Here we are in the beginning of a new century, the year 2000, the Lunar year of the Golden Dragon, and the year Atlanta hosts the OCA National Convention. As we progress through this exciting time, the world is becoming more connected and is continuing to get smaller and smaller-communication has become easier than ever. With just a click on a computer you can purchase something from the comfort of your own home, while the retailer could be a store set up across the world. What does all of this mean to our future? It is a rapidly growing bridge of communication that is connecting people of many diverse backgrounds. This brings us to the world market of tomorrow. With over one third of the world's population being of Asian decent, we are major players in a new diverse global market place. This is something that companies must recognize if they want to remain players in this vast market place. In order to grow and prosper in the next millennium, they must also become diverse!

The companies represented at the OCA Convention are those companies of the future. They recognize the value of diversity today and realize what they must do to be a part of the global force of tomorrow.

So what is all of this about? We, as Asian Americans need to continue to put our best foot forward, which starts at a community level. We must be organized and teamwork must prevail. We must present a united front and let the rest of the world see our community unified for this event. You can be a player in this role for yourself, your children, your grandchildren, and ultimately for everyone. We need your help to make this happen. Contact us if you can volunteer some of your time. Help us spread the word about our convention; help the community put its best foot forward.

The evening was a celebration of the dawning of a New Year and also a celebration of the human spirit as OCA recognized outstanding achievement in the community. OCA acknowledged outstanding local business and civic leaders, college and high school students, and non-profit service agencies that serve Asian Americans. The banquet also featured Congressman Robert Underwood of Guam, and serves as Chair of the Asian Pacific Caucus Congressional Committee, as keynote speaker.

The OCA Achievement Awards were given to individuals in the categories of Entrepreneur, Business and Citizen. Entrepreneur recognized individuals who exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit of launching their own successful business; Business recognized individuals who achieved success in the corporate world; and Citizen recognized individuals who had outstanding accomplishments in the community, government, or the arts.

College and high school students were awarded scholarships in the categories of Academics, Athletics, and Community Excellence. Male and female winners in each category received $300, with an overall winner that received $500.

Seven non-profit service agencies received a combined $12,000-plus from the Chopstix for Charity event in November 1999, which was organized by the Atlanta Chapter of National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) and sponsored by OCA. (See the listing of OCA Achievement Award winners and nominees, scholarship winners, and non-profit agencies listed below.)

“We are proud and honored to be able to recognize the many outstanding individuals in our community,” said Ken Lee, OCA Georgia Chapter President. “Too often good deeds and actions in our community go unnoticed. I am delighted that OCA can have this opportunity to reward these individuals and organization for their hard work and effort.”

Congressman Underwood addressed the issue of Chinese Americans, Asian Americans and other ethnic cultures working together to strive for equality as we move into the new millennium. According to the Congressman, one of the first things we can do to achieve this is by participating in the upcoming census.

“The only way we can be heard is if we are counted,” said Underwood, “and we can only be counted if we count ourselves [in the census]. We need to be proactive, to receive what we deserve as we are all equal citizens of the United States.”