The St. Louis Chapter of the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) held their annual banquet on Saturday, February 19 at Meadowbrook Country Club in Ballwin. In addition to over three hundred guests, special attendees included St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley, Missouri State Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal, St. Louis International Institute President Anna Crosslin, Judge Judy Draper, St. Louis County Department of Revenue director Eugene Leung, and Deborah Price from Missouri Governor Jay Nixon office.
The master of ceremonies for the banquet was Rebecca Wu, former KSDK news anchor, now a spokesperson for the FBI - St. Louis office. The keynote speaker this year was Ken Lee, the president of OCA National. This year's Youth Leadership Award winner was Dee Luo, a junior at Clayton High School, for her academic excellence and community volunteering .
In his keynote speech, Mr. Lee talked about his parents and grandparents immigrating to America and his 35 year tenure at UPS. While at UPS, he became the first Asian American to attain the title of Vice President and was one of the highest ranked Asian Pacific Americans at the company. Ken was and is still an active mentor and role model for many Asian employees. During the banquet Mr. Lee emphasized the importance of the Asian Community and staying involved.
Eling Lam, the OCA - St. Louis Chapter President, highlighted last year's accomplishments as well as what it is planned for 2011. The OCA continues to build leadership and strengthen the community by promoting networking and civic participation.
Sponsors of this year's banquet are:GOLD - M&I Bank
SILVER - Farmers Insurance, AT&T, AB Pac Asia
BRONZE - MAABA (Missouri Asian American Bar Association), Monsanto, Confucius Institute at Webster University, Andrews Academy, Wells Fargo Advisors, Prudential, OCA National President - Ken Lee
Open Forum About China Hub ProjectHosted by County Executive Charlie Dooley
St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley announced at OCA annual banquet on February 19, 2011 to invite Asian community leaders to attend a meeting on March 2nd, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at County Executive office (9th floor. 41 South Central, Clayton, MO 63105) to discuss China Hub project. Please RSVP by calling 314/615-2599 Joanne Gladney by February 28.
There is also a job open in St. Louis County government which can be applied by calling 314/615-7016. |
