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.

© Photography by Jo Hayes Images
WHO WE ARE

CAACC Operations Team

Ann Gonzales
President & CEO
Monica Kweman
Operations Director
Div Bhingradia
Finance Director
Kim Lam
Administrative Assistant
Maureen Carlomagno
Chair of Membership & Outreach
Yann Ki-Ny
Chair of Community Relations
Levi Rmah
Outreach Specialist
AAPI Business Outreach Project
Maybelline Moreno
Graphic Designer
AAPI Business Outreach Project
Vikash Konchada
Research & Data Collection
AAPI Business Outreach Project

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