Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce to Host 15th Annual Lunar New Year Gala on February 5

Celebration to include Awards Ceremony Honoring Economic Contributions of Asian American Leaders

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce (TACC) announces the 15th Annual Lunar New Year Gala. The festivities take place Saturday, February 5th. In the tradition of the Lunar New Year, the Gala brings together stakeholders from diverse communities in Central Texas – corporate leaders, small businesses, government leaders, and the public at large. With this year's theme of "Leap into Prosperity," the Year of the Rabbit Gala honors Texans that are committed to prosperity, including those that are building Austin's global brand, sustainable communities, and emerging entrepreneurs.

"Austin is at the forefront of best places to start a business, and Asian Americans continue to support Central Texas growth - in terms of revenues and job creation. The Annual Lunar New Year Gala is one of the ways TACC builds a bridge between key community stakeholders and the Asian American community.  Tradition dictates that family and business ties be celebrated the first fifteen days of the lunar new year. Please join us in creating prosperous new ties," said Jim Yatsu, chairman of the TACC Board of Directors.

This event features a traditional Chinese Dragon Dance to ward off evil spirits, a Parade of Nations, and introduction of honored officials. TACC will present four awards to individuals and corporations that are building a prosperous Central Texas economy. Past recipients include fashion designer Chloe Dao, Tony Award winning producer Pun Bundhu, Austin Designer Michael Hsu, Former Austin Mayor Will Wynn, Dell, and International SEMATECH.

Additionally, during the celebration, TACC will award $1,000 college scholarships to four Asian-American high school seniors who have excelled either scholastically or in their community.

The 2011 Lunar New Year Celebration features a reception replete with heavy Asian and Asian fusion hors d'oeuvres served by several well-known local restaurants from diverse Asian cultures, and emcees award-winning actor Leng Wong, and musicians including Korean gayageum instrumentalist Mi Seon Nam . Dinner will be followed by more live entertainment and dance.

The event begins at 6:00 p.m. on February 5, 2011, at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Avenue, in Austin Texas. Tickets are available for purchase online: http://www.txasianchamber.org/?page_id=34

TACC expresses deepest appreciation for Sponsors Tokyo Election, Farm Credit Bank, Bank of America, The University of Texas Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, and Progressive Manufacturing & Technology.

About the Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce

TACC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting business opportunities and closer ties between the Asian-American community and the Central Texas community at large.

TACC serves its diverse membership by increasing business opportunities through: the Annual Lunar New Year Gala, the Connect Business and Career Forum, the Asia Food Fest, and monthly networking meetings. TACC serves the City of Austin by supporting international economic development, developing entrepreneurs, and supporting major annual attractions such as South by Southwest.

For more information, call 485­1090 or visit www.txasianchamber.org, or visit us at http://www.txasianchamber.org/?page_id=34 for tickets.

SOURCE Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce