Happy Independence Day!

[sunny duann]

Dear members and friends:

     I am honored to greet you on our country's 247th birthday today. I hope you are celebrating and feeling grateful as much as I do.

     I'd like to give you a brief report to you of our annual meeting on June 24, 2023, at the Tampa Buffet gathering.

     We had about 50 people participants, many are a first timer or newly moved-in Florida residents. The farthest is from North Port, Florida. 

     Our board installed new board members: Erin Man, Qian Zuo (on the trip), James Oldham, and Justin Andrews. We presented the awards to the retired VP Peter Simmons and retired Tresasuer Anthony Gaeto. The current board members list is here for your reference: President Sunny Duann, Vice President Eric Man, Secretary Sue Xu, Treasurer Laura Gao, Lena Tan, Anne-Marie Naughton, Qian Zuo, James Oldham, Justin Andrews, Peter Simmons, and Anthony Gaeto. Total of 11 members. With a new force joining the board, I am sure we can do a better job to serve you, and fulfilling the chamber's mission in the coming year. 

       The venue of the day was smoothly presented. The Hillsborough County two officers Theresa Kemp and Gwen Sevaastasi introduced the county's minority and small business vendor application program, this will help small business owners become vendors/suppliers for all the county offices' purchase needs. Attorney Jin Liu used bilingual skills to illustrate the new State Law SB264, and how its impact on the Florida Chinese communities. In the meantime, her details of the subject are well-prepared for the audience's questions and answers. Judge Charles Williams came all the way from Sarasota to introduce the Far East to American Chinese Immigrates stories in arts will be displayed at the James Museum exhibition from October to January 2025. He told us the purpose of the exhibitions is to tell the world "WE ARE THE ONE" in equality human race. 

         The young 2nd generation Dr. Samsong Lu performed the east and west theme violin melodies, he practice radiology at Tampa General Hospital for his professional career. Lu came from a prominent violin musician in China. 

          The annual meeting finished with a happy network and raffle prizes session. Besides delicious buffet food, the board also prepared Zongzi for each member to enjoy the festival food. 

           We wish you a safe, cool summer. Stay tuned for our fall program in the future.

           The photos attached in this email are for your reference of the annual event. 

           Sunny Duann

           President

           sdu...@gmail.com, 727-656-9988