 3, 2013, John Tran was unanimously elected by the Virginia General Assembly to be a Circuit Court Judge in Fairfax County Virginia.  Judge Tran will be the first judge of Asian American heritage in Virginia’s history to sit as a judge in a Virginia court of record.  The audience congratulated the new judge with a standing ovation.

Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) is dedicated to improving the economic development for Asian Pacific American owned businesses in VA/DC/MD by  facilitating the growth and development of member businesses through events such as business networking programs, Business Expo, Business Development Workshops, Seminars and other special events. AACC provides a platform for our members to network and market their products and services.  (website: http://asian-americanchamber.org)