Congratulatory Remarks It is a profound honor to extend my warmest congratulations to the Korean-American Chamber of Commerce of Washington State (KACCWA) on your 36th Inauguration Ceremony. This milestone provides a momentous occasion to welcome the visionary leadership of incoming President David Oh and Chairperson Shanon Yop while recognizing the dedicated service of outgoing President Shanon Yop and Chairperson Daniel Yoon. KACCWA stands as a cornerstone of the robust economic partnership between Korea and Washington State. For over four decades, the Chamber has not merely been a community hub, but a strategic catalyst for bilateral trade. By facilitating market entry for Korean enterprises and empowering Korean-American businesses within the Pacific Northwest, KACCWA has transformed our shared economic landscape into one of the most dynamic trade corridors in the world. Your new vision, “Growing Together as a Korean Economic Community,” perfectly aligns with our mission to deepen ties between Seoul and Olympia. Through your specialized focus on government contracting and the mentorship of next-generation entrepreneurs, KACCWA is bridging the gap between Korean innovation and Washington’s world-class industries in aerospace, technology, and clean energy. I believe that KACCWA is a practitioner of ‘K-Initiative’ —blending economic resilience with our rich cultural heritage, as demonstrated through WABA Korea Expo & Festival. Your businesses are the backbone of the local economy and the strongest bridge connecting Korea and Washington State. I applaud the Chamber for its tireless advocacy. As we usher in the 36th administration, I look forward to our continued collaboration in elevating Korea-Washington trade to new heights. I wish you a year of immense success, impactful growth, and enduring prosperity. Thank you.

Congratulations on the successful past leadership in representing and supporting the Korean American local businesses and economic development in general. I look forward to the new leadership representating businesses effectively and for your commitment to strengthening the professionalism of the organization. Let’s continue to work together, especially important through these difficult times. In the meantime, I wish everyone health and happiness in the New Year!

On behalf of the Port of Seattle, it is my distinct honor to extend my warmest congratulations to the Korean-American Chamber of Commerce of Washington State (KACCWA) on your 36th Inauguration Ceremony. This celebration marks a significant milestone in a journey of excellence spanning more than four decades. Today, we gather not only to observe a change in leadership but to celebrate the enduring legacy of an organization that serves as a cornerstone of Washington’s economic landscape. I want to express my deepest gratitude to outgoing President Shanon Yop and Chairperson Daniel Yoon for their steadfast leadership. As we welcome the incoming leadership of President David Oh and Chairperson Shanon Yop, the Port of Seattle reaffirms its commitment to the Korean-American business community. Seattle thrives at the intersection of diversity and innovation, and we recognize that our region’s strength depends on the success of our local entrepreneurs. The Port of Seattle is dedicated to actively supporting Korean-American small businesses throughout Washington state by creating pathways, strengthening ties, and advancing equity. Your new vision, “Growing Together as a Korean Economic Community,” aligns perfectly with the Port’s mission to promote economic opportunities for all. By prioritizing the mentorship of next-generation leaders, you are building a foundation that will support Washington’s prosperity for generations to come. I applaud KACCWA for 40 years of advocacy, resilience, and community building. To the 36th administration: I wish you a year of immense success and visionary growth. We look forward to working alongside you. Thank you,

Dear members of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Washington State! I sincerely congratulate the inauguration of the leadership team led by President Eun Ji-yeon and the Board of Directors led by Daniel Yoon of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Washington State. The Korean Chamber of Commerce of Washington State is the founding organization of the World Korean Business Convention, which is active today. Thirty years ago, in 1993, when the APEC Summit was held here in Seattle, the Chamber successfully hosted the APEC eve event as a private organization, inviting consular corps from all participating nations as well as influential local figures. This demonstrated the event management capabilities of the Federation of Korean American Chambers of Commerce and the status of the Chambers Leaders Group. Furthermore, through the inauguration ceremony of the 35th young leadership team and the Presidents Board, the Chamber has set an example by successfully completing a smooth generational transition through outstanding leadership and activities. This involved sharing information via active networks with mainstream society and discovering the next generation of leaders. As the foundation of the World Korean Business Convention (Hansang Convention) for 30 years, we are proud of the Korean Chamber of Commerce of Washington State and wish for it to become a central force in the economic development of our community with its boundless potential.

Greetings, fellow Koreans. Congratulations to President Eun Ji-yeon, Chairman Daniel Yoon, and all newly inaugurated executives and board members of the 35th Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce. I would also like to express my appreciation to the former president and all previous executives for their hard work and dedication. Over the past several years, our community has faced many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, unstable international circumstances, and the global economic downturn. I would like to extend my sincere comfort and gratitude to all Korean compatriots who have wisely endured and overcome these difficult times. Although there were many challenges before the launch of the 35th Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce, I am deeply encouraged to see everyone come together through understanding and cooperation to overcome these difficulties. By placing younger and highly promising next-generation Korean American business leaders at the forefront, it feels as though a new era of hope and vision is beginning for the Chamber. In February 1993, shortly after the inauguration of President Kim Young-sam’s civilian government, I founded the World Federation of Overseas Korean Businesspersons with the vision of building a global Hansang network among overseas Korean businesspeople, economic organizations, and Korean associations around the world. The goal was to promote unity, mutual development, Korea’s economic growth, and its international standing, while enhancing the role of Koreans in the global economy under the banner of “Advancing toward a Great Korean Era in the 21st Century together with Hansang and 7.5 million overseas Koreans.” In the Americas, the Federation of Korean American Chambers of Commerce USA has continued its proud history for over 40 years, serving as a central pillar for the 7.5 million overseas Koreans and Korean business communities worldwide. Its role and significance are truly substantial. Among them, the Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce has played an especially important and meaningful leadership role. In September 1993, the same year the World Federation of Overseas Korean Businesspersons was established, we held the very first World Hansang Convention in Seoul under the theme “Let Us Build a Korean Network.” The Federation of Korean American Chambers of Commerce USA served as a major driving force behind the event, and the Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce participated enthusiastically, contributing greatly to its success. Later, in November 1993, the Federation of Korean American Chambers of Commerce USA hosted the eve reception for the APEC Summit held in Seattle, Washington. The event was a tremendous success, attended by approximately 800 diplomats, consular officials, and international delegates accompanying heads of state participating in the summit. Together with the Federation, the Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce demonstrated its remarkable strength and capabilities, and I personally remember being there in Seattle at that time. Since then, we have continued to share a strong bond and lasting friendship. At the second World Hansang Convention held in Seoul in 1994, Korean American business leaders again participated in large numbers as a major force of the convention. Following the event, all participants visited the Blue House and met with President Kim Young-sam. I also recall that the Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce played an active and significant role during that occasion as well. Since then, the Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce has continuously worked alongside various Korean organizations and local community groups, dedicating itself to the advancement of the Korean American community, the development of Korean businesspeople, and the protection of the rights and interests of overseas Koreans. Moving forward, I hope the Chamber will continue to build upon the dedication and achievements of its predecessors, strengthen the Hansang network, and actively discover and nurture the next generation of Korean American business leaders. I also hope it will continue serving as a driving force for the Republic of Korea on the global stage with an even broader vision for the future. Once again, congratulations to President Eun Ji-yeon, Chairman Daniel Yoon, and all newly appointed executives and board members on your inauguration. I also wish continued success, good health, and prosperity to everyone associated with the Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce. Thank you.

안녕하세요, 저는 대한상공회의소 부회장이자 LG그룹 사장인 하범종입니다. 제35회 워싱턴주 한인상공회의소의 임원진 및 이사진 취임식을 진심으로 축하드립니다. 은지연 회장님과 윤대니얼 이사장님의 뛰어난 역량과 리더십이 2024-2025년 임기 동안에도 계속해서 빛을 발하기를 기대합니다. 특히 올해는 은지연 회장님을 비롯한 젊고 역동적인 리더십과 새롭게 임명된 임원진 및 이사진의 활약으로 한인상공회의소가 새로운 도약을 이루어내기를 진심으로 기원합니다. 한인상공회의소는 140여 년 전, 국가를 수호한다는 사명을 가지고 한성상공회의소로 출발했습니다. 그 이후로 한인상공회의소는 한국이 세계 7대 수출국이자 세계 10대 경제국으로 성장하는 데 기여하며 한국의 경제 성장이라는 기적을 만들어내는 데 일조해 왔습니다. 이러한 성과의 원동력은 바로 우리 기업인과 기업들이었습니다. 앞으로도 우리 경제계가 서로를 계속해서 지지해 나간다면, 우리는 함께 더 큰 희망과 용기를 얻게 될 것입니다. 다시 한번 진심으로 축하드립니다. 워싱턴주 한인 상공회의소가 앞으로도 미국과 한국 기업을 잇는 가교 역할을 하며 미래의 사업 기회를 위한 새로운 로드맵을 만들어 나가기를 진심으로 기대합니다. 이것으로 제 인사말을 마치며, 워싱턴주 한인 상공회의소의 무한한 성장과 번영을 기원합니다. 감사합니다.

대한민국 산업통상자원부를 대표하여, 2026년 2월 1일 워싱턴주 한미상공회의소(KACCWA)의 제36회 창립 기념식을 진심으로 축하드립니다. 워싱턴주는 아마존, 마이크로소프트, 보잉, 스타벅스와 같은 거대 기업들의 본거지로서 세계적인 비즈니스 중심지입니다. 이러한 고성장 환경 속에서 KACCWA는 40년 이상 한미 기업들을 위한 필수적인 가교 역할을 해왔으며, 지역 경제의 중요한 파트너로서 자리매김해 왔습니다. 섀넌 엽 회장과 다니엘 윤 이사장의 헌신적인 노력으로 워싱턴주 경제계의 기반이 더욱 튼튼해졌음을 축하하며, 이번 창립 기념식은 두 분의 노고와 워싱턴주 경제 기반 시설에 미친 지대한 영향을 기념하는 뜻깊은 자리입니다. 데이비드 오 신임 회장과 섀넌 엽 이사장의 새로운 임기를 진심으로 환영합니다. “한국 경제 공동체로서 함께 성장하자”는 귀하의 헌신은 우리 지역을 정의하는 혁신과 다양성의 가치와 맥을 같이합니다. 40년간의 헌신적인 노력에 감사드리며, 새 행정부가 이 역사적인 도약을 이루어내는 데 큰 성공을 거두기를 기원합니다.

청룡해를 맞이하여, 은지연 회장님과 윤대니얼 이사장님의 제35회 워싱턴주 한인상공회의소 회장 취임을 진심으로 축하드립니다. 또한 바쁘신 와중에도 귀한 시간을 내어 참석해 주시고, 상공회의소의 지속적인 성장을 응원해 주신 모든 귀빈 여러분과 한인 사회 구성원 여러분께 깊은 감사를 드립니다. 워싱턴주 한인상공회의소는 오랜 기간 한인 사회의 화합과 단결을 위해 헌신적으로 노력해 왔으며, 탁월한 리더십을 바탕으로 한인 사회 발전을 위해 아낌없는 노력을 기울여 왔습니다. 워싱턴주에 거주하는 한인 기업인과 한인 사회 구성원들의 권익을 대변하는 중요한 단체로서, 상공회의소는 태평양 북서부 지역에서 한인 기업인들의 위상을 높이는 데 크게 기여해 왔습니다. 특히 워싱턴주 상무부를 통해 한인 사회 구성원들이 사업 지원금을 받을 수 있도록 도운 상공회의소의 노력은 영원히 기억될 것입니다. 워싱턴주 한인 상공회의소가 한인 사회의 중심 축으로서의 역할을 충실히 수행하고 지속적으로 성장해 온 것은 역대 회장, 임원, 그리고 회원 여러분의 아낌없는 조언과 격려, 그리고 변함없는 지지 덕분이라고 생각합니다. 은지연 회장님의 새로운 리더십 아래, 모든 회원들이 하나로 뭉쳐 정치적 영향력을 더욱 강화하고, 한인 사회의 권익을 증진하며, 워싱턴주 전역의 한인 기업인들에게 존경받는 단체로 성장해 나가기를 기대합니다. 또한, 어려운 환경 속에서도 상공회의소의 지속적인 성장을 이끌어주신 박용국 전 회장님, 리디아 리 이사장님, 그리고 모든 임원 및 이사진 여러분께 깊은 감사를 드립니다. 젊고 역동적인 제35대 워싱턴주 한인 상공회의소의 새 출발을 진심으로 축하드립니다. 은지연 회장님과 윤대니얼 변호사님의 리더십 아래 상공회의소가 앞으로도 끊임없는 발전과 성장을 이루어 나가기를 기원합니다.