Houston, TX – December 12, 2024

The IACCGH marked a milestone with its 25th Anniversary Holiday Party, uniting business leaders and community members to celebrate a
legacy of excellence and a vision for the future. The evening, filled with heartfelt tributes, inspiring speeches and meaningful connections,
showcased the Chamber’s commitment to building business growth and community impact.
Founding secretary and executive director, Jagdip Ahluwalia, opened the celebration with a message of gratitude and reflection, setting the
tone for an evening steeped in appreciation and hope. “Our sponsors, partners and members have been the backbone of the Chamber’s
success,” he said. “Your continuous belief in our mission has allowed us not only to achieve our goals but to expand our impact across the
community.” “Jagdip lauded long-term sponsors such as Brask Inc., St. Luke’s Health, Wallis Bank, AV Diamonds, and Piping Technology.
He also welcomed recent major supporter CenterPoint Energy and 2024 gala underwriters The Dhanani Group for their invaluable
contributions.”
Outgoing President Rajiv Bhavsar also honored Jagdip, for his dedication since the organization’s inception. “Jagdip’s creativity and
leadership have propelled the Chamber to new heights,” Bhavsar remarked. “Under his guidance, we have stayed true to our mission of
serving the community while achieving excellence.” Reflecting on his tenure, Bhavsar shared, “These years have been a profound learning
journey for me. Every meeting, every interaction has taught me something valuable, and I hope I’ve been able to leave a positive impact in
return.”
The baton of leadership was passed to incoming President Malisha Patel, a seasoned healthcare executive. Taking the stage with humility
and optimism, Patel expressed her vision for the Chamber. “Tonight is a celebration of all of you — our members, leaders and entrepreneurs
— who have built this Chamber into a beacon of excellence over the past 25 years,” she said. “What drives me every day is the same
commitment that drives this Chamber — the pursuit of excellence and the desire to create meaningful impact. Together, we will continue to
build on this incredible legacy.”
A special recognition was given to former Judge Ravi Sandill, the first Indian-American elected to the Texas bench, for his groundbreaking
contributions to justice and community leadership. “The Chamber has been a cornerstone of my professional growth,” Sandill said. “I
encourage young professionals to find mentors who will not only guide but inspire them to achieve their full potential.” His remarks resonated
with the Chamber’s ethos of building mentorship and collaboration.
Jay Guerrero, Regional Director SE Texas from the office of Senator John Cornyn a long standing supporter of the Chamber, underscored
its importance in the business community. “The Chamber has always been a vital partner in improving relationships and supporting
businesses in Texas,” he said.
Adding to the evening’s sentiments, Dr. Mohan Kuruvilla, Chair of the Texas Society of CPAs (TXCPA), reflected on the Chamber’s potential
for international collaboration. “As the first Indian to chair the Texas Society of CPAs in its 107-year history, it’s an honor to connect with the
Chamber,” he said. “Together, we can explore collaborations that strengthen ties between the CPA community in Texas and its counterparts
in India. I look forward to deepening our shared efforts to support businesses and professionals across both regions.”
As the formal program concluded, Jagdip revisited the Chamber’s humble beginnings and its journey to becoming one of the most respected
organizations in the region. “When we started 25 years ago, we had nothing but a vision,” he reflected. “Today, we are proud to be
considered among the top chambers, thanks to the dedication of our members and the support of our community.”