Little
Saigon, Calif. – The community is invited to 50 Years of Little Saigon’s
Resilience on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 1 to 7:30 p.m. at the Great Wolf
Lodge in Garden Grove, California. Bringing together entrepreneurs, community
leaders, and civic partners from across Southern California, this milestone
gathering honors the remarkable journey and contributions of Vietnamese
Americans over the past five decades.
“At the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development
Center Network (OCIE SBDC Network), we are proud to partner in this celebration
that honors not just business success, but the remarkable resilience and
innovation of Vietnamese American entrepreneurs,” said Regional Director Mike
Daniel. “This community exemplifies how small businesses shape our economy,
enrich our culture, and drive generational progress.”
This commemorative event is presented by the OCIE SBDC Network
and the Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce (VACOC), in partnership with
the cities of Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, Santa Ana, Westminster, and local
chambers of commerce. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with
policymakers, business trailblazers, chamber executives, and key resource
providers — fostering connections that inspire collaboration and drive lasting
impact.
The event program will feature two defining themes:
From Refugee to
Legacy
Paying tribute to the first-generation Vietnamese refugees who
transformed adversity into opportunity. Their resilience and entrepreneurial
drive laid the foundation for what would become a thriving economic hub. From
humble storefronts to multi-generational enterprises, this segment will reflect
on the past 50 years of perseverance, growth, and cultural pride that continue
to define the heart of Little Saigon.
Legacy and Beyond
The next chapter of Little Saigon’s story will be shaped by the
voices of those who built it. Community and business leaders will come together
to share generational journeys—celebrating milestones while paving the way for
a new era of Vietnamese American leadership. Through open dialogue and shared
experience, they will outline ways to support young entrepreneurs with the
tools, mentorship, and resources needed to thrive. This discussion will
reinforce the power of unity, tradition, and vision in building a vibrant and
inclusive future.
“Santa Ana is proud to join in celebrating 50 years of
resilience, ingenuity, and cultural richness brought forth by the Vietnamese
American community,” said Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua. “Their influence has
shaped Santa Ana’s cultural landscape and strengthened our local economy. This
milestone is a testament to the enduring spirit of community in Little Saigon
and the promise of future leaders carrying the torch forward with pride and
purpose.”
“Little Saigon’s story is deeply personal to Garden Grove — it’s
the story of our neighbors, our friends, and the families who built something
extraordinary from almost nothing,” said Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie
Klopfenstein. “Garden Grove is honored to partner with OCIE SBDC Network and
VACOC to host this landmark celebration recognizing the strength and entrepreneurial
legacy of our Vietnamese American community. We stand committed to supporting
innovation and opportunity for the next 50 years of this vibrant legacy.”
“Westminster has been the heart of Little Saigon for
generations. For Westminster, Little Saigon is more than a place — it’s a
testament to the strength, spirit, and vision of the Vietnamese American
community,” said Westminster Mayor Charlie Chi Nguyen. “This 50-year milestone
reflects a powerful journey from refuge to resilience, and we are honored to
have been part of that story every step of the way. As we celebrate this
legacy, we also look ahead with pride and hope for the future generations who
will continue to shape and enrich our city.”
“The City of Fountain Valley is proud to share a long-standing
and deeply rooted connection with the Vietnamese American community,” said
Fountain Valley Mayor Ted Bui. “Their resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and
commitment to excellence have led to countless success stories that continue to
uplift and inspire future generations. This 50th anniversary is more than a
celebration — it’s a moment to honor the legacy of those who turned adversity
into achievement and to inspire the next generation to build upon that
foundation with vision and unity.”
“The Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce (VACOC), the first
and largest of its kind, is proud of the achievements our Vietnamese American
family have built in the last 50 years to what is known as Little Saigon,” said
VACOC Chairman Tim Nguyen. “A symbol of unity, strength, and entrepreneurial
fuel that ignites the growth of Vietnamese American small businesses. We are
honored to be the center of resources and voices for our little giant community
for the next 50 years. ONE family, deep impact.”
For more information, please visit the event website: https://vacoc.org/ls50.
Courtesy of www.santa-ana.org
