Summary of 2/21 Lunar Chinese New Year cell
sunny duann
🔔 The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay held a grand “2026 Chinese New Year of the Horse Celebration Banquet” on February 21 at Grand Harvest Restaurant. The event was filled to capacity, with nearly 80 members and guests in attendance. The venue was alive with festive joy and celebration.
President Sunny Duann delivered the welcome remarks, noting that the day coincided with the auspicious “Welcoming the God of Wealth” celebration. She extended her heartfelt wishes for the new year: “May your career gallop toward success, may wealth flow abundantly, and may you enjoy good health and prosperity in all things.”
Special guests included Ms. Mariben Andersen, chairwoman of the Mayor’s Asian American Advisory Council; Ms. Ming He, President of the Suncoast Association of Chinese Americans; and Mr. Lei Cheng, President of the Chinese American Association of Tampa Bay. They joined the celebration and offered congratulatory remarks, demonstrating the spirit of unity and collaboration within the community.
President Duann expressed sincere appreciation to all board members for their dedication and introduced those in attendance, including Vice Presidents James Oldham, Jill Xiong, Andrew Lien, and Peter Simmons. Special thanks were extended to former President Ms. Yingyi Xu and high school intern Emily Ding for assisting with front desk reception, bringing youthful energy to the event.
During the banquet, President Duann announced that the Chamber has officially applied for and received approval from the government to become a nonprofit organization. Reflecting on the past year, she highlighted a series of successful programs, including business visits, educational seminars, and a cultural exchange trip to The Ringling Museum. In the coming year, the Chamber will continue its mission of service, supporting member businesses with expanded resources and opportunities for growth.
The Board thoughtfully arranged a rich program of performances. Ms. Baozhen Li presented exquisite music on four traditional Chinese instruments—the bamboo flute, erhu, hulusi, and morin khuur—captivating the audience. The StarLite Dance Group from the Suncoast Association of Chinese Americans performed three graceful classical dances, elegant and enchanting. Master Bob Ong’s kung fu demonstration, along with an exciting raffle drawing featuring generous prizes, earned enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
This New Year celebration successfully brought together longtime friends and new acquaintances alike. Even after the formal program concluded, guests lingered to reconnect, exchange business insights, and strengthen friendships—fully reflecting the Chamber’s spirit of unity, mutual support, and vibrant community engagement.
The 2026 Year of the Horse Spring Celebration was a resounding success! 🐴🧧
