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Invitation to all our esteemed members to join us in celebrating a successful year and to express our gratitude to the incredible sponsors who made it all possible in 2023.
Join us for an informative evening and listen to amazing insights on the economy and investing from Anil Kathod. Light hors-d’oeuvres and drinks will be provided.
Title – Sponsor Recognition Event
Date – February 20, 5:30 pm
Venue – 5, Concourse Parkway, Conference Room, Atlanta, GA 30238
Speaker – Anil Khatod, Serial Entrepreneur and Senior Partner at Argonaut Private Equity
Event Sponsor – Ironman Unity Resource Group
Event Sponsor – Ironman Unity Resource Group
Anil Khatod is a Senior Partner at Argonaut Private Equity and George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF) with more than $6 billion under management. He is the founding partner and directs Argonaut’s and GKFF’s global investments. His investments include both public and private companies in technology, financial services, and healthcare sectors in the US, India, China, Europe, Australia, Japan, and Israel.
Khatod has helped build several early and growth-stage companies including taking them through M&A and IPO processes. He serves or has served as a director of more than 25 public and private companies, angel-invested in more than 40 companies, and is a mentor and adviser to several companies and boards. Khatod currently serves on the board of directors of six companies and on the advisory boards and investment committees of more than a dozen venture and private equity funds.
Formerly Khatod was the CEO of AirDefense, a cyber security company that was acquired by Motorola, and the group president and member of the chairman’s executive council at Nortel Networks where he played a leading role in building global leadership in the optical and wireless network businesses with P&L responsibility for more than $25 billion in annual revenue.
Welcome Reception for New Consul General of India – Atlanta, USA
Spotlight – Relationship between India & Georgia
Wednesday, December 6, 2023, 4:30 to 6:30 PM ET
Venue: Queen Conference Room, 5 Concourse Pkwy, Atlanta GA 30328
Guest of Honor
Ramesh Babu L
Consul General
Consulate General of India, Atlanta GA
Complimentary Drinks and Dinner will be provided.
Limited seats.
Registration is on a first come first served basis
Please join GIACC for the
August Business Networking Event
August 17, 2023
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
King Building Conference Room
5 Concourse Parkway
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Non Members & Guest: $15
The NETT creates a space where businesses
can network, engage, transform, and thrive
June 16, 2023, from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Festival Center
3142 Hill St
Duluth, GA 30096
We are very excited about this opportunity which is centered around how to build and grow an effective network. We are partnering with the Gwinnett Chamber for The Exchange at The NETT where we bring together our members with one of our partner organization’s members, so the two groups can network together. We are honored to join with the Gwinnett Chamber for this exchange format to be held on June 16, 2023, from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM. Everyone who attends will get the opportunity to share their 30-second elevator pitch with the group.
For this event, the attendee fee has been waived so it is complimentary for our members. We just ask that you register on the Gwinnett Chamber website so we can plan accordingly for the correct number of attendees.
*** For planning purposes, please register prior to the event if you plan to attend this complimentary business networking opportunity.
You are invited to join GIACC, the Cobb Chamber, and SelectCobb to attend the upcoming
International Seminar: How to Do Business in India
Tuesday, June 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Cobb Chamber of Commerce
1100 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30339
Breakfast will be provided.
This in-person seminar is open to all interested attendees and will feature experts discussing:
Confirmed Panelists and Moderator
RSVP by Monday, June 5
Member Networking Event
Date: July (TBD)
Location: Queen Conference Room, 5 Concourse Pkwy, Atlanta GA 30328
Franchising, Is It Right for Me?
Panel with Franchising Experts
August 30, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: TBD
GIACC India Tourism Expo
Incredible India Tourism Expo
Date: September 13, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: TBD
Atlanta Indian Film Festival (AIFF)
Workshops & Film Screenings
Dates: October 5 – October 7
Tara Theater, 2345 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta GA 30324
GIACC Atlanta Trade Event (GATE) 2023
Investing in Georgia. Hosting an investors delegation from India
Date: November 1, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: TBD
Holiday Party
Year-end Holiday Party for Members & Guests
Date: TBD
Location: TBD
Members of the Board of GIACC
cordially invite you to a
Sponsor Recognition & Networking Event
Time; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Venue: Venture X Buckhead
3333 Peachtree Road NE, Ste 150
Atlanta, GA 30326
Light Refreshments will be served
Dress Code: Business casual
Parking available on site
For more information, please contact:
Anita Ninan
anita.ninan@ninanlegal.com
April 17, 2023
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Georgia Institute of Technology Alumni House
(190 North Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
Format: In-person and Online (broadcasted and recorded synchronously via YouTube)
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office(TECO) in Atlanta and the Sam Nunn School of International Relations from Georgia Institute of Technology are co-hosting a symposium on “Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific Geopolitical Competition” on April 17, 2023. We have invited Dr. Shelley Rigger, Vice President of Davidson College, to deliver a keynote speech. Well-known professors and experts including Michele Flournoy(former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy under President Barack Obama), General Phil Breedlove(former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe and US European Command Commander), Robert Bell(CEO of National Security Counsel consulting firm), etc. will take part in the panel discussion.
Program of the symposium is the following:
Agenda
10 a.m. – 10:10 a.m. Opening remarks: TECO Director General Elliot Wang and Senator Nunn
10:10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Keynote Speech: Why Taiwan Matters? By Shelley Rigger, Vice President of Davidson College
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Panel 1: How to Prevent a Taiwan War? Lessons from Ukraine and Beyond
Moderator: Michele Flournoy (former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy under President Barack Obama; Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at Georgia Tech, Distinguished Professor of the Practice)
Panelists:
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 – 3 p.m. Panel 2: Taiwan’s Crucial Role at the Center of the U.S.-China Tech War
Moderator: Alasdair Young (Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at Georgia Tech, Professor and Neal Family Chair)
Panelists:
You are cordially invited to attend the event and your participation will be an honor for us and an encouragement for the discussion.
March Member Networking Event
30 Mar 2023
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
at
Ippolitos Restaurant,
2270 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell GA 30076
Register here
Member: GIACC Members or Sponsors with membership only
Non-Member / Guests – $15.00
This is for non-members, guests of members, and anyone else
You are invited to a Holiday Party at
Sugarloaf Country Club
2595 Sugarloaf Club Dr., Duluth, GA
Wednesday December 7, 2022
6:00 PM
The Gwinnett Chamber and the Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (GIACC) are partnering to host the 2022 Multi-Chamber Mixer at After Hours, a culminating, end-of-year event designed to celebrate Gwinnett’s inclusive business community. The program will be held at the Gas South Convention Center on November 1 at 5:00 pm.
This Multi-Chamber Mixer is an opportunity for businesses from all cultures represented in Gwinnett to come together and network with other professionals interested in doing business in our community.
Partner organizations for the program include the Georgia Indo-American Chamber, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia, Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia, Latin American Chamber, German American Chamber, French American Chamber, Georgia Hispanic Chamber, Georgia Pakistan Business Council, Liberian Community Association of Georgia, Atlanta Chinese Entrepreneurs Club, and Italy America Chamber Commerce Southeast, Georgia Chapter.
“These partnerships connect Gwinnett to a wide range of global growth opportunities, and we are excited to come together through this event and celebrate such an inclusive and diverse business community,” added Gwinnett Chamber President and CEO Nick Masino.
The Gwinnett Chamber and its partner organizations recognize this year’s sponsors of the Multi-Chamber Mixer: Georgia Power, Gwinnett Technical College, Northeast Georgia Health System, RudHil Companies, Inc., Gwinnett Event Photography, Suwanee Towne Florist, Business RadioX, and Gas South District. Registration is required to attend and includes international food tastings, drink tickets, and networking with more than 300 business professionals.
Visit Gwinett Chamber for more information
Consulate General of India – Atlanta, USA
in association with GIACC, Presents
India: The new #1 Destination for Investment
Thursday August 25, 2022, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM ET
Brown & Brown Insurance, 900 North Point Pkwy Suite 300, Alpharetta, GA 30005
Guest of Honor
Dr. Swati Vijay Kulkarni
Consul General
Consulate General of India, Atlanta GA
Join us for the July Networking Event
Treat Culture Like a Product Because Your People Are Its Customers
Thursday, July 28, 2022
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Dinesh Café, 10305 Medlock Bridge Rd, Duluth GA 30097
Vince Bakshani, Professional EOS Implementer®, talks about investing in your company culture using an easy-to-use tool called The People Analyzer™
Vince’s passion for EOS was born and cemented by the trials and tribulations he faced being a part of the family textile business that went bankrupt. He subsequently reevaluated his future and decided to dedicate his career to giving entrepreneurs guidance, encouragement, and resources to optimize their business and enjoy life as an entrepreneur by implementing EOS; something he wishes someone would’ve done for his family business.
Let’s get together…It’s been a while!
Thursday, Jun 23
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM EST
You are invited to an in-person Social & Networking Evening
at
Dinesh Cafe, 10305 Medlock Bridge, Duluth, GA 30097
Members – Free; Non-Members – $10
Event sponsored by GIACC & Pratibha Tours Limited
Indo-American Chamber of Commerce – West India Council in association with IACC Greater Houston and GIACC is organizing an Exclusive Digital Session on ‘Exploring Business Opportunities in the USA’ on Wednesday, 19th January 2022 at 6.00 pm (IST) / 7.30 am (EST) onwards.
Speakers:
We would like to have you and other senior representatives from your esteemed organization joining us during the meeting. Should you feel this program will be useful for your other contacts, please feel free to share the information. We will be happy to welcome your guests as well.
Please note that there are no participation fees but prior registration is mandatory.
Gwinnett Chamber Hosts Multi-Chamber Mixer with Nine Strategic Business Organizations
Networking event celebrates diversity, Showcases Gwinnett’s global connections
Gwinnett County, GA – December 16, 2021 – The Gwinnett Chamber worked in partnership with nine other strategic business organizations to host a Multi-Chamber Mixer at the new expansion of the Gas South District in Duluth on Wednesday evening. The event celebrated the community’s rich cultural diversity and its global connections with multiple business organizations.
“The Gwinnett Chamber has intentionally invested in building relationships with each of our strategic business partners represented at this event,” said Nick Masino, President & CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. “From signing MOUs and engaging them in leadership positions on our boards and committees to celebrating with events like this mixer, our goal is to champion business for all of Gwinnett.”
Strategic partners included the Chinese Business Association of Atlanta, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Indo-American Chamber, Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, German American Chamber of Commerce of Southern U.S., Italy America Chamber of Commerce, Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Korean American Chamber of Commerce, and the Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia.
The event, sponsored by Country Financial-Norma West, Gwinnett Technical College, Northeast Georgia Health System, SMG Insurance, and Suwanee Towne Florist, offered attendees the opportunity to see the new expansion of the Gas South District while sampling a little food, beverage, networking, and live entertainment.
Cally D’Angelo, Senior Director, Membership Services & Small Business Initiatives added, “We could not do these events without the support of our sponsors and partners, and we want to thank them for their contributions that ensured the success of our first Multi-Chamber Mixer.”
The Gwinnett Chamber hosts more than 300 events each year that serve its 2,200 member organizations and countless professionals who represent them. To learn more about the Chamber’s upcoming events, visit www.gwinnettchamber.org/events
# # #
We are excited to be participating at the Multi-Chamber Mixer by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. Join us on December 15, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM for live entertainment and networking with other international chambers. It’s only $10 for our members! Register now!
Atlanta Film Festival
September 25-October 2, 2021
Virtual
Atlanta Indian Film Festival (AIFF) is back!
Covid can’t stop us anymore; AIFF 2021 will happen virtually between September 25 and October 02, 2021.
Get ready to be dazzled by the magic of Indian cinema, with eclectic films curated for you especially, on a user-friendly digital platform that’ll allow you to watch with friends and family, at your leisure, anytime, on any device, during the seven-day period. Stay tuned, we’ll keep you posted.
Visit the 2021 AIFF page to purchase tickets or take advantage of sponsorship opportunities.
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On August 12, 2021, the Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (GIACC) and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce (GCOC,) formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate and promote business opportunities between India and Gwinnett.
The Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce protects, develops, encourages, promotes, and fosters trade, business, financial or professional interests, and commercial relations between India and the United States, including specifically Georgia.
“The Georgia Indo American Chamber welcomes this opportunity to collaborate with Gwinnett Chamber to encourage networking, advocacy, and business development for our memberships,” says Anita Ninan, 2021 Board Chair, Georgia Indo American Chamber of Commerce. “Gwinnett County is home to a significant percentage of the Indian diaspora and several Indian-owned businesses in greater Atlanta. GIACC hopes this MOU will further promote and foster business opportunities between India and the state of Georgia, which is the primary mission of GIACC. According to SK Raj, President, Georgia Indo American Chamber of Commerce, “The partnership will benefit members from both organizations in promoting trade and commerce between Georgia and India”.
“This agreement is the Gwinnett Chamber’s fourth Memorandum of Understanding this year,” said Gwinnett Chamber’s Past Chair, Tammy Shumate. “We are excited to continue growing our partnership opportunities and reach throughout the Metro Atlanta region.” The Consul General of India in Atlanta, Dr. Swati Vijay Kulkarni, was in attendance and shared that over 30,000 Indian Americans proudly call Gwinnett their home. State Senator Sheikh Rahman, also in attendance, noted that according to 2020 U.S. Census data released earlier that day, Georgia experienced a 53% increase in the Asian American Pacific Islander population. In addition to furthering collaboration, the agreement includes partnering on at least two events per year that will help connect members of both chambers, and supporting delegations and visits by business persons to the two party’s regions. The Georgia Indo-American Chamber has a seat on the Gwinnett Chamber’s board of directors, and it is currently filled by Pabs Raghava, CEO of Tours Limited and GIACC board member. “We are lucky to have Pabs represent GIACC on our board. Earlier this year, both our chambers co-hosted a networking event at her residence, bringing together a small group of our board members and local elected officials,” said Nick Masino, President & CEO, Gwinnett Chamber and Partnership Gwinnett. “We look forward to more opportunities to cross collaborate and support our members.”
The signing of the MOU at the cusp of the celebration of India’s 75th Independence Day on August 15, 2021, bodes well for GIACC, as it continues to plan events, and formalize partnerships and alliances that promote business in the Indo-US/Georgia/Gwinnett corridor.
Read what others are saying:
Khabar Online
Khabar Digital Issue
Let’s get together…it’s been a while!
You & a guest are invited to an in-person Social & Networking evening. Enjoy complimentary beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres!!
July 22, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. ET
Venue:
Craftbank
1575 Northside Drive. NW, Building 100
Atlanta, GA 30318
You are invited to attend this free and informative Webinar on Trade and Supply Chain hosted by Hong Kong Association of Atlanta. Panel experts will share their insights to help exporters and importers navigate Trade and Supply Chain transactions.
July 22, 2021
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. EST
via WebEx
Moderated by Henry Yu, HKAA
and Phil Bonelli, SVP
Regions Bank
To receive the WEBEX link please send your RSVP by July 20 to phil.bonelli@regions.com
You are invited to Creation of Wealth & Giving Back, a Fireside Chat at Festival of India, August 15, 2021, Time TBD
Moderator: Padma Bhushan Jagdish N. Sheth, Charles H. Kellstadt Professor of Business at Emory University Goizueta Business School
Panelists:
Harsha Agadi, Chairman & CEO, GHS Holdings, LLC
Dr. Jay Yadav, Founder & CEO, MiRus Founder, CardioMEMS
Subramonian Shankar, President & CEO, Amzetta Technologies, Founder AMI
Mitesh Shah, CEO, Noble Investment Group
GIACC held a live event which was also streamed virtually.
Georgia Exports to India
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
09:30 AM to 11:00 AM EST (7 PM to 8:30 PM IST)
Craft Bank
1575 Northside Dr NW, Bldg 100, Suite 200
Atlanta, Georgia 30318
Please view the video
Kenneth Juster was U.S. Ambassador to India 2017-2021, a most extraordinary time in U.S.-Indian relations. Over the past 20 years, bilateral relations have grown from stand-offish to correct to friendly to close. In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a state visit to the U.S. which President Trump reciprocated in 2020. A U.S.-Indian security relationship is growing closer with the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue with India, Japan, Australia, and the United States meeting regularly to discuss issues of mutual interest in the Indo-Pacific and the Chinese complaining that the Quad “incites discord” in Asia.
Join us on July 8 at noon ET to hear Ambassador Juster discuss how India and the United States become closer strategic and defense partners, and what we can expect in the next four years of U.S.-India relations under President Joe Biden.
Public Program Open & Complimentary To All.
Indian Chamber of Commerce is organizing a Digital Healthcare Expo during 14th – 15th July, 2021 with an objective to promote Digital Health Mission across the world and to connect with all the relevant organizations whether in India or Globally related to this field for exchange of thoughts and ideas, technology transfer, joint venture etc. The event will showcase Virtual Expo, B2B Opportunities and Expert Round Tables.
For more details and to register, visit www.iccvirtualexpo.com
Join us for a LIVE event
(Event will also be streamed virtually)
Georgia Exports to India
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
09:30 AM to 11:00 AM EST (7 PM to 8:30 PM IST)
Craft Bank
1575 Northside Dr NW, Bldg 100, Suite 200
Atlanta, Georgia 30318
-Major commodities being exported to India from Georgia, USA
-Getting an edge on your Georgian imports – tips from exporters, manufacturers, and Georgia government agencies
-Join 1,700 like-minded members of IACC (Indo American Chamber of Commerce) and learn what they are importing or exporting between USA and India
Guest Speaker
Dr. Swati Kulkarni, Consul General of India, Atlanta, GA
Featured Panelists
R.G. Lamar
Chairman, Georgia Pecan Commission
Stefan Harrigan, Assoc. International Trade Manager, Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD)
Judd Bare, Regional Sales Manager, Georgia Ports Authority
Scott Gabler, Director of International Accounts, UPS (United Parcel Service)
Paul Thompson, Georgia Department of Agriculture Forestry Division
Free for all GIACC members
$10 for non-members
GIACC will donate a portion of the registration fees to the Indian Red Cross to support its Covid mitigation efforts.
June 1-3. Join the World Affairs Council of India for the opening of the Atlanta Annual Global Health Summit: The Race to Beat COVID-19.
Register Here for all 3 days.
CARE has worked in India for decades. Never have they been confronted with a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic in India.
CARE staff reports, “The shortage of antiviral drugs is deeply concerning given the sheer volume of new cases each day. Never in my life have I constantly heard the sound of ambulances. The panic on the streets is palpable.”
Official statistics report almost 4000 deaths per day, but experts estimate the real toll as at least four times higher.
On Thursday, May 13 at 10:00 am ET the World Affairs Council and Global Atlanta will meet with Manoj Gopalakrishna, the CEO of CARE India, and K. M. Venkat Narayan, M.D., Emory Professor of Medicine & Epidemiology, to learn the latest developments and raise funds to help alleviate the crisis in India.
Open & Complimentary To All.
REGISTER HERE DONATE TO CARE INDIA
The GIACC Board offers its deepest condolences and sympathy to GIACC members whose family members and friends have been impacted by Covid-19 in the recent Covid surge in India.
As you may be aware, recent restrictions relating to travel of Indian nationals to the US, have been announced via US Presidential Proclamation of April 30, 2021, which became effective at 12:01 AM EDT on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. As a general guidance, immigrants, U.S. citizens, and lawful permanent residents (LPR) are not subject to the proclamation, as also certain other categories including, certain family members of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents including spouses, minor children, parents (provided that his/her U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident child is unmarried and under the age of 21), and siblings (provided that both the sibling and the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident are unmarried and under the age of 21). Additionally, the travel of certain categories of individuals have been permitted as national interest exceptions under the geographic COVID Presidential Proclamations applicable to certain countries including India. These include fiancé(e)s, students whose academic programs begins August 1, 2021 or later; travelers who are seeking to provide vital support for critical infrastructure sectors; and journalists, among others. For more details, please visit U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs Travel.State.Gov
With regard to travel to India, GIACC has been informed by the Indian Consulate General, Atlanta, that there is no update at this time, to current travel guidelines. If there are any updates, they will be posted on the Consulate General website and social media platforms.
Global Atlanta covered our recent Webinar, India: The Business Case for Nature and has published an article which you can view at the link below
Global Atlanta has an India Channel monthly newsletter that covers local issues related to India. We encourage our members to keep abreast by subscribing here.
India Looks to Private Sector, Innovation to Address Environmental Crises
India-US Partnership presents a webinar: Opportunities for Collaboration in Medical Devices on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 9:30 am CST.
Please register here
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM EST
(9 PM to 10 PM IST)
Learn more about why businesses are investing in India and the economic case for nature. Get answers from economic and corporate leaders to questions like:
Featured Panelists:
Paul Fleming, Global Water Program Lead, Microsoft
P.S. Narayan, Global Head, Sustainability & Social Initiatives, Wipro Ltd.
Priya Shyamsundar, Lead Economist, The Nature Conservancy
Moderator: Anita Ninan, Chairperson, GIACC
Vibrant India. The Nature Conservancy
Missed the webinar? View the recording.
The Consulate General of India – Atlanta, USA, in association with GIACC presented a Webinar – India: Destination for Investment
Wednesday March 31, 2021
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST (8:30 PM to 9:30 PM IST)
Missed the webinar? View the recording
Guest Speaker
Dr. Swati Vijay Kulkarni
Consul General
Consulate General of India, Atlanta GA
Featured speakers:
Aditya Vikram Singh
Manager
Invest India
CA Uday Ved
Partner-India-Tax
KNAV
Moderator
SK Raj, President, GIACC
Ministry of Commerce and Electronics and IT in association with the Electronics and Software Promotion Council is organizing an interactive session with IndiaSoft to create synergies for growth globally.
This session is scheduled for March 23, 2021, at 7.30 pm IST/ 10.00 am EST.
We encourage participation from you as well as stakeholders known to you for evaluating opportunities.
You can register here and a link will be shared to join this event.
Let us meet virtually! Tech-driven training for Consular services! Gear up for 2021!
The pandemic has halted our in-person interaction almost for a year. Let us regroup again, though virtually to begin with.
We have recently introduced a new feature “Chatbot” on our website where queries related to consular services are replied to by the system. This new feature eliminates the need to call /email the Consulate. As some of us may need additional information about this system, we have arranged a training session.
Consul General Dr. Swati Kulkarni will interact with the Indian community followed by an online training session on Consular Services.
We would like to hear from you for way ahead in 2021
Please join the event here on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 between 4.00-5.30 pm.
Indo American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) organized a digital session on Opportunities in Education Sector on February 23, 2021 at 6.30 P.M. IST.
Hon’ble Minister of Education Shri Uday Samant was the Chief Guest of the program.
Missed the webinar? View the recording
GIACC recently hosted a webinar on the Paycheck Protection Program. The panel was moderated by Grace Multani, GIACC, and included panelists from Quantum National Bank, Bryan Colten, CEO, John Bramblett, COO, and Tyler Phillips, CDO, and discussed business qualifications and eligibility, as well as answering questions from attendees.
Missed the webinar? View the recording
Information on PPP Loans at Quantum National Bank
The Chief of Protocol of the State of Georgia presents his compliments to the Members of the Consular Corps of Georgia, and to Georgia’s international community.
On behalf of Ms. Alrene Barr, Director of International Business at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), I share with you the attached memo’s and information below, regarding new federally mandated mask requirements when traveling
Effective yesterday, February 1, 2021, all passengers of any public transportation are required to wear face masks while traveling, including when transiting through the airport. These face coverings must cover both an individual’s nose and mouth and be secured with ties. A face shield or mask with exhalation valves or holes will not be an acceptable substitution for a full covering.
With this federal mandate, failure to wear a face-covering while traveling through the airport may result in the removal and denial of reentry or services and may be subject to penalty.
Additional information with details regarding airport face-covering requirements and TSA guidelines is attached.
NEW YORK — Georgia’s two runoff elections Tuesday will determine which party controls the U.S. Senate as well as how much President-elect Joe Biden can accomplish in his first term, and the state’s energized Asian American voters have a strong chance to swing the outcome. Read more
As companies and foreign nationals face temporary headwinds from US immigration, Canada emerges as a strong option to retain talent in North America. Proximity, interdependence, and complimenting culture makes it easy to leverage trade, investment, and immigration opportunities.
The expert panel discussion focuses various mechanisms readily available for this.
Panelists
Missed the webinar? View the recording.
In keeping with our mission, GIACC ended its 2019 calendar of events with an event on Tourism – “Let’s Talk Tourism-Bring the World Closer”. The event focussed on and explored the opportunities and potential synergies between various stakeholders in this industry – Tour operators, airlines and state and government representatives. The purpose of the event was to build awareness of travel opportunities to and from India and U.S states, including Georgia and was held at the beautiful Sandy Springs City Hall, Sandy Springs, Georgia on December 6, 2019.
The Indian Consulate General of Atlanta partnered with GIACC on the event and set up an India Pavilion showcasing literature, videos and pictures of incredible India. The Indian Consul General of Atlanta, Dr. Swati Kulkarni, gave the keynote presentation on Tourism opportunities to India, highlighting wellness and medical tourism, adventure and wildlife tourism, religious and heritage tourism. She spoke about the several new initiatives to improve Tourism to India including the extending of e-visa facilities to over 165 countries, enabling issuance of e-medical, business, tourist, conference and medical attendant visas at several Indian ports of entry, and an update of Incredible India campaign with the launch of a new mobile app.
This event was facilitated by Tours Limited, a well-known Destination management company headquartered in Duluth, GA, under leadership of CEO, Ms. Pabs Raghava, a Board Member of GIACC. Ms. Pabs Raghava spoke about the growth of tourism in the past decade and the vision of upcoming growth in future between India and the US. She introduced Mr. Brian Beall, Deputy Director of Policy- US Department of Commerce International Trade Administration, who shared statistics on Indian and USA tourism, and the enormous potential for tourism growth between the two countries and resulting impact on the two economies.
The event also showcased tourism opportunities inbound to the US. There were booth sponsors from popular tourist destinations such as Hersheys Chocolate World, Corning Museum of Glass, The Countryside of Philadelphia, Brandywine Valley and Velley Forge, GA Tourism and Delta Airlines. The day long event also saw a fashion show of Indian costumes from different Indian states featured by Indian dancers and choreographed by Dr. Hetal Mehta.
The event was attended by distinguished guests such as Mayor Rusty Paul, Mayor of Sandy Springs; Brian Beall, Deputy Director for Policy, from the US Department of Commerce, International Trade Division; Amanda Peacock, from the Tourism Division of Georgia Department of Economic Development; Robert Long, VP Economic Development, Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce; Mr. André D. Fields, Political Director – Fair Fight Action and Mr. Amber Woolfolk, Business Strategist ,Fair Fight Action, representatives from Stacy Abrams office; and Mr. Miheer Anand Nunkoo Co – Founder of the Mauritius – Indo Chamber of Commerce.
GIACC hopes this initiative is a small step to focus attention on the Tourism sector, which if pursued and encouraged can yield significant economic dividends to both India and Georgia.
Additional information:
India Becoming A Top Tourism Target for Georgia, Global Atlanta
Let’s Talk Tourism: Bringing the world closer!, Khabar
On Thursday, November 14, 2019, KOAM Chamber of Commerce invited GIACC, the Japanese Chamber, the Chinese Business Council and the Hispanic Chamber for a Thanksgiving Dinner to celebrate the joy of happiness and good health. The venue was the beautiful Grand Hall of Brand Hall School in Atlanta. Each Chamber brought their own national dish to the event and we all enjoyed a diverse tasting of international cuisines. This initiative is a great start to strengthening collaboration between various international Chambers on cultural and business issues of mutual concern and interest. GIACC wholeheartedly supports this initiative and we hope it strengthens the ties of mutual cooperation and friendship across the various International Chambers in Atlanta.
GIACC hosted its first “Samosa and Chai” of the Fall season. The event began with delicious appetizers and chai! Anita Ninan, President of the Chamber, began by welcoming members and guests and spoke about the mission, programs and events of the Chamber. She introduced the newest corporate advisory board member to join GIACC – UPS, and invited Kathleen Marran, Vice President, UPS, to speak about the GIACC-UPS partnership. The keynote speaker for the evening was Anil Khatod, a Senior Partner and Managing Director of Argonaut Private Equity, a diversified global private and public equity fund managing more than $6 billion. Mr. Khatod gave a very information and insightful presentation on recent M&A activity in the Indo-US corridor; global economic issues that are driving this U.S./India M & A activity, including recent elections in India; as well as whether India was poised and ready to benefit from the US Chine trade and tariffs standoff. The discussion was deftly moderated by Sonjui Kumar, current Board member, and ended with several interesting questions from the audience.
The keynote presentation was followed by Mr Unmesh Mishra, GIACC Chairperson, who introduced Jae Kim, President of KOAM Chamber. Mr. Kim spoke about his vision for partnership with GIACC in hosting events and programs of relevance to members of both Chambers, in light of the recent MOU signed by both Chambers.
Finally, we had a few words from the Toastmasters Club of Duluth regarding their activities and benefits of membership for those interested in improving their skills in public speaking. The evening concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Mishra followed by some more networking.
It was a privilege for GIACC to partner with Georgia Tech on a Smart India event, on April 23, 2019, which featured a keynote presentation by Dr. Joy Sen, Professor and Head, Department of Architecture and Planning, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, on the Smart Cities Mission in India. There was also a presentation by the Georgia Tech Studio class on Smart Varanasi.
The semester long class collaborated with IIT Kharagpur and IIT Varanasi, to design and implement smart city updates for the ancient holy city of Varanasi through transportation solutions, environmental protection and economic stimulus. It was very informative for the audience to learn about the progress of smart city initiatives by the Indian federal, state, district and local governments, as well as the challenges and bottlenecks in implementation at various levels. The event was well attended by academia, students and GIACC members with subject matter expertise and interest in the topic of smart cities.
Overview:
The Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (GIACC), in collaboration with the Indian Consulate in Atlanta, the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF), the India China and America (ICA) Institute, and the Atlanta Film Festival is proud to present its one-of-a-kind Atlanta Indian Film Festival (AIFF 2019) on May 10-11, 2019 at the beautiful Aurora Cineplex in Roswell, GA.
About AIFFMoviesBuy Tickets HereBecome Involved with AIFF
LIGHTS: What you need to know about AIFF
With an Indian diaspora of approximately 150,000 people, and over 500 companies, including Indian-owned and operated businesses in the Atlanta region, the Atlanta Indian film festival will attempt to showcase popular Indian cinema to Atlantans, as well as introduce visiting Indian directors, actors and producers to potential movie production opportunities in Atlanta and the state of Georgia.
What: Atlanta Indian Film Festival
When: May 10-11, 2019
Where: Aurora Cineplex | 5100 Commerce Parkway, Roswell, GA 30076
Why: With an Indian diaspora of approximately 150,000 people, and over 500 companies, including Indian-owned and operated businesses in the Atlanta region, the Atlanta Indian film festival will attempt to show case popular Indian cinema to Atlantans, as well as introduce visiting Indian Directors, Actors and Producers to potential movie production opportunities in Atlanta and the state of Georgia.
CAMERA: AIFF Schedule
The AIFF 2019 event will include movie screenings, post-screening discussions with the movie’s artists and local film experts, as well as opportunities for in-person dialogue with film makers.
Day 1 | Friday, May 10, 2019
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Reception | Westin Perimeter Atlanta North
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM | The Last Color | 90 minutes
Day 2 | Saturday, May 11, 2019
2:30 PM – 4:24 PM | Ubuntu | 114 minutes
5:15 PM – 6:15 PM | Sindhustan | 60 minutes
7:30 PM – 9:33 PM | Sivaranjani & Two Other Women | 123 minutes
SCREENINGS:
THE LAST COLOR
Friday, May 10 | 7 pm to 8:30 pm
(90 mins, 2019, India)
Written and Directed by Vikas Khanna
Cast: Neena Gupta, Aslam Sheikh, Aqsa Siddiqui, Rajeswar Khanna
Synopsis: A story at a time in India when Indian culture exiled its widows in the ashram and forbade them from participating in society. This unjust horror serves as a backdrop to a story of love and friendship between a widow and a young girl.
Post-screening discussion with Director Vikas Khanna
About Vikas Khanna
James Beard Award Nominee and Michelin Star Chef Vikas Khanna is an internationally acclaimed Indian chef, award-winning author, poet and filmmaker. He is the recipient of Access to Freedom Award, Eleanor Roosevelt’s Shining Star Award, GQ Man of the Year and was featured as “10 Global Legendary Chefs who’ve revolutionized our eating habits,” by Deutsche Welle.
He is host of MasterChef India, Twist of Taste and National Geographic’s Mega Kitchens. He has been a guest on MasterChef Australia, Martha Stewart, Hell’s Kitchen, Beat Bobby Flay and many more shows. Gordon Ramsay featured him as “Top Indian Chef in New York City,” on Kitchen Nightmares.
Khanna has established himself as a top authority on Indian Cuisine, hosting successful cooking shows and has written more than 25 cookbooks. His book Flavors First won the prestigious Benjamin Franklin Award. Khanna Sutra, My Great India and Savor Mumbai won Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.
UBUNTU
Saturday, May 11 | 2:30 pm to 4:24 pm
Marathi with English subtitles
Directed by Pushkar Shrotri
Cast: Kanha Bhave, Shashank Shende, Umesh Jagtap, Sarang Sathaye and Bhagyashree Shankpal.
Synopsis: This is the story of a school teacher Shelke Master who teaches a handful of students in a Gram Panchayat sponsored school in a remote village of Maharashtra. He tries day in and day out to improve the future of the kids through education. When the existence of the school is threatened, students and the new teacher pull all stops to try and try to stop the closure, but it just might be too late.
Post-screening discussion with Harshad Parashare, representing Director Pushkar Shrotri
About Pushkar Shrotri
A Marathi, Hindi film & theatre actor, producer and director.
SINDHUSTAN
Saturday, May 11 | 5:15 pm to 6:15 pm
Directed by Sapna Bhavnani
Synopsis: Sindhustan is the story of the largest migration of a culture in history told through ink (tattoos). Sapna Bhavnani interviewed people from the Sindhi community, and turned their stories into tattoos on her legs, thus becoming a human map. Over a span of 10 days of non-stop pain, she turned into a human map of Partition, a museum of memory.
Post-screening discussion with Director Sapna Bhavnani
About Sapna Bhavnani
Sapna has naturally assumed poster-child status as a powerful female figure. She traverses mainstream success with just as much ease as she skirts the underground youth art & culture movement. Ageless, fearless and forever metamorphosing in her endeavors, Sapna has recently begun giving her celebrity-hood the voice of an activist. Just recently Sapna was awarded the “I Believe,” award by Savvy Magazine and the “Fem Empowerment,” Award by Zee Tv for her work with ex sex workers by starting a free hair academy.
SIVARANJANI & TWO OTHER WOMEN
Saturday, May 11 | 7:30 pm to 9:33 pm
Tamil with English Subtitles
Directed by Vasanth Sai
Synopsis: A Tamil anthology comprising of stories of three married women from different class and caste backgrounds, living in three different decades, but fighting the same enemy within the confines of their homes – the patriarchy.
Post-screening discussion with Director Vasanth Sai
About Vasanth Sai
Indian film director, producer and screenwriter, working in the Tamil film industry. Following a stint as a journalist and after assisting K. Balachander, he made his directorial debut with Keladi Kanmani in 1990, which along with the trendsetting Aasai (1995), are considered his finest and most successful films. Known for being realistic, his films have been described as a “middle path” between parallel and commercial cinema, revolving around social themes and relationships.
All Movies Screened at Aurora Cineplex in Roswell
Help us bring a one-of-a-kind Indian-American Film Festival to Atlanta for two captivating nights of culture, conversation and celebration of Indian-American life in film on May 10 and 11, 2019, at the beautiful Aurora Cineplex in Roswell, Georgia.
The AIFF committee is seeking sponsors and volunteers to make this event a success. Learn below how you can become a Partner or Patron of AIFF and become a volunteer. Get in touch with our sponsorship chair to learn more.
The Atlanta Indian Film Festival is seeking volunteers to make the event a success. We need volunteer help in marketing, fundraising, event organization and more. Reach out Grace Multani at gracemultani@yahoo.com or at 909-215-1051
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GIACC hosted its first “Samosa & Chai” Event of 2019 at Jai Ho Indian Kitchen and Bar. The event began with networking over delicious Indian snacks and appetizers and drinks. Anita Ninan, President of GIACC welcomed all attendees and gave a brief overview of GIACC, its mission and objectives, and past programs and collaborations with other organizations. Unmesh Mishra, Chairperson, then introduced the guest speakers prior to their presentations, and recognized GIACC Board Members, and Mr. Prasad Vanpal, Commercial Officer, Indian Consulate General Atlanta, who were present at the event.
The first guest speaker for the event was Dijjotam “Dijji” Raina, Co-Founder of PalSolve, Inc., a startup company using apps for solving problems in closed trusted groups using discussions and reviews. Mr. Raina presented the key features of PalSolve’s feature rich app for HOA/Condo home owner communities, and Associations (Ethnic, Interest, Business, Non Profit and more) where you can choose features including – Discussions, Buzz, Events, Reviews, Deals, Classifieds, Chats, Member Directory, Files, Reservations and more.Mr. Raina is also CEO and Founder of MedOfficePro, Inc. a global company focused on backend healthcare services and software applications for Ambulatory Surgery Centers for last twenty years. Additionally, he is the founder of Crystal Children’s Centre, a world-class early childhood education center in Gurugram, India. He is an Ole Miss (MBA) and BITS Pilani (Engg.) alumni. He is a resident of Alpharetta and active in many social causes as well.
The second guest speaker was Manoj Gupta, Head of Business Operations for ICICI Bank USA, who gave an overview of ICICI’s services in the US market and a comparative analysis of the Indian and US Banking industries. Mr. Gupta is a career banker with more than a decade and a half of experience in the Banking and Finance industry. In his role as the Head of Business for ICICI Bank’s USA operations, Mr. Gupta oversees financing of small and medium enterprises and Indian business in the USA. Mr. Gupta has been with ICICI Bank for the last 14 years and has worked across functions like Treasury, Corporate finance, Project Finance, Structured Finance and Debt Syndication. He is a chartered accountant from ICAI and holds CFA, FRM, ERM certifications.
The presentations were followed by Q & A from the attendees and interesting questions were asked regarding the new app technology as well as ICICI Bank’s services.
We also had David Wiener, Consul & Senior Trade Commissioner, Canadian Consulate who attended the event and shared brief details about the services provided by his office towards business and trade development and investment opportunities in Canada.
Anita Ninan provided concluding remarks including information regarding prospective Chamber events, including the Atlanta Indian Film Festival 2019 on May 10, 11, 2019 and a Tourism Event in the Fall.
On December 4, 2018, GIACC hosted a Welcome Reception for the new Indian Consul General, Atlanta, Dr. Swati V. Kulkarni, and a panel discussion on Indo-US trade. Indo-US trade has accelerated in the last decade due to close relations between the respective governments, and sustained efforts of diplomats, business leaders and trading partners between the two countries. The defense, aviation and technology sectors have seen significant growth and Indo –US cooperation over the last decade. Major American companies like Amazon, Wal-Mart, Lockheed to name a few, have increased spend multifold in India, the 3rd largest economy of Asia and one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
Dr. Kulkarni shared a current overview of Indo- US trade and how it has accelerated in the last decade followed by a Q & A with the audience. This was followed by the panel discussion, moderated by Sonjui Kumar, founding Partner, KPPB Law, and consisting of Dr. Jag Sheth, the Kellstadt Professor of Marketing at Emory University’s School of Business; Atman Trivedi, Managing Director of Hill and Company, which advises Fortune 200 companies on trade, investment and commercial diplomacy and politics; Elliott Page, Director of Air Service Development at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport; and David Gault, President of the Direct Resources Group, a logistics and sourcing company that works with retailers and importers from all over the world, helping them bring their products to market.
GIACC 12 4 2018 v4Dr. Sheth focused on how India will become the second sourcing destination to China for export of goods made in India and at the same time, it will become the global destination for talent for technology multinationals such as Microsoft, Google, Facebook as well as for R&D across several industries. Dr. Sheth also predicted a shift from trade to foreign direct investment, specifically in the defense sector.
Atman Trivedi provided a general overview of the US-India trade, investment, and commercial relationship, which will reference the positive growth in the broader U.S.-India relationship, the role of the Indian American diaspora communities, and of the talented entrepreneurs and private sector businesses in both countries who are also creating momentum.
Elliot Page gave the audience a glimpse into the current cargo and passenger air traffic between India and Atlanta. He confirmed that India is Atlanta’s largest origin-destination passenger market without nonstop service and is a priority market for Atlanta. The launching of this flight is vital to promote trade and investment, and build the “bridge” of demographic ties between these two nations. While he did not confirm when this service would be launched, he tantalized the eager audience by stating that it would be soon!
David Gault, who has been involved in the US-India trade channel since 1991, shared his observations of the impact of the recent Trump tariffs, in that his customers are pivoting from China as the major sourcing option, to India and Indonesia, with respect to their furniture, lighting and other home decor items.
The event concluded with several interesting and insightful questions from the audience to the panelists. It was hosted at the Buckhead, Atlanta Office of Greenberg Traurig LLP and was very well attended by the GIACC Board and its members, other Business Chamber members, and trade representatives of the Taipei and Canadian Consulates.
On October 18, 2018, GIACC proudly presented Business Continuity Contingency planning event.
We had Industry business experts present to share ideas with Business Owners about what kind of contingencies to expect and plan for as they develop a succession plan for an unexpected death or disability. We also discussed proper succession planning when eventually either you want to sell your business or pass it on to family.
The panel was presented by:
Douglas Stein, www.SteinLawLLC.com
Founder, Stein Law, LLC
Suzie Jurenek CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, suzie.jurenek@wellsfargo.com
Vice President, Insurance, Wells Fargo Advisors
Grace Puri Multani, CFP®, grace.multani@wellsfargoadvisors.com
Financial Advisor, Wells Fargo Advisors
Some of the key points made were as follows:
The meeting was attended by several board members and guests.
On our July 19th “Samosa and Chai” speaker and networking event GIACC hosted Imad and Reem Younis; co-Founders of Alpha Omega Engineering, a global high-tech company with offices in Nazareth, Israel, Atlanta, Germany and China that incidentally celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year. The session was attended by over 50 people and organized at AC Hotel Atlanta Buckhead at Phipps Plaza.
Imad and Reem talked about their journey as fresh young Engineering graduates just out of college in Israel looking for a challenging career who had to venture into tech innovation and start Alpha Omega because discrimination against ethnic minorities like themselves kept all the career jobs out of reach. Through these struggles where they had to operate in shoestring budgets and uncertain futures they developed innovative engineering solutions for Neuroscientists specifically in the field of neuromodulation work in animals. Imad and Reem shared that they key to their success was hard work and dedication of course but more importantly working closely with end users and Customers. They spent the first decade simply building solutions working directly with Scientists who one after another became their Customers.
As business grew, Alpha Omega made took its biggest step forward by venturing into medical devices by securing FDA approval for its products and technologies that they had so diligently developed with Neuroscientists working in animals. Since then, Alpha Omega has grown to close to over 100 employees worldwide with the largest market share in the United States in electrophysiological mapping equipment and technology for Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery (DBS). DBS is a procedure where electrodes are implanted in the brain in very specific nuclei or targets for alleviation of symptoms in movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease using electrical stimulation in the brain. To enable the Surgeons to place those chronic implants in the right locations in the brain, Alpha Omega has FDA approved solutions including hardware and software that help the surgical team perform electrophysiological mapping essentially acting as a GPS of the Brain (https://www.alphaomega-eng.com/haguide-30.html) for the mapping part of the DBS procedure.
Imad and Reem shared that they Company’s mission is to help standardize the DBS procedure so that it can be performed efficiently, effectively and quickly by more and more neurosurgeons worldwide making the procedure accessible to tens of millions of patients that are unable to have access to DBS. Alpha Omega has substantial interest in helping patients of movement disorders in India by bringing cost-effective solutions since DBS is still an extremely unaffordable procedure in India currently accessible to a very small percentage of the patient population.
The session rounded off with the point that a Company started by two people from an ethnic minority in Israel because they couldn’t find jobs because of discrimination is now one of the leading high-tech companies in Israel employing people of all faiths, demographics and religions. Imad and Reem Younis were recently recognized by the Israeli government to be among the top 10 technology innovation Leaders of the last 70 years since Israel’s independence.
Related Links of Interest
The Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (GIACC) hosted the Atlanta Indian Film Festival over the weekend, on May 11 and 12, 2018, at the beautiful Historic Academy of Medicine at Georgia Tech, in Midtown Atlanta. Key partners in this initiative were the Consulate General of India – Atlanta, the New York Indian Film Festival, the Atlanta Film Festival, and the India China and America (ICA) Institute.
The film festival was in keeping with the mission of the GIACC, namely, to develop, encourage, promote, and foster trade, business, financial, or professional interests and commercial relations between India and the United States, including, specifically, Georgia. Recognizing one of the rapid growth sectors currently attractive to both countries as being the film/TV industry, (the movie industry in the State of Georgia has grown in the last decade from $240 million in 2007 to its current $9.5 billion), GIACC decided to focus on this initiative as its flagship event for 2018.
Lighting of the lamp with GIACC Chairperson Unmesh Mishra, CGI Nagesh Singh, President of GIACC Anita Ninan, Deputy Director of Mayor’s Office of International Affairs Vanessa Ibarra, and Dr. Jag Sheth. (Photo: Vinod Devlia)
Read the full story in the June 2018 issue of Khabar magazine.
GIACC held a webinar on on Tuesday, June 18, 2020 on Medical Updates and Workplace Integration: A Cross Border Perspective
Panelists:
• Dr. Siva P Sivakumar, MD, FACP, FCCP
• Dr. Piyush R. Johari, MD
• Julie John, Lambton Conveyor Limited
• Maurice King, Rane Precision Diecast, Inc.
• Moderated by David Gault, Past President, GIACC.
Event partner – Consulate General of Canada, Atlanta GA
Missed the webinar? View the recording
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