The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) celebrated 25 years of fostering business growth, enhancing trade with India, and creating local jobs at its Silver Jubilee Gala.
Over 700 business leaders, elected officials, and distinguished guests gathered at the Hilton Americas on Sep 21 to commemorate the Chamber’s impactful legacy within the Indo-American business community, according to a press release.
The evening commenced with a VIP Reception in the Grand Ballroom, where elected officials and key community figures engaged in exclusive networking.
READ: Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston to honor three Indian Americans (August 21, 2017)
Congressman AL Green and Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis helped the Chamber recognize Gala’s significant supporters, Mr. Nick Dhanani and Wallis Bank, alongside other Chamber contributors. IACC India Secretary General Kamal Vora, visiting from India, was recognized as a long-term friend and partner in India,
The main program featured keynote addresses from John Whitmire, Mayor of Houston, and DC Manjunath, Consul General of India, Houston.
Jagdip Ahluwalia, Executive Director of IACCGH, opened the event followed by a welcome address from Rajiv Bhavsar, President of IACCGH who highlighted the Chamber’s initiatives supporting small businesses and trade relationships.
A special panel moderated by Chamber past president and former Metro Houston Chairman Sanjay Ramabhadran, titled “25 in 25- A Legacy in Progress,” highlighted the Chamber’s key accomplishments.
Panelists included IACCGH Advisors Dr. Durga Agrawal, Founding President; Paul Hamilton, former President of Shell USA; and Dr. Renu Khator, Chancellor of the University of Houston System, and special invitees and long term Chamber supporters Adrian Garcia, Commissioner Harris County, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Jeff Moseley, former President GHP, Ed Emmett, former Harris County Judge, Asif Dakri, CEO Wallis Bank. Carlicia Wright, Chief Equity Officer Port Houston, and Malisha Patel, IACCGH President-Elect
The Silver Jubilee cake cutting ceremony featured former Houston mayor Sylvester Turner, former LyondellBasell CEO, IACCGH Advisor Bob Patel, and other dignitaries celebrating the Chamber’s quarter-century of success.
The event underscored the Chamber’s vital role in driving economic growth, fostering collaboration within the Indo-American business community and its substantial impact over the years.
In his closing remarks, Jagdip Ahluwalia expressed deep gratitude to sponsors, community partners, and members for their steadfast support, which has been crucial to the Chamber’s success. He also looked ahead to a promising future as IACCGH embarks on its next 25 years of excellence.