17th Annual Business Award E-Booklet

PRESENTED BY

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TH BUSINESS AWARDS Annual CELEBRATION “Celebrating 20 Years of Building in Wisconsin”

OCTOBER 13TH, 2023 4-8 PM CT POTAWATOMI HOTEL & CASINO EVENT CENTER 1721 W CANAL STREET, MILWAUKEE, WI 53233

HMONGCHAMBER.ORG

BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY EVENT PROGRAM

WELCOME MASTER OF CEREMONY - Bao Vang OPENING REMARKS - Title Sponsors - John Salemi, U.S. Bank - Mang Xiong, WUCMAA - Chimeng Yang, Board President - Governor Tony Evers Video 20 Year Video WEDC Award - Dr. Eugene Manzenet COMMUNITY REPORT - Dr. Maysee Herr (CEO) PERFORMANCE #1 - Khob Li Cua

BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY (PROFESSIONALS) - Young Professional of the Year Award - Professional of the Year Award - HWCC IMPACT Award

KEYNOTE SPEAKER - Xia M. Moua PERFORMANCE #2 - Khob Li Cua

BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY (BUSINESSES) - New Startup Business of the Year Award - Emerging Small Business of the Year Award - Business of the Year Award

CLOSING REMARKS - Bao Vang (MC) and Mary Thao - Dr. Maysee Herr (CEO)

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BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY SPECIAL GUESTS

MASTER OF CEREMONY Bao Vang

Bao Vang is the Vice President of Communications for Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota where she serves as a senior leader and spokesperson.

Her professional background also includes deep roots in media including roles as a news anchor and reporter at WSAW-TW in Wausau, Wisconsin and similarly at WBAY-TV in Green Bay. She is proud to be among the very first Hmong on-air contributors in the United States. Her two degrees are from the University of St. Thomas; BA in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish and an MBA with an emphasis in business communications.

Bao Vang MC of HWCC’s 16th Annual Business Awards

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BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY SPECIAL GUESTS

KEYNOTE SPEAKER Xia M. Moua

Xia M. Moua (Ntxhiav Mim Yaj, Niam NtxoovMas Muas) is a historic figure in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She runs the first and only Hmong woman-owned home-building business in Wisconsin. Xia obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and is a licensed Real Estate Broker and General Contractor.

Xia is an accomplished entrepreneur, serving as CEO/Owner of Jongma Homes, LLC since 2014 and Broker Owner of MOUA REAL ESTATE, LLC since 2001, making her the longest-licensed Hmong Broker Owner in Wisconsin. She's also involved in Moua Investments, LLC, and Moua Martial Arts, LLC. In her community, Xia contributes her talents as a dance instructor, Ms. HmongAmerica Pageant coordinator, Hmong Radio Host, and DJ/Motivational Lecturer. She's a United Way Board Member and a respected Keynote Speaker.

Above all, Xia's proudest achievement is her 33-year marriage to Jongma Moua, with five children. She's a dedicated professional, community leader, and a loving family person, embodying hard work, leadership, and unwavering commitment.

Jongma Homes was HWCC’s 2019 Business of the Year Awardee

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BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY SPECIAL GUESTS

DANCE PERFORMANCE Khob Li Cua

Khob Li Cua is one of the 6 dance teams part of Long Cheng Dance Academy. Khob Li Cua has dancers ages ranging from 12-17. The goal for Khob Li Cua this year is to learn and grow with their passion as dancers and one day become an elite team.

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BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY COMMUNITY REPORT

CEO

Dr. Maysee Herr

YEAR-TO-DATE IMPACT Nearly $1 Million in Grant Proposals Awarded 78 business grants

2023 RLF PERFORMANCE Loans (Increased from $75,000 to $300,000) 8 Loans Deployed Total Deployed: $884,950.00

2017-CURRENT RLF PERFORMANCE 68 Loans Deployed Total Deployed: $2,195,150

GROWTH & EXPANSION Doubled HWCC Staff Opened 3 offices Eau Claire Appleton Green Bay

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BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR FINALIST

MICHAEL NGUYEN

This award recognizes an AAPI professional who is an emerging leader who showcases their passion and drive to move us forward through their innovative community projects and efforts.

(39 years old or younger)

Michael Nguyen is the Executive Director of Teach For America Milwaukee. Formerly, Michael was the Chief of Staff at Carmen Schools of Science and Technology, principal at St. Anthony Middle School and a teacher at St Anthony School and Dr. Benjamin Carson Academy.

He started his career as a Teach For America Milwaukee corps member after graduating from theUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Michael has a Masters in Education from Marquette University and certification in Education Administration and Curriculum and Instruction through Alverno College.

Most importantly, Michael has known his wife, Brianna, since they were 13 years old.

They have three children together, Alice, Apollo and Russell, and fill their free time with their kids’ activities. The Nguyens live in Milwaukee’s Enderis Park neighborhood.

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BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR FINALIST This award recognizes an AAPI professional who is an emerging leader who showcases their passion and drive to move us forward through their innovative community projects and efforts.

(39 years old or younger)

E is also the co-founder, Board VP and Executive Director of a non-profit, Our Scholarship, that is dedicated to providing higher education scholarships to Southeast Asian students in WI. One of the inspirations behind Our Scholarship is her experience as a first-generation college student navigating the educational system. These experiences have also led E to be engaged with the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin pushing Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240 to include Asian American & Hmong American History into the WI K-12 educational curricula.

During E's free time, she runs an online small business called Lily Fierce selling women's apparel that ranges from business wear, lounge, trendy and everything in between. E believes all womxn are FIERCE and fashion is a way to express their boldness in all areas of their life. In 2022, E was named WI's Most Influential Asian American Leaders and this year, was honored to accept the Community Shareholder Jacken award. She looks forward to telling more Hmong American and Asian American stories so others can celebrate the rich diversity that WI has to offer.

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E HER VANG

E Her Vang (she/her/hers) is a proud second-generation, Hmong American womxn from Milwaukee, WI. Currently, E serves as the Managing Director for the City Year Network for School Improvement, where she leads, coaches, and encourages educators in 10 Milwaukee Public Schools to network by sharing best practices and introducing new strategies to improve student outcomes.

BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR FINALIST

CAITLIN LEE

This award recognizes an AAPI professional who has achieved significant milestones in their professional career, elevating the community with their accomplishments. (40+ years old).

Caitlin is the Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Services at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. She is a community builder and grassroots organizer with over 20 years of workforce diversity expertise in higher education. She has engaged in many equity, diversity, and inclusion taskforces and initiatives to advance EDI goals.

She is also owner of CML Consulting, allowing her to expand the reach of her EDI work.

Caitlin deeply believes in creating equitable and inclusive spaces for dialogue and change. In the spirit of community building and creating platforms of inclusion, she is the co-founder of the Hmong Women Summit: The Authenticity Project centered on the development of authentic and inclusive leadership to build inclusive communities.

As a local grassroots effort to better represent and address learning needs and family engagement with the Hmong families and learners within the Eau Claire School District, Caitlin is President and Co-founder of the Eau Claire Area School District Hmong PTA. This past election cycle, Caitlin was part of the Wisconsin AAPIs for Biden Leadership Council and was one of the co-leads of the Hmong Outreach Advisory Committee.

Caitlin looks forward to the continued community building as a Co-Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic AAPI Caucus.

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BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR FINALIST This award recognizes an AAPI professional who has achieved significant milestones in their professional career, elevating the community with their accomplishments. (40+ years old).

She is the founder and former co-executive director of Freedom Inc. until 2022 and Freedom Action Now. Currently, she is the founder and executive director of Moving Mountains, a US-based global feminist organization. Kabzuag has dedicated the majority of her life to racial and gender justice movement work. Her advocacy started when she was 16 years old, assisting and housing at-risk teens, and challenging abusive gender norms within her community. She is a strong believer that those who are most deeply impacted must be at the forefront of the movement and when given opportunities and resources can liberate themselves.

In the past 20 years, Vaj has spent her life working to build collective power and social change. She is known internationally for her ongoing work for liberation and gender equity within her community. She is an accomplished movement leader and is revered as a thought leader and NorthStar within movement spaces. Amongst her political accomplishments, Kabzuag is also a proud mother of 4 kids and an artist. She was a co-owner/co-founder of RedGreenRivers, the first of its’ kind social enterprise that works with women/girl artisans from the Mekong Region in Southeast Asia.

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KABZUAG VAJ

Kabzuag Vaj is a feminist Hmong refugee thought leader and organizer who was born in Laos and raised in Madison, WI.

BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY

PATRICK MARTIN

HWCC IMPACT AWARD

The HWCC Impact Award recognizes an individual who has had a tremendous impact on the growth and development of HWCC over the course of several years, demonstrating passion and commitment for the mission of HWCC through efforts that go above and beyond the call of duty.

HWCC recognizes Patrick Martin as this year's HWCC Impact Award recipient. He is recent-past President of HWCC and current Chairperson of HWCC's Loan Review Committee. Patrick has served on the HWCC board and LRC for nearly seven years.

His passion and commitment to HWCC remains strong as he's always willing to provide expert advice and support to the HWCC Team. Patrick has played a significant role in helping to create HWCC's current loan policies and products. As a volunteer board and committee member, he exemplifies what it means to serve one's community wholeheartedly. His endless support of HWCC CEO, Dr. Maysee Herr and the team as well as his steady leadership on the board has contributed greatly to the success of HWCC over the last several years. It is Patrick's selflessness and love for the work of HWCC and the communities it serves that has earned him recognition as this year's HWCC Impact Award recipient.

Patrick Martin has been in the banking industry since 2002 and is currently Assistant Vice President of Business Lending for Landmark Credit Union.

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BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY NEW STARTUP BUSINESS OF THE YEAR FINALIST

WAUSAU FAMILY PHARMACY

This award recognizes an AAPI-owned new business startup that has demonstrated an upward trajectory toward sustainability and growth while venturing into non-traditional business development industries. Business must be an operational and profitable business for at least 1 year.

Wausau Family Pharmacy, the first Hmong-owned pharmacy in Wisconsin, is dedicated to enhancing health literacy in underserved communities. We provide comprehensive healthcare services, including non-urgent walk-in care, free over-the-counter medications for Wisconsin Badger Care patients, Hmong-language prescriptions, ACIP-approved vaccines, and medication therapy management.

Since opening in September 2022, we've grown our team and served over 2,000 patients, conducted 32,300 COVID tests, dispensed 20,000 prescriptions, and administered 1,200 vaccines statewide. We're transforming the role of pharmacies, emphasizing community health expertise. Recognized by the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin, we aim to bridge healthcare gaps, boost health literacy, and reduce overall healthcare costs, empowering patients to make informed health decisions. Wausau Family Pharmacy remains committed to pioneering innovative solutions for community health improvement.

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BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY NEW STARTUP BUSINESS OF THE YEAR FINALIST This award recognizes an AAPI-owned new business startup that has demonstrated an upward trajectory toward sustainability and growth while venturing into non-traditional business development industries. Business must be an operational and profitable business for at least 1 year.

Ka is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Through education, advocacy, and compassionate care, she aims to create a supportive environment where individuals can seek help without fear or judgment. This dedication to mental health de-stigmatization aligns with her mission of promoting overall well-being and ensuring mental health services are accessible and welcoming for everyone. Her commitment extends beyond her practice, as she actively collaborates with local resources to address healthcare disparities within her community. By recognizing the challenges, she strives to bridge the gap and ensure that all individuals have access to the mental health support they need.

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PRISM HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Prism Health and Wellness, LLC is a Hmong-owned private practice based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, established in 2022. The practice is led by Ka Lee, MA, LPC, LPCC, a licensed professional counselor with extensive experience dating back to 2012. Ka holds dual licenses in both Wisconsin and Minnesota, allowing her to serve a broader range of clients.

OUR MISSION The Hmong America Center, Inc. is a community that engages in economic, social and multi-cultural development, serving as an educational and resource center for its members and surrounding communities through leadership, cooperation and collaboration.

OUR SERVICES Soul Lock Law Enforcement Exploration Lena Start Direct Client Services (Immigration, Energy Assistance, Housing, etc.)

Food Services (Cultural Dining Site, Food Vouchers, Food Pantry) Feem Ua Neej Elder Services Hmong Heritage Month H.M.O.N.G Youth Program Hmong Wausau Festival Hmong & Hispanic Health Network Interpreting and Translation Entrepreneurship Programs (Business Development, Bus 101) ELL Classes for Hmong and Hispanic Project Resiliency and Mental Health Services WNRB-LP 93.3 FM Radio

BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY EMERGING SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR FINALIST

FISH CAVE

This award recognizes an AAPI-owned small business that has demonstrated significant growth and success in the areas of economics, job creation and market demand. Business must be an operational and profitable business for at least 2 years.

One aquarium turned into multiple aquariums and soon a whole room in Ton Vang’s basement was dedicated to aquariums; that room was named “Fish Cave”. Now it is a brick-and-mortar store located in Appleton, WI. Fish Cave first opened its doors to the public on September 25, 2021. Fish Cave imports all kinds of aquatic animals from all over the world. The shop has over 150 aquariums and has one of the largest varieties of fish in Wisconsin. They also offer shipping throughout the whole United States and even into Canada. Fish Cave also serves as a public aquarium gallery and hosts field trips.

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BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY EMERGING SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR FINALIST This award recognizes an AAPI-owned small business that has demonstrated significant growth and success in the areas of economics, job creation and market demand. Business must be an operational and profitable business for at least 2 years.

ProjectWise Consulting provides consulting services supporting organizations with cultivating their biggest challenges to enhance the value of their organizations.

ProjectWise Consulting takes an adaptive approach such as Waterfall, Hybrid, and Agile practices to achieve an organization’s effectiveness. The consulting practice provides supplemental staff augmentation, Project Management Office (PMO) leadership, training, and strategic planning.

They pride themselves as being the best-in-class portfolio, program, and project leaders in Central WI. ProjectWise Consulting has unmatched skills compared to others in the industry and their proven track record speaks for itself. After fifteen months in business, Jodie and Mary have accumulated over $1 million in sales revenue.

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PROJECTWISE CONSULTING

Jodie Gardner and Mary Thao created ProjectWise Consulting, LLC, in December 2021 during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. After spending 20+ years working in healthcare and corporate America, they both decided to pursue their dreams of being entrepreneurs and working for themselves. The decision to be self-employed came with risk and uncertainty, however, they knew with each other’s partnership and background, they would be sustainable.

BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR FINALIST

THAI ORCHID

This award identifies and recognizes an AAPI-owned business that has made a significant contribution to the community while supporting its economic growth by practicing great work ethics, processes, and systems at their business to provide quality service/product to their customers. Business must be an operational and profitable business for at least 3 years.

Thai Orchid Restaurant was established in May of 2018 in Eau Claire, WI. Owner, Carrie Cha, acquired the business from her uncle, who initially opened 18 years ago under the name Pad Thai. It is currently one of a handful of Hmong owned restaurants in the Chippewa Valley. Located near the University of WI Eau Claire campus, Thai Orchid serves local residents, students, parents of international students visiting from all over the world and visitors passing through from various parts of the country. Like many Thai restaurants, Thai Orchid serves traditional Thai cuisines as well as popular dishes from Vietnam, Laos and Hmong.

Thai Orchid distinguishes itself from other restaurants by striving to participate in a variety of community events and causes. Carrie believes that in order to grow in the community, one must build genuine relationships. Her idea stems from a strong Hmong heritage and culture of hospitality.

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BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR FINALIST This award identifies and recognizes an AAPI-owned business that has made a significant contribution to the community while supporting its economic growth by practicing great work ethics, processes, and systems at their business to provide quality service/product to their customers. Business must be an operational and profitable business for at least 3 years.

Located amidst a diverse community, AN OX CAFE has hosted various events, including meet and greets, weddings, and parties. The restaurant has also received recognition, including being featured in Milwaukee's 40th-anniversary magazine, receiving the 2022 Mayor's Design Award, and being chosen as a vendor at the Harley Davidson 120th Homecoming event. It has also garnered attention from notable figures such as Governor Tony Evers, Mayor Cavalier Johnson, and famous basketball players like Kevon Looney and Bobby Portis Jr., as well as hosting performances by Hmong artists and DJs.

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AN OX CAFE

AN OX CAFE was established in August 2018, located at 7411 W. Hampton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53218. This full-service family-style restaurant offers Asian comfort food, including Lao, Hmong, and Thai dishes, in a relaxed atmosphere with background music from the 80s, 90s, and top 40 hits. Customers can choose to dine in the main seating area, the patio (weather permitting), or at the bar, all while enjoying sports and entertainment on numerous TVs. AN OX CAFE also hosts live music events, DJ nights, and karaoke. The building’s interior was designed to be accessible for everyone and features a low bar top and a doorless bathroom.

BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY OUR SPONSORS TITLE SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

PROFESSIONAL AWARDS SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSORS

L. Jay Inc. ADDITIONAL SPONSORS

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BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY A SPECIAL THANK YOU We couldn't do the work that we do without our legacy donors, strategic partners and funding partners!

LEGACY DONORS

Phyllis Bermingham

Yee and Thong Vue

MAJOR PARTNERS

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BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY A SPECIAL THANK YOU A HUGE THANK YOU to our silent auction donors and Table Sponsors!

SILENT AUCTION DONORS Her's Boutique Paint Party B Nail Bar Milwaukee Ocean Blue Muang Thai The Pixel Booth Pin High Golf Center

TABLE SPONSORS U.S. Bank WUCMAA Kristy Vang Yee Lee Vue Xia Moua The Pixel Booth Old National Bank WEDC Xiong Ginseng Town Bank ProjectWise Consulting UW-Milwaukee Wisconsin Democratic Party RPM Bodywork Milwaukee County Wisconsin Chinese Chamber of Commerce (WCCC)

BMO First Citizens Bank Landmark Credit Union Church Mutual Insurance L. Jay Inc. Thai Orchid Hmong American Center Caitlin Lee Madison College Nyob Zoo Milwaukee Long Cheng Marketplace Froedtert Better Business Bureau Hnubhli Designs WHEDA Aurora Health Care

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Yummee Treats City of Madison Latino Chamber of Commerce SEW Phyllis Burmingham MEDC TriCity National Bank Hmong American Friendship Association (HAFA) Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce HALED Madison Black Chamber of Commerce An Ox Cafe E Her Vang