About Our Chamber
UNITING FOR GROWTH
Bridging East & West
The Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC) was established in 1999 in response to the growing need for unity and representation within Charlotte’s emerging Asian community. At a time when Asian voices were limited in the region, CAACC was created to build a supportive network for entrepreneurs and professionals, fostering growth and collaboration across diverse industries.
Today, CAACC remains the leading organization in the Charlotte region, dedicated to empowering Asian-American entrepreneurs, small to medium-sized businesses, nonprofits, cultural and educational institutions, and corporations seeking to enhance their supplier diversity efforts. Our mission is to promote economic growth, preserve cultural heritage, and strengthen community engagement throughout Charlotte and the Carolinas.
We achieve this by providing our members with vital resources such as educational programs, networking events, vendor opportunities, marketing support, funding access, and collaborative initiatives. These efforts are designed to elevate success in business, education, and public service while celebrating the rich diversity of the Asian-American community.
Through creating platforms for dialogue and partnership, CAACC continues to enhance economic opportunities, deepen cultural understanding, and build stronger community connections. Our work ensures that the voices of Asian-Americans are recognized, valued, and heard in the broader societal landscape.
WHO WE ARE
CAACC Operations Team
CAACC Board of Directors
John Chen, Chairman
Nimish Bhatt, At-Large
Eileen Cai, At-Large
Lena Chun Lee, At-Large
Ann Gonzales, President
Jerry Tucker, At-Large
Jian Zhang, At-Large
Alex Romero, At-Large
Div Bhingradia, Treasurer
Nini Bautista, At-Large
Binh Phu, At-Large
Timeline of key events
1999
- CAACC founded by Dr. Ki Hyun Chun
2000
- Inaugural Asian Festival, Marshall Park
2003
- Launched Miss Asian Festival, now Asian Music and Dance Fest competition. Launched business networking meeting.
2004
- Joined the Crossroads Charlotte
- Partnered with CMS for first Chinese language program
2005
- CAACC web site launched
2006
- Organized the Dragon Boat Festival, a first in the Carolinas
- Formed Charlotte Dragon Boat Association and the Charlotte Asian Heritage Association
2007
- Trilingual edition of the Asian Herald monthly published
- Pilot project to tutor/mentor underperform Asian high school students
- A social service team organized for refugee resettlement and domestic issues
2008
- The Asian Cultural Center opens
- Gandhi Park Charlotte, with Gandhi statue erected in uptown Charlotte
- Wellness project launched
2009
- Sponsored Leadership training of new Asian community leaders
- Refugee resettlement project initiated
- Launched organization assessment
- Seniors program organized
2010-present
- Formed the Business Development Council to attract Asian investment to the region
- Celebrated 5th anniversary as a part of the community-building initiative Crossroads Charlotte
- Small business resource center formed
- Joined mayoral delegation visit to China
- Assisted founding of UISAC for Asian senior wellness
- Sponsored the launch of the Asian Film Festival
- Supported the founding of Filipino American Spirit
- Founding Board of Trustees of the new dual language immersion public charter school East Voyager Academy