Annual Golf Networking Event

THE FIRST ANNUAL INDO-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GOLF TOURNAMENT

Golf tells you much about character. Play a round of golf with someone, and you know them more intimately than you might from years of dinner parties.

The Gods couldn�t have been kinder on a crispy, cool afternoon on Monday, October 7th at the Tour 18 Golf Course where members and guests of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce gathered to exercise their golf swings at a tournament to benefit the Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas.As the participants arrived to register, amidst the country club ambiance, an atmosphere of electrifying energy filled the air. The very goal of the Indo-American Chamber, to foster networking, was evident as participants introduced themselves to each other, exchanged business cards and started the “networking” ball rolling.

The Platinum sponsors of the event were Adea Solutions, BMC software, Digital GlobalSoft, Piping Technologies & Products, Vinmar International Ltd. The Golf sponsors were Dr H. Channa, Doctors Hospital, Tidwell.

As Joyce Stallings of Piping Technologies said, “”What an excellent turnout for such a good cause! We are indeed proud to be sponsors and part of the Indo American Chamber of Commerce and honored to be so and will continue to support the Chamber in future events.”The good cause was The Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas, an altruistic organization which enlists adults to help school children by mentoring and sharing life experiences thus propelling them to a successful life and career. Jerry Mutchler, President of Junior Achievement said “I�m thrilled about the relationship developed between the Indo- American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston and Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas. Both organizations have benefited tremendously, but the biggest beneficiary are the Children of Houston. I am looking forward to many opportunities for us to work together in the future. “After a round of invigorating golf, the guests were treated to delectable appetizers and a sumptuous dinner catered by Bombay Palace Restaurant. Madukar Prasad emceed the evening with jocularity and good humor. Some of the door prizes given away were foursomes to prestigious golf courses, golf paraphernalia, dinners at premium restaurants in Houston, gift certificates and a weekend night at the new Intercontinental Hotel in Houston. Two round trip Continental airline tickets were also raffled.

Ashok Shah , the President, said, “We are proud part of the Indo- American Chamber of Commerce . Today�s event was designed for networking and fostering a feeling of camaraderie amidst the participants. The goal is also to create opportunities. Opportunity comes from trust, trust comes from relationships and what better way to build a relationship than golf?” Mr Shah also spoke of the National Alliance of Chambers of Commerce with Indo-American Chambers in Dallas, Tampa and Atlanta. Mr Shah then proposed a vote of thanks. He mentioned two agendas. One of the Guiding principles of the Chamber was to create an environment for business communities in Houston and India to facilitate the growth of bilateral commerce and become a focal point to establish relationships with public and legislative bodies in the USA as well as in India. Two, an India Advantage – The chamber has initiated joint ventures with All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Tata Memorial Center and M.D.Anderson Cancer to further the treatment and research of cancerMr Shah went on to thank those who had contributed their time and effort towards the success of the tournament. As the old adage goes, “all good things must come to an end.” At the settling of dusk, the participants departed with a sense of fulfillment and pride that the cause they had given their time to had been worthwhile.