The Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) chose to hold its 22nd annual conference July 27-30 in Atlanta because of the rapid growth of the Asian American community here, Christine Chen, the OCA’s national director of programs, told GlobalFax last week.
Ms. Chen was visiting from the organization’s Washington, D.C., headquarters, to help with the arrangements for the various events that will highlight the annual civil rights conference.
“We are hoping that the turnout in Atlanta will be good, particularly so that the Fortune 500 companies and the federal agencies participating in the Job Fair will recognize the strength of the community,” she said.
Traditionally the fair has been held in either New York or California. But last year it was held in Dallas, and this year in Atlanta so that the extent of the growth of the newer Asian American communities could be highlighted, she added.
AFLAC, Home Depot, IBM and United Parcel Service are among the more than 55 companies and organizations to be represented at the fair on Friday, July 28, and Saturday, July 29, at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead. Attendance at the fair is free of charge and attendees should bring resumes for distribution.
According to Ms. Chen, the conference is expected to draw some 1,000 participants from across the country. The OCA’s directory of Asian Pacific American organizations lists 34 entries for Georgia including nine business, professional and trade groups.
The many activities are to include a documentary about the lives of Chinese American veterans and civilians who proved their loyalty to the United States on the battlefields and at home during World War 11 and a summit for Asian Pacific American Chambers of Commerce dealing with practical business issues. A dinner at Zoo Atlanta where the two pandas from China will be on display also is scheduled.
To learn more about the conference, go to www.ocanatl.org or call Phil Wu of the OCA-Georgia Chapter at (404) 526-9772 or send an e-mail to phillip_wu@yahoo.com