[Photo = TexasN] Senior Vice Chairman Kang Moon-sun of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce USA (KACCUSA) (left) and former Austin Korean American Chamber President Han Sang-ryul (right) present the Austin chamber flag to newly inaugurated President Nam Jong-kyu (second from left) during a commemorative photo session.

After nearly eight years of suspended activity, the Austin Korean American Chamber of Commerce has successfully rebuilt and officially relaunched, signaling a renewed phase of growth.

On Feb. 27, the chamber held an inauguration ceremony installing Nam Jong-kyu as its sixth president and announced plans to reposition itself as a comprehensive economic platform supporting Korean companies and U.S. subsidiaries operating in Central Texas.

The reconstruction was led primarily by U.S. subsidiaries of Korean companies that have expanded into Austin. Following the tenure of fifth president Han Sang-ryul, chamber activities had largely ceased. The rapid influx of Korean firms in recent years—particularly in semiconductor and big tech sectors—served as a direct catalyst for the revival.

150 Attend; Korea–U.S. Economic Institutions Gather

Approximately 150 attendees participated in the event, including Dave Porter, Executive Director of the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership; representatives from the City of Leander’s economic development office; the Dallas office of KOTRA Dallas; and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Houston.

Executives and representatives from Korean companies operating in Austin, including Samsung Electronics, were present, along with regional business leaders. Hwang Byung-gu, chairman of KACCUSA, delivered congratulatory remarks, stating that Austin is emerging as a strategic hub for Korea–U.S. economic cooperation and expressing expectations for the chamber’s expanded role.

Representatives from Korean American chambers in North Texas, Houston, Arkansas, and the South Central regional federation, as well as members of the next-generation business group IGN, also attended to demonstrate solidarity.

President Nam: “Building a Corporate-Centered Platform”

In an interview following his inauguration, President Nam said that Austin has recently seen expansion by global big tech companies such as Samsung, Tesla, and Apple, alongside a growing number of Korean firms entering the market.

“With companies independently searching for information and facing various challenges, there was a clear need for an integrated support platform,” Nam said.

He noted that while the chamber previously focused on small business owners, its membership now centers on publicly listed and mid-sized corporate entities. Drawing on his own experience in U.S. market operations, Nam said he intends to provide practical models and realistic support for Korean companies expanding into Texas.

He emphasized collaboration with local communities and public economic institutions to help Korean firms establish stable operations and create a mutually beneficial growth model.

Central Texas has recently emerged as a strategic investment destination for Korean companies, particularly in semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. Observers view the chamber’s reconstruction not merely as an organizational revival but as a signal of a more structured economic network supporting Korean corporate expansion in Texas.

Williamson County: “Visible Progress in Attracting Korean Investment”

Dave Porter said the chamber’s relaunch reflects significant progress in attracting Korean investment to Central Texas.

Since 2023, the county has invested approximately $700,000 in Korea-focused marketing efforts, resulting in nine project wins. Porter cited the entry of Woori Bank—the first Korean bank to establish operations in Central Texas—as one of the achievements.

“The relationship among Korea, Samsung, the State of Texas, and Williamson County has never been stronger,” Porter said, adding that the chamber’s reconstruction will further strengthen bilateral economic ties.

Samsung: “Connectivity Creates Opportunity”

Michelle Glaze of Samsung Austin Semiconductor’s external affairs division, attending on behalf of Vice President Jeffrey Go, emphasized the importance of connectivity between corporations and local communities.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Samsung Austin Semiconductor described itself as a global brand rooted in Central Texas. “When we collaborate, we are not just manufacturing chips; we are creating opportunity and transforming lives,” Glaze said, encouraging President Nam to serve as a bridge-builder.

She added that connection goes beyond circuits and data to link culture, business, neighbors, and community, expressing confidence in the chamber’s future-oriented role.

Referring to bibimbap, a traditional Korean dish, Glaze noted that while mixing many ingredients may initially seem unlikely to work, combining elements of America, Korea, and Texas ultimately creates something meaningful and successful, drawing strong applause from attendees.

KOTRA Dallas: “New Channel for Local Engagement”

KOTRA Dallas, which has operated since 1969 and oversees five southern U.S. states including Texas, also expressed expectations for closer cooperation.

Director Eun-ho Kang said that although Austin is a key regional hub, physical distance between Dallas and Austin had previously limited rapid response capabilities. With the launch of the chamber’s sixth administration, Kang said, a new channel has been established for more active communication and collaboration with local companies.

Business leaders and Korean corporate representatives in attendance described the relaunch as a potential catalyst for expanding the Korean industrial ecosystem in Central Texas.

Senior Vice Chairman Kang Moon-sun of KACCUSA (left) and former Austin KACC President Han Sang-ryul (right) present the Austin chamber flag to newly inaugurated President Nam Jong-kyu (second from left).

Dave Porter of the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership donates a wafer received from Samsung in 2007 to President Nam Jong-kyu during the relaunch ceremony.

Distinguished guests pose for a commemorative photo at the Austin Korean American Chamber of Commerce inauguration ceremony on Feb. 27.

Source: Texas N
By Mi-hyang Ahn

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출처: TexasN Korean Newspaper