NAAAP Chicago kicked off the new year with their Annual Membership Dinner on Saturday February 23, 2010 at Sushi Taiyo with seventy-five members in attendance. This year’s theme ‘Illuminations: Fusion For Success’ was aptly chosen to reflect on our member fuelled successes in 2009 and cast an eye out to the future. Whilst it was a celebration of the pass succeesses of the organization, it also promoted NAAAP’s vision to promote leaders within the Asian American Community
Justin Samaniego, NAAAP Chicago's Director of Membership, commented ‘’Without our membership and their support, we would not be where we are today. We need continued support and contributions to continue the success of NAAAP Chicago’’.
Keynote speakers included NAAAP Chicago President Rose Olea and various board memebers and committee chairs. Rose Olea presented Emerging Leader Awards to seven members in recognition of their contribution to the organization over the last year. These members have continuously contributed and supported NAAAP throughout 2009 as exemplified by their leadership qualities in taking initiative to volunteer, collaborate and engage in various aspects of our organization. Whether it's leading an event, managing a committee or going above and beyond to lend their resources to multiple events, they were recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty. The 2009 Emerging Leaders are Jay De Castro, Lily Yuen, Yoojin Kim, Tommy Chang, Guang Han, Charouay Messing and CK Chen.
The event also marked the launch of the 2010 Calendar of events and initiatives including YOU NAAAPOLY, a chance for members and non-members to obtain a year’s free membership to NAAAP Chicago by attending ten events this year.
A raffle wrapped up the evening with various prizes including a one night hotel stay at the Fairmont Chicago. The raffle donors included Broken Arrow Golf Club, Chicago Bulls, Friend's Sushi, Lifetime Fitness, Sunda, and Yu's Mandarin Restaurant
The evening also highlighted many of NAAAP Chicago’s sponsors including Sara Lee and Northern Trust
A special thanks to the Event Co-Chairs Jessica Yang and Elizabeth Keo - Event Co-Chairs for helping to make the evening a success. Further thanks to Sushi Taiyo for their venue sponsorship and Xerox Services for their printing services.
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Wendy Mountainbear
Committee Co-Chair
Marketing
NAAAP Chicago
National Association of Asian American Professionals
