Houston Energy Looking for a Few Good Women

For immediate release
Contact: Sue Davis
February 20, 2003
713-723-6011/sue@suedavis.net

The Houston Energy women’s football team will hold tryouts for new players in March and April.

The Energy are the three-time champions of the Women’s Professional Football League (WPFL), winning the last two titles after undefeated seasons.

Tryouts will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 1 and 15 and April 5 at the Dad’s Club in Pearland at Fite and Harkey Road. A registration fee of $75 will be charged. For more information, call 713-926-7677 or visit the team’s website at www.houstonenergyfootball.com. An application may be downloaded from the website.

Potential players will be put through various drills, depending on position. Although not required, attendance at all three tryouts is encouraged so the coaches can conduct a thorough evaluation of potential players’ abilities. Players range in size from 125 to 280 pounds.

Practices are held two to three times a week at the Pearland Area Dad’s Club. WPFL play begins in late summer and runs through the fall with an expected ten-game schedule.

Asian Chamber of Commerce Hosts “An Enchanted Evening in Polynesia”

For immediate release
Contact: Sue Davis
February 19, 2003
713-723-6011/sue@suedavis.net

Houston’s Asian Chamber of Commerce will raise funds and honor local Asian American entrepreneurs at its 8th Annual Gala: “An Enchanted Evening in Polynesia.”

Guests will be treated to a performance of the exciting Polynesian group, Drums of the Pacific. Phuz, a popular Pinoy Rock band composed of local Filipino-Americans, will entertain during the reception and for dancing after the program.

The Gala will be held Friday, March 21, at the Westin Galleria Hotel, 5060 W. Alabama. A cocktail reception will be held at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. Dress is black tie (optional) or Asian chic. Individual tickets are $75 with tables available for sponsorship in several levels. For more information or to purchase a ticket or table, please call the Asian Chamber at 713-782-7222 or visit the Chamber’s website at www.asianchamber-hou.org.

Local Asian American entrepreneurs will be recognized for their outstanding contribution to the creation and growth of Asian American business in Houston. The Special Award will be presented to Dr. Stephen Klineberg of Rice University, author of the Houston Area Survey, for his remarkable contribution to the local Asian American community. The keynote address will be given by George Postolos, President and CEO of the Houston Rockets.

A raffle and silent auction will feature a number of prizes, including airline tickets to Asia and basketball memorabilia signed by the Houston Rockets’ Yao Ming.

The Asian Chamber of Commerce seeks to promote and facilitate commerce and trade between Houston and the countries of Asia and to foster economic development in Houston’s Asian American communities.

USAsia Today Begins Publication in Houston

For immediate release
Contact: Sue Davis
February 10, 2003
713-723-6011/713-392-6011 (cell)

USAsia Today has begun publication of a new English language newspaper that covers all Asian communities in Houston.

“Our mission is to unite the different ethnic Asian groups into one community,” Editor Ave Basa said, “by providing a forum to harness its collective talents and promote the advancement of Asian American issues in greater Houston and the state of Texas.

We seek to champion Asian American issues and help develop Asian American leaders in the Houston political, educational and social area,” Basa said.

Houston has dozens of publications that serve Houston’s many Asian populations, usually in their own language. USAsia Today chose to publish in English because it is the common language among Houston’s Asians.

“Most American-born Asians speak and write only English,” Basa explains. “A publication in English, therefore, enables them to keep abreast of their Asian heritage and culture.”

Basa also believes USAsia Today will allow Americans to learn more about their fellow Asian American citizens. “Learning promotes understanding and harmonious co-existence,” Basa said.

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the greater Houston area is home to a quarter-million Asian Americans. The largest Asian ethnic group is Vietnamese, followed by South Asian, Chinese, Filipino and Korean.

“We will embrace and promote cultural diversity in our daily business,” Basa promised. “We will strive to publish interesting and relevant information that accurately captures the issues and essence of the Asian American lifestyle and to provide the highest-quality service to our readers.”

USAsia Today is a publication of the Southern New Group, based in Houston and chaired by Wea Lee. Southern News Group has Chinese language newspapers in ten U.S. cities, including Southern Chinese Daily News in Houston, plus a major printing facility, conference center and product display facility. USAsia Today is the company’s first English language newspaper.

USAsia Today is a free publication distributed widely in the southwest area of Houston. USAsia Today is located at 11122 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, TX 77072. Phone is 281-498-4310; fax is 281-498-2724.