Dear ABA members and friends,
As some of you may have known, my last day at ABA will be Friday, March 31. It has been a great run for me as well as for our organization. I am very honored and proud to have overseen the growth and accomplishments of ABA since 2001. I especially want to thank the many corporations, public agencies, business owners, and community leaders for their tireless efforts and contributions to the continuing success of ABA. Needless to say, many of you have become more than just professional partners but close friends of mine. My respect for all of you is immense.
You have assisted in the growth of this organization as well as the growth of my character. For that, I am truly grateful. You have provided the much needed encouragement, financial support and sweat equity to ensure our success in promoting the growth of many small businesses. Again, I praise you for the selflessness efforts and contributions.
This past Monday night after our golf tournament, Steve Lee (Enterprise), Linda Young (Tailored Baskets) and Dee Castro (ABA) gave me a surprise send off during the reception. It included kind words, slide show and big basket full of goodies. I was extremely touched by the wonderful gestures and was overwhelmed by the goodwill. This is why I had such a difficult time not just saying thank you but also good bye.
I have viewed my position here at Asian Business Association as more than just a job. I see it as a way for me to personally participate in the growth and success of my friends’ businesses. This in turn created more opportunities for other small minority businesses and ensure a greater diverse business community. I truly still believe our mission is not finished and we need to continue in assisting other small and medium size Asian business owners in obtaining success. In addition, we need to continue our participation with larger companies in solidifying a symbiotic relationship with our minority community.
There are few special people I liked to mention. Grace Whitcomb and Joe Alderete have given me enormous support since my first day at ABA. It has remained consistent till this very day. Monetta Stephens have worked very close with me in the vision and direction of our organization as it pertains to our mission. Paul Abe consistently supports our association and recently came through "big time" in helping ABA secure a new office space in Little Tokyo.
I also would like to thank the following people for their efforts and genuine friendship. These folks really have gone over and beyond the call of duty in supporting our association: Linda Young, Wes Tanaka, Arnold Ng, Joseph Jou, Bob Glickley, Kelly Yang, Vivienne Lee, Lisa Sueki, Michael Carney, Steve Lee, Mitzi Murakami, Mark Tran, Jeff Thorsen and Stephen Lee. It's truly a pleasure serving as your first mate on this voyage. As for Dee Castro, she is a remarkable woman. She can even make me look good during the most difficult moments. She is my coach, mentor, advisor and friend. She loves the association with all her heart and we are extremely fortunately to have such a fine talent. Our last 4 years of success would not be possible without her. Thank you Dee!
Once again, thank you for a great run! ABA is now in a much higher profile. We are recognized in more press releases than before, we have the highest number of corporate and public agency support, we strengthen our relationship with elected officials, and most of all, we have gained the respect of our Asian business community. Please show my successor the same support you have given me. I am confident the relationship we have accomplished is only in the nascent stages and greater things are surely to come. It is good to finish on top but it is even better to have worked with you as my business partner and friend. Thank you.
Respectfully yours,
Dennis Huang
Executive Director
Asian Business Association
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