1901
A Chinese ceremonial dragon was featured along Alameda Street in Los Angeles Plaza, forming a prominent part of the Chinese community’s procession during the grand parade held in honor of President William McKinley’s visit.
1955
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles was established in the heart of downtown Chinatown, with the aim of fostering business relationships and advancing commercial prosperity among its members. By the 1950s, the Chinese American community had expanded significantly, supporting approximately 110 grocery stores, 350 laundries, and 180 restaurants, serving a population of around 10,000. This growth continued steadily, with the community reaching 19,730 residents by 1960 and surpassing 40,000 by 1970—a rise spurred in part by the landmark Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, enacted by the 89th United States Congress and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
1963
The inaugural Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Pageant was held, culminating in the crowning of its first queen, Cristine Lee.
1972
Under the leadership of Executive Secretary Bill Hong, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce launched a $140,000 job training initiative, along with the establishment of two key organizations dedicated to assisting newly arrived immigrants in Los Angeles Chinatown. These efforts provided residents with vital opportunities to develop new skills, participate in English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, and improve their socioeconomic standing within the broader community.
1980
One of the Chamber’s central missions is to promote U.S.–China relations and foster meaningful connections for Chinese American citizens living abroad. For many prominent members of the Chinese American community who emigrated from China during the 1960s and 1970s, the Chamber has played a vital role in reuniting them with family members still residing in China. Among those we have proudly assisted in reconnecting with their extended families are Judge Ronald Lew, Pat Yan (CEO of AA Meats), and Winston B. Young (CEO of Young Engineering).
1990
The Chamber is a committed partner in advancing the interests and rights of Chinese youth abroad. We proudly support the Overseas Chinese Youth Association (OCYA) for Rights Protection and Career Development, empowering young people to build new beginnings and pursue opportunities in the United States.
2008
In partnership with Cathay Bank and KAZN AM1300, the Chinese Chamber raised $500,000 to aid victims of the devastating Sichuan earthquake in China, providing critical support to those who were displaced or had lost loved ones.
2015
As part of their many cultural and civic responsibilities, the reigning members of the Miss Chinatown Royal Court embark each year on a cultural exchange trip to China, aimed at fostering friendship and deepening mutual understanding between the Chinese and Chinese American communities. A key element of these visits includes engaging with local communities and nonprofit organizations supported by the Chinese Chamber. In this instance, the Royal Court is shown visiting children at one of several orphanages in Beijing with which the Chamber maintains close and longstanding ties.
2019
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted the 120th Anniversary of the Golden Dragon Parade in celebration of the Lunar New Year, marking it as the longest-running Lunar New Year parade outside of China—a cherished tradition that dates back to the late 19th century. Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Mayor Eric Garcetti and Chinese Consul General Zhang Ping.
Congressman Jimmy Gomez, representing California’s 34th District, was honored as the parade’s Grand Marshal. He was joined by four esteemed Honorary Marshals: Supervisor Hilda Solis (Los Angeles County Supervisor, District 1), Councilmember Gilbert Cedillo (City of Los Angeles, District 1), Chief Michel Moore (Los Angeles Police Department), and Sheriff Alex Villanueva (33rd Sheriff of Los Angeles County).
During the reception, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce was formally recognized for its enduring contributions to promoting U.S.–China business relations, fostering cultural exchange, and preserving important Chinese traditions such as the Lunar New Year.
