Reflecting on 2021 — The Year in Review

Scroll down to read a message from our President & CEO, Pat Fong Kushida.

Dear valued members and partners,

In 2021, a year bookended by the pandemic, hard work took on new meanings. Hard work wasn’t just about trying our best under challenging circumstances. It meant doing everything possible to ensure the survival and success of our small businesses. Our small business community and the Chamber alike were giving our all and then some, and often still having to cross our fingers in the uncertainty of the pandemic. I am honored to share our reflection of 2021, and the determined hard work planned for 2022.

OUR WINS 

The Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (SacAsian) celebrated many wins this past year across our Sacramento region. We further developed our Sacramento Inclusive Economic Development Collaborative (Sac IEDC) and Minority Business Assistance Recovery Kickstart (MBARK) programs, both of which directly address the investment inequities in our minority small business community. The Chamber champions this development as local governments must view minority-owned businesses as assets that need to be invested in. When they grow, our communities grow, and jobs are created around our region.  

With incredible financial support from the City of Sacramento and our county, we implemented our Sac IEDC and MBARK programs to prioritize our inclusive economic development efforts. Furthermore, our MBARK program was reinforced by a generous $650,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund, enabling us to continue supporting minority-owned small businesses as they play an instrumental role in our economy. In adapting to the pandemic, we have shaped a successful expansion of our digital platforms, including more than 14,000 email subscribers and more than 21,000 social media followers. These numbers continue to grow with our impact. Working as a team with corporate and community partners, and alongside other regional chambers, we are transforming the economic landscape into one that is sustainably inclusive. 

A GLIMPSE OF THE YEAR AHEAD

Entering the new year, SacAsian will be an extension of the Sacramento regional jurisdiction’s economic development arm. We will continue to strengthen and enhance diverse small businesses with a pledge to secure investments going to our most vulnerable communities. 

This marks our third year in a global pandemic. SacAsian has effectively provided assistance to our small business communities under remote circumstances. We continue to learn, adjust, and strengthen our remote operational support in the new year.  

I eagerly anticipate the upcoming events in 2022, especially our first ever Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Night Market.   Although 2022 has just begun, there is much to be excited about, and even more to hope for. We’re ready to get to work. 

Pat Fong Kushida
President & CEO
Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce