On July 28th, the Asian American Business Alliance of Greater Philadelphia (AABAGP) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate their new office at 1100 Washington Ave in South Philadelphia. The event was attended by Philadelphia City Council members Mark Squilla and Jim Harrity, who presented an award on behalf of the City Council to AABAGP. The ceremony was presided over by a pastor from the Korean United Church, offering prayers for blessings upon the new office as a hub for promoting Asian business development, conducting business training, and fostering community cohesion and collaboration.
AABAGP Chairperson Lois Kang, in her speech, mentioned that AABAGP was founded in 2024 by several Asian business and community leaders with the aim of assisting Asian businesses in accessing more resources, information, and development opportunities to further economic growth and job creation. Kang emphasized the role of AABAGP as a connector, aiming to forge close connections between government, businesses, and the community.
Kang stated that the new office will host activities such as business training, seminars, one-on-one mentoring, and business consultations to provide more resources and opportunities for Asian businesses to thrive.
Beyond its business and economic goals, AABAGP also carries an important community mission. Kang expressed their commitment to expanding outreach efforts to various sectors of the community to act as a bridge for collaboration, fostering the prosperous development of the city and the region.
During the event, Council members Squilla, Harrity, Dongkun Thomas Kang – deputy chief of staff to Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, and Michyah Thomas – community engagement director for Councilmember Kendra Brooks, jointly read commendations for AABAGP. The commendation certificate from the City Council concluded with heartfelt gratitude for the contributions of AABAGP’s leadership in promoting inclusive economic growth and enhancing competitiveness in both Philadelphia and the Greater Philadelphia region.
Council member Harrity expressed his delight in seeing people from various ethnic backgrounds gathered, highlighting the importance of cultural understanding in reducing conflicts. He commended the unity fostered not only within their respective communities but also across the entire city of Philadelphia.
David Oh, Chairman of AABAGP, shared his volunteer involvement with AABAGP and his vision of establishing a platform for exchange and cooperation to facilitate connections, mutual support, and shared development among businesses, communities, and government entities.