For the first time in nearly 20 years, the Detroit Chinese Business Association will host its annual Chinese New Year Gala in downtown Detroit to highlight the city’s transformation before Asian business and government leaders.
“It’s a pretty big step up to move (the gala) to the new Grand Riverview Ballroom at the new Cobo Center,” says Milan Stevanovich, business development officer for the organization. “We have done several events in Detroit recently to bring positive attention to the city’s assets and opportunities and offset the negative images that are portrayed by the media,”
In its 18th year, the gala, to be held Feb. 27, will bring together business, political, and community leaders for dinner, networking, cultural performances produced by Confucius Institutes and others, and a silent auction to benefit the Detroit Public Schools Foundation.
“We’re here to celebrate the 45,000 Chinese Americans that live in southeastern Michigan,” says Stevanovich, noting that Chinese New Year is the most important holiday for one-fifth of the world’s population.
He adds the immigration platform of the event’s keynote speaker, Gov. Rick Snyder, fits like a glove in relation to the event. Snyder has called for adding up to 50,000 immigrants in Detroit. “China is our fastest growing partner and largest trading partner after NAFTA. It makes a lot of sense to position Michigan as a global pub to do business,” Stevanovich says.
Stevanovich adds the organization is looking to become the Michigan Chinese Business Association, with satellite offices throughout the state.
For more information about the gala, or to purchase tickets, visit dcba.com or call 248-918-0391.
