RVAABOA
Introduction
Roanoke Valley Asian American Business Owner’s Association (RVAABOA) was formed in 2007 by Asian American business owners located in SWVA. Purpose of RVAABOA is to provide a strong platform to business owners to share their knowledge and experience, business related issues and provide them united voice. House divided against them selves cannot stand or be heard. RVAABOA provides the means to get their ideology across.
Background
When there is a will, there are ways. Business owners in SWVA have recognized the magnitude of presence represented by us. This association will bring awareness about our success and the strength. Our leaders in the area recognized this and took it to the next level where due credits are given by the larger society. The idea behind creation of a legal entity was floated by few business leaders that envisioned this cumulative strength. A meeting of about 30 business leaders was called in early 2007 to make this dream of formalizing this united strength into a reality. Every one approved the idea and formed a working committee that would provide organizational structure which is now known as RVAABOA.
Present
As Mahatma Gandhi said, an ounce of practice is worth more than tons ofpreaching. The working committee took the mission given by the local business owners by heart and formalized it into a legal entity with a vision. The organizational structure is created to provide long term stability and vision that offers an opportunity for every one to polish their leadership skills. Rotating officer’s format will provide continuous flow of fresh ideas while retaining the experience that we gain over time as an organization.
Action expresses priorities. The working committee worked hard to get to their goal of getting 75 members for the first year. They will close the year with 92 members!!! They also completed by-laws and formed a non-profit organization to make it a legal entity. There were four general body meetings conducted over the period of six months that offered various seminars on ABC rules and regulations, Robbery Prevention and Fire Safety. Overwhelming attendance of more than 12 police officers, including police chief of 2 jurisdiction, at that training speaks of effectiveness of the association. To complement this, how can we forget the great gala dinner with Rexx, the Gurukul Fame!!!! That’s a lot of action in about 6 months.
Future
Half the battle is won when you have a successful start. It provides a platform forhighly motivated, aggressive and energetic future that will make it only better. Goal for the RVAABOA for coming years should be to make our presence as a well respected and recognized professional business owner known to the larger community. The dedicated support from each and every member will make this possible and that will make RVAABOA successful in achieving our goal.
Thank you!!!