California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce Hosts Gubernatorial Candidate Forum at 17th Annual Legislative Day
Photo credit: Tia Gemmell, Riverview Media Photography
Sacramento, CA (April 8, 2026) — The California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (CalAsian Chamber) convened state leaders, policymakers, and community members for its 17th Annual Legislative Day in Sacramento. The program brought together voices from across the state for a series of discussions focused on California’s economic climate, regulatory environment, and the critical role of small businesses in driving growth.
As part of the day’s programming, CalAsian hosted its Gubernatorial Candidate Forum, providing a platform for candidates to share their vision, priorities, and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing California.
The forum featured participation from:
- Katie Porter, Former U.S. Representative
- Matt Mahan, Mayor of San Jose
- Antonio Villaraigosa, Former Los Angeles Mayor and State Assembly Speaker
- Xavier Becerra, Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary and California Attorney General
- Betty Yee, Former State Controller
- Tony Thurmond, California Superintendent of Public Instruction
Candidates are listed according to their standing in the Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics California gubernatorial survey released March 11, 2026.
The discussion was moderated by Jenny Huh, Political Reporter of ABC10, who guided a thoughtful and engaging conversation on key issues impacting California’s business community. A special thank you to ABC10 for their partnership and support in elevating this important conversation.
Attorney General Rob Bonta opened the day with virtual remarks, emphasizing the importance of AAPI small businesses as a core driver of California’s economy. His remarks highlighted the connection between inclusive economic growth, public safety, and consumer protection, reinforcing the role of equitable policies in strengthening communities statewide.
“CalAsian is honored to convene this forum, providing an opportunity for our members and community to hear directly from candidates on their vision and priorities for California’s future,” said Pat Fong Kushida, President & CEO of the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce. “Creating space for these perspectives is essential to understanding how policy decisions will shape the economic landscape and impact small businesses across the state.”
Throughout the forum, candidates shared their perspectives on key issues, including affordability, public safety, government accountability, and long-term economic strategy. Discussions touched on the need to streamline regulatory processes, improve access to capital, strengthen workforce development, and create a more supportive environment for small and minority-owned businesses across California.
While each candidate brought forward distinct policy approaches, several common themes emerged, including the importance of government efficiency, increased transparency, and targeted investments to support economic mobility and business growth.
Following the forum, attendees participated in a networking reception, continuing conversations and building connections across business, policy, and community sectors.
For those who were unable to attend, the livestream recording is available to view here.
This event is part of the CalAsian Chamber’s ongoing commitment to elevate the voices of small businesses, foster meaningful dialogue, and create opportunities for engagement between community leaders and policymakers across California. To learn more about our advocacy efforts and public policy priorities, visit our advocacy page.
Media Coverage
The forum received coverage from local and national media outlets. Read more below:
- ABC10: CalAsian Chamber hosts gubernatorial forum | To The Point with Alex Bell
- The Sacramento Bee: Villaraigosa urges Democrats to ‘fix what we broke’ at governor candidate forum
- CBS8 San Diego: CalAsian Chamber of Commerce hosts first gubernatorial forum
- Yahoo News (aggregated): Listen as Antonia Villaraigosa speaks during CalAsian's gubernatorial candidate forum
- AOL (aggregated): Listen as Antonia Villaraigosa speaks during CalAsian's gubernatorial candidate forum
- PressReader (aggregated): Villaraigosa urges Democrats to ‘fix what we broke’ at governor candidate forum
- New York Post: California gov candidates pile on as Eric Swalwell misconduct rumors swirl
California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, CalAsian Foundation, and National ACE Convene Sacramento Small Business Roundtable with State and Federal Leaders
Sacramento, CA (March 25, 2026) — The California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (CalAsian Chamber) and CalAsian Foundation, in partnership with the National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE), convened small business owners, policymakers, and community leaders for a Small Business Roundtable in Sacramento, California. The gathering created space for meaningful dialogue around the challenges facing entrepreneurs and the opportunities to strengthen California’s small business ecosystem.
Sacramento’s small business community plays a vital role in driving the region’s economy, creating jobs, and developing a vibrant business environment. The roundtable focused on elevating the voices of business owners and connecting them directly with decision-makers to explore solutions that support long-term growth and sustainability.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local and state economy, and it is critical that their voices are part of the policy conversation,” said Pat Fong Kushida, President & CEO of the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce. “Through convenings like this, we are creating intentional space for entrepreneurs to share their lived experiences while working alongside leaders who can help drive meaningful change.”
“This roundtable reflects our continued commitment to ensuring that small business owners have access to the resources, capital, and opportunities they need to succeed,” said Chiling Tong, President & CEO of National ACE. “By bringing together entrepreneurs and policymakers, we can turn conversation into action and strengthen pathways for economic growth.”
We were honored to be joined by State Senator Roger Niello of California’s Sixth District, Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum of Sacramento’s Fourth District, Vice Mayor Darren Suen of Elk Grove, U.S. Small Business Administration District Director Heather Luzzi, Commissioner Amy Tong from the California Racial Equity Commission, Monika Lee; Chief of Staff to Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes, and Field Representative Josh Gumacal from the Office of Congressman Ami Bera, M.D.
The roundtable featured an interactive discussion, with participants to share their experiences, challenges, and ideas for strengthening the small business landscape across the region.
Key topics discussed include access to capital, navigating government resources, workforce challenges, and opportunities to better support small business growth through policy and partnerships.
“As a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business owner new to this space, I found this roundtable very helpful to learn about the chambers’ initiatives and network with other small business owners and entrepreneurs,” said John Patricio, President of Patricio Systems LLC. “This roundtable allowed us to hear problems small business owners have, and to share possible solutions. We know not all of these challenges will be solved right now, but if we continue to take the right steps going forward, we are going to be successful."
“This roundtable is a great chance for small businesses to amplify their voices and bring together resources to truly help owners,” said Joseph Kwon, Founder and CEO of EVEN Recharge. “National ACE and CalAsian have created a very necessary space for small businesses to talk about their specific needs and bring it to the attention of lawmakers and peers.”
This roundtable is part of CalAsian Chamber and National ACE’s ongoing commitment to support entrepreneurs, strengthen small business ecosystems, and advance policies that help businesses grow and compete in today’s economy.
Introducing the New CalAsian Brand: Built for California’s Next Chapter of Economic Growth
Supporting California’s small businesses today requires more than programs alone. It requires clear pathways to capital, contracts, workforce talent, and policy solutions. As these needs have expanded, CalAsian’s role has expanded with them.
Over the past 16 years, we’ve become a leading statewide chamber, representing California’s 722,000 AAPI-owned employers and supporting thousands of underserved small businesses. Our work now spans capital access, procurement support, research and economic insights, workforce development, and policy advocacy that informs statewide business decisions.
In 2025 alone, CalAsian supported more than 2,700 businesses, connected entrepreneurs to nine public-sector contracts totaling $124.5 million, helped launch 32 new businesses, and supported more than $70 million in small business lending. These results are what our refreshed brand is built to reflect and scale.
To reflect our expanded role and impact, we are introducing: our refreshed brand.
Why We’re Launching a New Brand
CalAsian today serves as a statewide economic engine connecting small businesses to capital, contracts, talent, and global market opportunities. As more businesses, policymakers, and partners rely on us for actionable support and economic insight, our identity must clearly communicate our role.
Our influence has grown alongside our direct support for small businesses. Those outcomes directly inform our policy work, including successful advocacy for legislation such as AB 2019, which strengthened transparency and accountability in state procurement, and AB 258, which expanded state outreach to better connect small businesses with economic development resources. Together, these efforts reflect CalAsian’s role in translating real business experience into policy solutions that expand access and opportunity statewide.
Our new brand reflects how CalAsian works through an integrated, statewide model:
- Supporting small businesses directly through advising, capital access, procurement, and technical assistance
- Turning business experience into data and insights that guide policy and investment
- Advocating for policy solutions that remove barriers and expand opportunity
- Developing leadership and workforce pipelines that help employers hire and grow
- Expanding global market access through trade missions and international partnerships
- Convening partners and decision-makers to move opportunity into action
This integrated model is central to how we deliver impact statewide.
What’s New in Our Identity
Our refreshed visual identity, created with the Yellow Brick Group, reflects CalAsian’s expanded role as a statewide business and economic leader supporting small businesses across California. The system is clearer, more modern, and designed to scale across programs, regions, and digital platforms.
- Refined logomark representing forward movement and interconnected pathways
- Modern typography designed for clarity and readability
- Vibrant, grounded color palette balancing energy and credibility
The updated identity is built to match the scale and clarity of our work statewide.
A Unified Visual Identity Across Our Ecosystem
As part of this brand refresh, the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce and the CalAsian Foundation will adopt aligned visual identities designed to clarify how our broader ecosystem shows up across the state. CalAsian serves as the statewide hub within this network, while each organization continues to operate independently with its own board, mission, and programs.
A shared visual system helps partners, funders, and businesses more easily understand how these organizations connect and how they work together to expand opportunity across California.
Our Mission Stays the Same
While our look is new, our commitment remains unchanged: helping California’s small and underserved businesses start, sustain, and grow.
We’ll continue to:
- Provide direct support to entrepreneurs
- Turn business challenges into practical solutions
- Expand access to capital, contracts, and global opportunities
- Advocate for policies that reduce barriers
- Strengthen the workforce ecosystem
- Bring leaders and partners together to move opportunity into action
This refreshed brand reflects both who we are today and how we intend to grow our impact in the years ahead.
What’s Coming in Early 2026
This brand launch is the foundation of what comes next. Next, you’ll see:
- Expanded storytelling around our statewide impact
- Announcements tied to workforce, procurement, and global trade initiatives
- Expanded opportunities for businesses and partners to engage
As we move forward, you’ll see clearer impact reporting, deeper engagement opportunities, and stronger pathways for businesses and partners to connect to statewide opportunity.
We remain focused on turning real business challenges into real opportunity.
⚠️Flash Warning⚠️
12th Annual Policy Summit: Exploring Science-Based Approaches to Tobacco Harm Reduction
Thursday, November 13 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | UC Student and Policy Center
The California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us for the 12th Annual Policy Summit, where policymakers, health experts, and industry leaders will gather to discuss one of today’s most complex and pressing public health topics: tobacco and nicotine harm reduction.
This year’s focus, Science, Regulation, and the Future of Harm Reduction, will explore how evidence-based strategies and regulatory frameworks can shape effective harm-reduction policy. With other nations embracing risk-reduction models, this conversation will examine how California can pursue balanced, data-driven solutions that both protect public health and encourage innovation and economic stability.
Featured Panelists
Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen | Assembly District 10
Elected in 2022 as the first AAPI woman legislator representing the Sacramento region, Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen brings a deep commitment to advancing equity and access for all Californians. A former Executive Director of Asian Resources, Inc. and past Elk Grove City Councilmember, Nguyen’s legislative work focuses on community empowerment, child care affordability, and social services for underserved populations.
In the current legislative session, she has championed key budget wins, including $30 million for Special Olympics California and $60 million for California Food Banks. She serves on several key Assembly Committees and as Vice Chair of the AAPI Legislative Caucus.
Assemblymember Joe Patterson | Assembly District 5
Representing Placer and El Dorado Counties, Assemblymember Joe Patterson was elected in 2022 following his service as a Rocklin City Councilmember and Mayor. A small business owner and lifelong Californian, Patterson brings both public- and private-sector experience to his role in the Legislature.
He is passionate about building a strong business climate and protecting local communities—grounded in practical leadership that supports families and small businesses across his district.
Dr. Pritika Kumar | Philip Morris International
Dr. Pritika Kumar is a public health scientist with over 25 years of experience in harm reduction, specializing in tobacco and substance use-related disparities. As a Scientific Engagement Lead at Philip Morris International, she oversees stakeholder engagement on smoke-free and reduced-risk tobacco and nicotine products in the U.S. market.
Dr. Kumar has a robust background in public health programs, policy, and research, having worked with leading institutions such as the United Nations, World Bank, integrated health systems, academia, and policy think tanks. She completed her mental health and public health graduate training in India and at New York University, Johns Hopkins University, and Harvard University.
Dr. Jeffrey Singer | Cato Institute
Dr. Jeffrey Singer is a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, President Emeritus of Valley Surgical Clinics, and a nationally recognized voice on health care policy and drug reform. With over 35 years in surgical practice, Dr. Singer writes and speaks extensively on evidence-based health policies and the unintended consequences of prohibition. He is also a Visiting Fellow at the Goldwater Institute and serves on the Board of Scientific Advisors of the American Council on Science and Health.
Moderator
Jazmine Advincula | Director of Public Policy, CalAsian Chamber
As the Director of Public Policy for the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, Jazmine Alop Advincula leads statewide advocacy efforts focused on inclusive economic growth and small business empowerment. A Sacramento native and experienced policy strategist, she brings a collaborative, community-centered approach to every discussion. Advincula has previously led initiatives across supply chain policy, workforce development, and economic mobility, and will guide this important conversation on balancing innovation and public health priorities.
Join the Conversation
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leading voices in science, regulation, and public policy as we discuss pathways for California to advance responsible, evidence-based harm reduction strategies.
Following the panel, guests are invited to join us for a networking reception with light refreshments. This is a great opportunity to continue the conversation, connect with panelists and peers, and engage with leaders across sectors who are shaping the future of public health and policy in California.
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: UC Student and Policy Center
Register today to reserve your spot and be part of the dialogue shaping California’s public health future.
This year’s Policy Summit is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors: Philip Morris International, Exxon Mobil, McDonald’s, Charter Communications, T-Mobile, Coca-Cola, Alaska Airlines, and PG&E.
Member Spotlight: Republic Services — Leading the Future of Sustainable Waste and Environmental Solutions
When it comes to environmental services in North America, few companies have achieved the reach, vision, and impact of Republic Services. With decades of experience under its belt, Republic has evolved from a trusted waste management provider into one of the foremost leaders in sustainable recycling, energy recovery, and industrial environmental solutions.
A Legacy of Growth, Innovation & Reliability
Republic’s origins trace back to the mid-1990s, when it incorporated as Republic Services in 1996 and went public on the NYSE by 1998. Further expanding its scope, the company merged with Allied Waste—a heritage waste management giant—in 2008, solidifying its market position.
Today, Republic Services is a leader in environmental services across North America. With over 1,000 locations, a fleet of 17,000 vehicles, and more than 13 million customers, the company orchestrates 5 million waste pickups daily.
Comprehensive, Tailored Services
Republic delivers a full spectrum of solutions:
- Waste Collection & Disposal for residential, commercial, industrial—and even hazardous—waste streams.
- Recycling Programs, powered by 75 recycling centers, process millions of tons of materials.
- Energy Services, including landfill gas-to-energy projects, transform waste into renewable power.
- Environmental Solutions, featuring high-complexity hazardous treatment, industrial cleaning, emergency response, and oil & gas sector services.
Their environmental services capabilities extend beyond routine disposal—from rapid response to environmental crises to tank cleaning and remediation. Republic's customer portals even enable clients to manage their accounts, forms, and documentation online, streamlining compliance and efficiency.
A Culture Rooted in Values & Sustainability
Republic Services isn’t just a waste hauler—it’s a sustainability pioneer. Its “Sustainability in Action” framework uniquely positions safety, talent, climate leadership, and community engagement at the core of its operations, anchored by bold 2030 sustainability goals.
- Safety: Republic’s safety performance is 38% better than the industry average. Their goal? Zero employee fatalities and a Total Recordable Incident Rate of 2.0 by 2030.
- Talent: From leadership academies to technology institutes, Republic invests in its workforce, ensuring employee engagement scores reach or exceed 88%.
- Climate Leadership: Republic launched the nation’s first Polymer Center, invested in electric collection trucks, and partnered on landfill renewable natural gas (RNG) projects.
- Community: Its National Neighborhood Promise and corporate philanthropy programs empower neighborhoods where their employees live and work.
In recognition of its integrity, Republic Services was named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere in 2025.
Financial Strength & Market Confidence
Republic’s financial performance mirrors its operational strength. As one of the two dominant players in U.S. waste services, it forecasted over $16 billion in 2024 revenue—backed by pricing power and sustained demand.
On Wall Street, Republic’s stock has climbed steadily—rising from around $65 in 2020 to over $210 by late 2024—a 142% increase. Analysts highlight its consistent earnings and dividend-friendly metrics as signs of its essential role in modern infrastructure.
Committed Leadership for a Sustainable Tomorrow
Republic’s leadership team remains focused on profitable, sustainable growth, partnering with customers to build cleaner, safer communities. Their culture—built on being Safe, Committed to Serve, Environmentally Responsible, and Driven—ensures the company delivers results responsibly.
Why It Matters
In today’s rapidly changing world, Republic Services stands out as a model of innovation, reliability, and environmental stewardship. From household waste pickup to renewable energy development, their vertically integrated model turns challenges into opportunities—and consistently delivers value to customers, communities, and the planet.
Republic Services isn't just managing waste; it’s shaping a more sustainable and resilient future. Discover how Republic Services can elevate your sustainability efforts and meet your environmental needs.