The Asian American Chamber of Commerce is a relatively recent addition to the St. Louis business scene. The organization's founders, Johnny Wang and Alexander Lee, created the chamber two years ago in the wake of efforts to create a China Hub at Lambert International Airport.

In the process of their work for the China Hub, Wang and Lee realized St. Louis didn't have an organization dedicated to promoting Asian American businesses and decided to form the Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC).

"In our first few years we've been looking to build the organization overall as an umbrella organization. We're not here to replace any of the existing Asian organizations that are doing great work and a lot of good things for the community, but we want to help promote what they're doing," said Lee. He's the president of the AACC and the director of legal affairs at Centric Group.

The AACC focuses on bringing together the Asian American business community and connecting members of that community to the larger St. Louis business community by bringing practical business information to its members and highlighting how Asian American businesses contribute to the St. Louis economy.

The organization also promotes cultural events, such as this weekend's Asian Heritage Festival.

Guests for today's show included AACC President Alexander Lee, Vice-President Johnny Wang and Secretary Tanya Charumilind.

Related Event

Asian Heritage Festival 2013

Saturday, October 5, 2013

10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

8020 Olive Boulevard at International Plaza

Asian American Chamber of Commerce Website

St. Louis on the Air provides discussion about issues and concerns facing the St. Louis area. The show is produced by Mary Edwards and Alex Heuer and hosted by veteran journalist Don Marsh.

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