11 new directors join chamber
Focus expands to next-generation leadership, AI and new business opportunities
The Orange County Korean American Chamber of Commerce held its fourth regular board meeting on Aug. 6 at its office on Beach Boulevard in Buena Park, bringing together more than 60 board members to discuss the organization’s growth and upcoming initiatives.
The chamber, led by President Joong Yeol Lee, welcomed 11 new directors at the meeting, bringing its board membership to 120 — the largest in the organization’s history.
“Surpassing 120 directors is more than simply an increase in numbers. It shows that our chamber is growing together with a broader community of business leaders,” Lee said. “I sincerely thank all of our directors for their participation and support.”
Lee said the chamber plans to further expand programs aimed at developing the next generation of Korean American business leaders, providing education on emerging business trends such as artificial intelligence, and strengthening exchanges with economic and business organizations in the United States, Korea and other countries.
“Our goal is to build a chamber that provides practical value and tangible support to our member companies,” Lee said.
He added that the chamber will continue to emphasize “growth, connection and collaboration” while advocating for Korean American businesses, cultivating emerging entrepreneurs and expanding business ties between South Korea and the United States.
“Through these efforts, we plan to strengthen our role as a bridge for the sustainable development of the Korean American business community,” Lee said.
Upcoming Programs and Initiatives
During the meeting, directors discussed several upcoming programs and activities, including a mentorship program for next-generation business leaders, participation in the ASD Market Week trade show in Las Vegas, a special AI seminar designed to help businesses respond to a rapidly changing environment, and participation in events related to the global Korean business community scheduled for late October.
The board also decided not to jointly host the previously considered “Eoheung Festival” after reviewing the overall circumstances surrounding the event.
Directors Discuss Growing U.S.-Korea Economic Cooperation
Board members also exchanged views on the recent expansion of South Korean corporate investment in the United States and the growing importance of U.S.-Korea economic cooperation.
In particular, attendees welcomed Korea Zinc’s planned investment in Tennessee. Korea Zinc has played a major role in the development of South Korea’s non-ferrous metals industry, and directors expressed hope that its U.S. investment would contribute to job creation, strengthen domestic supply chains and further deepen industrial and economic cooperation between the United States and South Korea.
Directors also expressed support for Korea Zinc’s stable management and continued growth. Board members were encouraged, based on their own individual judgment, to take an interest in and support the company’s global expansion and to help raise awareness in their communities about the broader significance of Korean companies expanding their investment and business presence in the United States.
Chamber Relocates to Buena Park
Earlier this year, the Orange County Korean American Chamber of Commerce relocated its office to a building in Buena Park that houses a number of Korean American businesses.
The chamber’s office is located at 6281 Beach Blvd., Suite 345, Buena Park, CA.
For more information, contact the Orange County Korean American Chamber of Commerce at (714) 638-1440.