PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi to Chair Largest Asian American Business Opportunity Conference, CelebrAsian '08

WASHINGTON, May 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi will chair the 23rd Anniversary CelebrAsian Business Opportunity Conference '08, the flagship event of the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (USPAACC-EF), on May 27-29, at the Hilton Washington Hotel in Washington, DC.

This year's theme, "Business Beyond Boundaries, Here & Abroad," will address the challenges faced by small and minority businesses impacted by onshore and offshore outsourcing activities, among other issues essential to compete effectively in today's global marketplace.

CelebrAsian Business Opportunity Conference--the largest of its kind in the United States--connects hundreds of top-caliber Asian American suppliers and small business owners annually with buyers from Fortune 500 corporations, the Federal government, and the small/minority business community, through pre-scheduled one-on-one matchmaking meetings, informative summits, workshops, and networking sessions--in three days and under one roof.

"CelebrAsian and our year-round initiatives provide sustainable and robust growth for a strategic network of Asian American suppliers, entrepreneurs, and their business partners in Corporate America and the Federal government," said USPAACC-EF National President & CEO Susan Au Allen. "We are honored to have Indra Nooyi as our Conference Chair--she will lead and inspire a highly energized and innovative group of participants who are deeply committed to the development and success of the Asian American business community."

As part of CelebrAsian '08, USPAACC-EF plans to hold an event at the White House on May 28, to present the business leaders from its "50 Fastest-Growing Asian American Businesses" program.

Other special events include the International CEO Forum featuring ASIMCO Chairman & CEO Jack Perkowski, best-selling author of "Managing the Dragon: How I'm Building a Billion-Dollar Business in China," China Trade Mission Success Stories, and the Global Trade Zone, which will provide participants with timely insiders' perspectives on growth opportunities through onshore and offshore ventures.

The spotlight will also be placed on the success and achievements of Asian American businesses, through several special events during the Conference, including the USPAACC-EF/Wells Fargo Asian Business Leadership Awards, Excellence Awards Gala Dinner, and the Business Leaders and Scholarship Luncheon.

The latest Census figures show that there are over 1.1 million Asian American-owned companies, with over $326 billion in business revenues, and employ more than 2.2 million people.

About USPAACC: The US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (USPAACC-EF) was formed in 1984 as a national, non-profit organization representing all Asian Americans and Asian American-related groups in business. USPAACC-EF promotes, nurtures and propels economic growth by opening doors to contract, educational and professional opportunities for Asian Americans and their business partners in corporate America, the Federal government, and the small and minority business community in the U.S. & Asia.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, USPAACC-EF has a nationwide reach through Regional Chapters in Northern and Southern California, Texas, Illinois, Georgia, New York, and Washington, DC-Maryland-Virginia in the National Capital Area.