Arizona Chinese Chamber of Commerce Hosts Grand Spring Banquet to Celebrate the Year of the Snake
Allison Li
by ACA
The year 2025 marks the Chinese Lunar Year of the Snake. The Arizona Chinese Chamber of Commerce hosted a grand “Year of the Snake Spring Banquet” on April 12 at Great Wall Cuisine in Phoenix to celebrate this cherished traditional festival. The event drew nearly 300 guests, including prominent figures from political, business, and overseas Chinese communities and Chinese-American friendship groups. The gathering highlighted the unity and vitality of the local Chinese community and underscored the enduring influence of Chinese culture in Arizona.
The banquet hall was brightly decorated with lanterns and festive symbols, creating a joyful and celebratory atmosphere. All decorations were thoughtfully prepared in advance by Chamber volunteers and restaurant staff. This year, a beautifully designed program booklet was produced, coordinated by Sunny and Kaiying, and overseen by President Lisa Liu Ritchie. Its professional layout impressed guests, while each attendee also received a complimentary seasoning gift set sponsored by Kikkoman Soy Sauce.
Special guests at the event included Arizona State Senate President Warren Petersen, Arizona Corporation Commission Chairman Kevin Thompson and Vice Chairman Nick Myers, Robert S. Graham, former chairman of the Arizona Republican Party, Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers, and Chamber Advisor Barry Wong. Leaders from the Chinese community were also in attendance, including Garry Ong, President of the Arizona Chinese Restaurant Association and the Chinese Welfare Association; Helen Zhang, President of the Greater Phoenix Chinese United Association; Vice President Lynne Wen; former President Tony Tang; advisor Raymond Tang; Wanbo Zhang, President of the Chinese Senior Citizens Association; and Homer Zhang, President of the Chinese Historical Association. Guests praised the hardworking, intelligent, and passionate Chinese community as integral to Arizona’s diverse culture. They applauded the Chamber’s efforts in fostering U.S.-China exchanges and contributing to local economic development.
Vice Presidents Icy, Brella, and Daniel hosted the evening program. It opened with a traditional lion dance performance, igniting the festive mood with the rhythmic sounds of drums and gongs. Chamber President Lisa Liu Ritchie and former President John Lee delivered welcoming remarks, expressing gratitude for the community’s support. They affirmed that the Chamber will continue promoting the growth of Chinese businesses, enhancing East-West cultural exchange, and strengthening the influence of Chinese Americans in mainstream society.
At the end of March, the Chamber's dragon boat team, led by President Lisa Liu Ritchie, earned second place in Group A of the corporate division at this year's Arizona Dragon Boat Festival—its best result in two years. Several team members were present at the banquet to celebrate with the community.
This year's Outstanding Chinese Business Award was presented to Green Apple Art Academy. Principal Leslie Yuan received the award from Commissioner Kevin Thompson and Vice Chairman Nick Myers.
President Lisa Liu Ritchie also presented plaques of appreciation to Chamber advisors Barry Wong, Bernard Wu, and former President John Lee for their dedication and contributions. Six scholarship recipients were also recognized at the event: Emily Chao (Chandler High School), Daniel Fan (Arcadia High School), Minlin Liang (Ironwood High School), Sophia Lin (BASIS Scottsdale), Isabella (Chaparral High School), and Selene Raimo (Centennial High School). All are graduating seniors heading to college. Each student joined their sponsor on stage for commemorative photos.
A highlight of the evening was the delicious banquet feast, featuring an array of traditional Chinese dishes, including the Great Wall appetizer platter, Cantonese-style barbecue meats, and seafood soup with squid and dried scallops. Guests were full of praise for the culinary offerings. Throughout the evening, cultural performances, such as Cantonese instrumental music, jazz dance, and solo dance acts showcased the talent and artistry of the local Chinese community.
The event included an exciting raffle with generous prizes donated by Tan Hwa Inc., Dragon Bowl, and others to keep the atmosphere lively. The drawing brought plenty of laughter and joy as lucky winners smiled from ear to ear, adding excitement and festivity to the banquet.
The evening concluded with a group photo of Chamber leaders, volunteers, and guest speakers, marking the successful end of the Spring Banquet.
The event provided a platform for networking and celebration among overseas Chinese and offered a valuable opportunity for mainstream society to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.
President Lisa Liu Ritchie expressed her commitment to organizing more meaningful events in the coming year, contributing to community development, cultural exchange, and cross-cultural unity.
She also extended her sincere thanks to the event’s sponsors, including:
APS – Arizona Public Service, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, ACEL – Asian Corporate & Entrepreneur Leaders, Arizona Asian American Bar Association, Phoenix Chinese Week, Chinese United Association of Greater Phoenix, Arizona Asian American Association, 808 Plaza, Kong & Associates, NB Home Construction Inc., EWU Lending, Arizona State University, Green Apple Art Academy, AZ Chinese News, and Arizona Chinese Press.
Special thanks also went to the many volunteers who contributed to the banquet’s success:
John Lee, Lisa Liu Ritchie, Steven Liu, Judge King, Tony Kong, Helen Zhang, Iris Zhao, Barry Wong, Bernard Wu, Chino Bandido, 808 Asian Plaza, UCAA, Brella Feng, Daniel Zheng, Leon Ping, Ty Ng, Kaiying Li, Sunny Kong, Mei Guarin, Zhen Sanchez, Lily Wong, Lihong Qiu, Pei Huang, Xiaobin Duan, Rui Lemos, and Filipa Castelo.