Arizona Chinese Chamber of Commerce Hosts Grand Spring Banquet, Drawing Top Political and Business Leaders
By KAIYING Li | Arizona Chinese American
PHOENIX — The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Arizona held its annual Spring Banquet on April 11 at Great Wall Cuisine in Phoenix, hosting 28 tables in a festive and vibrant atmosphere that brought together prominent figures from government, business, and multicultural communities.
Ahead of the event, U.S. Congressman Andy Biggs, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen, and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego sent congratulatory letters, extending their best wishes for a successful evening.
The banquet drew an impressive lineup of distinguished guests, including Congressman and Arizona gubernatorial candidate Andy Biggs and his wife; Arizona State Representative and Secretary of State candidate Alexander Kolodin and his spouse; Maricopa County Supervisor for District 1 Mark Stewart; Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan; Chandler Mayor and Arizona House District 13 candidate Kevin Hartke; Phoenix City Councilmember Ann O'Brien and her husband; and Sean Fogarty, Vice President of International Business Development at the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.
Also in attendance were Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher, Deputy City Manager Frank McCune, Paradise Valley Municipal Court Judge Larry King, Global Ties Arizona Board Chair David Luna, board member and Phoenix Sister Cities business relations chair Emilio Gaynor, Chandler Chamber of Commerce Outreach Director Sam Szeto, Arizona Asian community leaders, and representatives from SRP and other organizations.
Numerous institutions and businesses also participated in groups, including Arizona State University (ASU), APS, the Arizona Chinese Week Committee, China Airlines, Tong Kong & Company CPAs, EWU Lending, the Law Offices of Catherine Jiang, and 808 Asian Plaza.
The evening was coordinated by Vice President Sunny Kong, with Ty Ng and Brella Feng serving as emcees. The program opened with an energetic lion dance led by Ty Ng and young performer Mia. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Chamber advisor Barry Wong. Children from Hola Hello Ni Hao Preschool（Chamber member） performed a touching rendition of the U.S. national anthem, adding a heartfelt tone to the ceremony.
Chamber President Lisa Liu Ritchie delivered welcoming remarks, emphasizing the organization’s role in building bridges between the Chinese American community and mainstream society. Barry Wong then introduced the distinguished guests. Congressman Andy Biggs, Supervisor Mark Stewart, and Sean Fogarty each addressed the audience, praising the Chamber’s contributions to economic development and community integration.
The cultural program featured vibrant performances, including a traditional Chinese dance by the “Blooming Desert Arts Group.” Renowned artist Fan Rong created a live painting of a galloping horse for Congressman Andy Biggs, symbolizing success in his gubernatorial bid. In a symbolic gesture, Biggs was invited to paint the first and final strokes, and both men signed the artwork, marking a meaningful moment of cross-cultural collaboration.
Poet Hu Changming presented an original poem composed for the occasion, while Professor Doug Guthrie of ASU’s Thunderbird School of Global Management performed “Country Road” on guitar, blending Eastern and Western cultural elements.
The Chamber’s annual Outstanding Chinese Business Award was presented to Gila Cabinet & Stone Center in recognition of its contributions to the community.
The Chamber’s dragon boat team, now in its third year, was also honored for its achievements. Under the leadership of captains Mary and Icy, the team broke records twice this year and won the Corporate A Division championship at the Arizona Dragon Boat Festival. Team members were invited on stage to receive recognition, and sponsors NB Home Construction, Dragon Wok, and LBW Wellness Spa ，Raymond Tang were presented with certificates of appreciation.
The scholarship segment highlighted eight graduating high school seniors who received awards this year: Riley Doan, Avery Liu, Brendon Matlock, Naomi McGlasson, Abigail Qiu, Taylor Williams, Caden Yap, and Carlton Yap. Supported by Angry Crab Shack, Ron and Ling Lou, APS, the Catherine and Ying Tang Memorial Fund, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, 808 Asian Plaza, Dr. Zongfu Li, Kong and Associates CPAs, LLC, Tong Kong & Company CPAs, the Sino-American Student Scholars Exchange Association, and Hao Zhou., each student shared their academic plans and aspirations, earning warm applause from attendees.
The raffle drawing brought excitement to the evening, with prizes donated by local businesses. The grand prize — a round-trip ticket from Phoenix to any destination in Asia — was sponsored by China Airlines and presented by Phoenix General Manager Zhang Guozhen. He also spoke about the airline’s commitment to serving Arizona travelers and strengthening ties with the local community.
In a post-event interview, President Lisa Liu Ritchie noted that this year’s banquet marked a significant milestone, with increased participation from high-level government officials and industry leaders.
“This reflects the growing influence of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Arizona and our expanding role in connecting communities,” she said. “We hope to continue fostering deeper collaboration and creating more opportunities for economic growth and cultural exchange.”
She also expressed gratitude to sponsors, volunteers, restaurant staff, and all attendees for making the event a success.
The following day, Alexander Kolodin and Andy Biggs sent thank-you letters to Vice President and Banquet Chairwoman Sunny Kong, praising the event and expressing their intention to attend again in the future if elected.
While the banquet has concluded, its impact continues to resonate, further strengthening ties between the Chinese American community and the broader Arizona society.