April 4th , 2009
by:Lao Lu Hang

On February 24, 2009, The Minnesota Hmong Chamber of Commerce held its 7th Annual Banquet at the Landmark Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Annual Banquet celebrates the successes of local Hmong Businesses, recognizing their outstanding growth, accomplishments, and leadership in the Hmong Community, as well as within the mainstream community. Dr. Bruce Corrie, Dean of the College of Business and Organizational Leadership and Professor of Economics at Concordia University in Saint Paul, Minnesota was the keynote speaker. This year’s theme was “The Financial system and its impact on local small businesses”.

Over 230 people attended the event which was highlighted by the Business of Year Award given to Golden Harvest Foods. The Business of the Year Award is given to a Hmong Business that has demonstrated outstanding growth and expansion in management and operations. The Leadership Award is given to an individual or organization that has demonstrated accomplishment in coalition building, community engagement, and fostering business relationships. This year’s Leadership Award was given to Kazoua Kong-Thao. The Bride Award is given to recognize an organization for its outstanding supports and contributions to bridge and cultivate relationships that promote the growth and success of each member’s business. This year’s Bridge Award was given to Hmong Today.

This year banquet would not have been possible without the generous support of our Gold Sponsor, American Family Insurance; the Bronze sponsors consisting of State Farm Insurance, American Bank and Western Bank; and all of the table sponsors and volunteers. We thank you for your participation and hope to see you again next year.