ABA
provides a strong voice on business, cultural and political issues of
interest to San Diego’s Asian and Pacific Islander community. ABA was
founded in 1990, and has grown to its current membership of over 400
members. A non-profit 501(c)(6) organization, ABA is funded by
membership dues, corporate sponsorships, and the City and County of San
Diego. ABA facilitates the growth and development of member businesses
through ongoing entrepreneurial education, communication and business
networking programs. One of our major goals is to enable members to
participate fully in San Diego’s economic development, without regard
to race, color, creed or national origin.
The mission of ABA is to unite, promote and advocate the San Diego
Asian Pacific American business community. We provide resources for
economic growth and help businesses to compete effectively in the local
and global marketplace. Mainstream in our focus, ABA facilitates the
growth and development of member businesses through ongoing
entrepreneurial education, communication and business networking
programs. One of our major goals is to enable members to participate
fully in San Diego economic development, without regard for race,
color, creed or national origin.
The following is a description of ABA sponsored programs and events.
These events are open to all ABA members and non-members of Asian or
non-Asian descent.
Monthly Rice Club Luncheons
The
ABA Rice Club Luncheon features distinguished speakers from the
community and provides a forum for discussing economic, political and
diversity issues that affect Asian Americans and the business
community. This is also an opportunity for members to network and enjoy a variety of Asian cuisines.
Quarterly Mixers
ABA
Mixers attract over 100 people per event and provide members and
prospective members with an opportunity for business networking at
various venues throughout San Diego County.
Business Development Workshops and Seminars
ABA
sponsors workshops and seminars on various business issues presented by
experts in the field. We offer programs focused on entrepreneurship,
business finance, international business/trade, employment law,
contracting opportunities/supplier diversity, and marketing.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Committed
to fostering multicultural understanding, the ABA proudly sponsors an
annual Lunar New Year Celebration. This celebration, held in downtown
San Diego, provides an enriching experience that highlights the rich
Asian heritage of the region. This event features the Lucky Lion dance,
authentic Chinese cuisine, and the opportunity for new business
relationships to develop. The Celebration attracts more than 300 people
each year, and is attended by a host of community, business and
government leaders.
Annual Awards Gala
At
this annual event, ABA celebrates its accomplishments for the year and
recognizes outstanding individuals within the community with the
presentation of the ABA Scholarships, Business Leadership and Community
Service Awards. The Awards Gala draws 450-500 guests from around the
County.
ABA
hosts workshops and a number of other events from time to time. ABA
members always receive priority notification and discounted admission
to all of the programs throughout the year.
ABA FOUNDATION
The Asian Business Association Foundation takes a proactive
leadership role in the community by supporting the development of
future community and business leaders through our ABA Foundation
Scholarship. Each year the ABA Foundation sends scholarship
information and applications to local schools in San Diego. Local
community leaders assist in judging the applicants based on their
involvement, dedication and leadership in building their neighborhoods
and themselves. Recognizing these outstanding students we hope to aid
and focus their involvement in the business community.
ABA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
The Foundation will assist in uniting and empowering the Asian and Pacific
Islander (API) community by providing professional leadership and
growth to individuals for the benefit of the API community in San Diego. As a nonprofit organization, the Community Foundation will focus its efforts on community development
and economic growth.
