Chicago IL: US India Chamber of Commerce Midwest organized a â€œ2016 Annual Holiday Dinnerâ€ celebrating its 15th Anniversary, on December 08, 2016 at Ashyana Banquets, Downers Grove, Illinois. Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India, Chicago graced the event as the Chief Guest. Many Business Leaders and leaders from other Industry organizations and local area chambers also attended the event.

Ms. Roopla Khanna, Board Member welcomed the gathering and conducted the event.

Dr. Ajit Pant, President thanked Ambassador Sayeed for agreeing to be the Chief Guest and also thanked all the attendees for joining the celebrations, in spite of the chilly weather. He briefed the audience on the history of the Chamber and shared his memories of the founding of the Chamber, as one of its four founders.

Dr Pant mentioned about some of the programs conducted in the past by the Chamber on subjects like Energy Cooperation, Aviation, Infrastructure, Retail, Skill Development, Immigration Issues, Leaderâ€™s visits from either sides, and its Entrepreneur Speaker Series etc.

He said that the Chamber promotes stimulating dialogues thru its programs, and brings likeminded people together, builds awareness, and develops Stewardship and Mentoring.

He mentioned that the Chamber endeavors to work with its core values around Excellence, Integrity and Inclusiveness.

Dr. Pant also explained the future vision of the Chamberâ€. With the US India Trade envisaged to grow 4 times over the next 4 years, to $500Billion, he said that the Chamber is deeply vested in the success of the US India Business Relationship.

Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India, Chicago, in his address explained the various steps the Consulate and its Commerce Division, under his leadership, has taken to promote trade relationship between India and US Midwest states. He also narrated the events organized by the Consulate to bring various business organizations together and also to create awareness about the various programs of the Government of India like the Make in India Program, the Skill Development Program etc. He mentioned about the events hosted by the consulate around the visits of the various Ministers and Chief Ministers of different states from India. He advised the gathering that business community members can approach the Commerce Division any time for any assistance. He also suggested to the Chamber members to participate in the forthcoming events organized by the Commerce Division of the Consulate.

Past Presidents Ms. Gabrielle Buckley and Richard Mcmanamin were felicitated and honored at the event for their contributions to the Chamber.

The event was attended by the following Board members:

Dr. Ajit Pant, Dr. Prakasam Tata, Kanapathy, Rajiv Khanna, Mrs. Roopla Khanna, Rajeev Jain, Richard Mcmanamin, Ms. Gabrielle Buckley, Rajiv Ranjan, Ratan Khosa and Mohan Dandamudi.

Finally, Dr Prakasam Tata, Board member, thanked the Consul General Dr Ausaf Sayeed and the attendees. The event ended with a grand dinner & cocktails and more networking.

US India Chamber of Commerce Midwest organizes holiday dinner