Business Matters/Jo Oyama Miller
Asian Americans have much to celebrate
It is the second meaning that I want to write about this month. January 2006 marked the first anniversary for Asian Wisconzine magazine. This is a commemorative moment not only for the editor, Heidi Pascual, but more importantly for the meaning of what an Asian magazine means to Asian Americans living in the United States and more importantly in Wisconsin.
      The term "Asian Americans"(AAs) covers a diverse range of ethnic minorities, and Asian Wisconzine tries to cover and uncover who they are and what they mean to those living in Wisconsin. AAs not only are Hmong, Japanese, Filipinos, Chinese, East Indian, Cambodians, Thais, Nepalese, Tibetans, et. al, but they also represent a whole host of ideas, cultures, and economic interests throughout our state. I personally want to thank Heidi Pascual for undertaking an immense project to educate, inform, and understand the AAs in Wisconsin. As Asian Wisconzine celebrates this anniversary, I encourage readers to e-mail or write to Heidi and to the individual contributors of the magazine to thank them and to encourage them to continue contributing articles to this important magazine.
      Educating the public about AA issues is not easy (strictly speaking for me). I have not been a faithful contributor (as I promised Heidi) because I struggled with what issues are important to you (the reader). Economic or business concerns face everyone, so how is it different for AAs in Wisconsin? As I began my research, I realized that it was very important to bring out issues that remain silent for many of us. As AAs, we are usually seen as the "model" minority, i.e. high success rates in education, business, politics, living standards, etc., so how do these concerns affect the celebration of Asian Wisconzine with this month's column?
      Well, to be honest, I am not sure, but I do know that as Asian Americans, we have much to celebrate relative to 2005 and we have much to do in 2006. As for 2005, Asian Wisconzine has influenced many people in Wisconsin because it informed them that while AAs live and work in Wisconsin, we are a very diverse community of people and have influenced many in our individual communities. AAs need to become more involved in local issues such as school, work, job opportunities, politics, and policing.  There is no "silver bullet' to solve all these issues, but communities must forge ahead and learn about each and every Asian culture. Throughout Wisconsin, ethnic minorities are making an impact -- whether it is on school boards, as elected officials, in business, and on commissions. It is the responsibility  of AAs to be sure that we are represented and present for the discussions that impact our communities. As Wisconsin becomes more diverse than at any other time in history, AAs need to avail themselves to serve on local committees, corporate boards, and in politics.
      According to the 2000 U.S. Census Bureau, 4.5% (913,000) of all U.S. businesses are owned and operated by Asian Americans and on a per capita basis, AAs are as likely as other minorities to start a business and these AA businesses are doing well. According to Focus USA's Small Business database, there are over 1 million Asian businesses of which 60% are small business. AAs are the 2nd largest minority business group and generate over $307 billion dollars. AAs are the largest minority group to receive SBA loans and they are the fastest group of businesses to initiate Internet access.  From 1992-97, revenues from all AA businesses jumped 68% to $307 billion dollars versus 40% growth for all other U.S. businesses. While this statistic looks good on paper, it must be realized that AA businesses look different from other U.S. businesses. They are family-owned and operated and in service industries.
      * 32% of AA businesses had no paid employees
       * 2.3% of AA businesses had employees of 100+
       * 5% had gross receipts of $1 million or more
       * 28% had annual receipts under $10,000. 
      The majority of AA businesses are in the service industry with the heaviest concentration in business or personal services. (44% vs. 43% U.S. business) Other areas of concentration are 21.4% vs. 14% U.S. in retail, followed by 10% in finance, insurance and real estate, 5% in wholesale trade, 6% manufacturing, 3% construction and 1% agriculture.  This is quite different from what it was like in the 1930-40s where the majority of businesses were in agriculture.
      There are also specific industries dominated by key AA minorities such as:
       * 3 in 4 motels that are AA-owned motels/lodgings were owned by Asian Indians
       * 2 in 3 fishing and hunting businesses were owned by Vietnamese
       *50% of apparel or accessory stores were Korean owned.
      Japanese-American firms had the greatest receipts followed by the Chinese, Asian-Indians, and Koreans. About one-third of these businesses are found in metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Honolulu, San Francisco, and New York City, but increasing number of businesses are being developed wherever AAs live and work. According to the latest statistics (1997 U.S. Asian-Pacific Islander Owned Businesses-2000 U.S. Census) the top areas of businesses for AAs were service, retail trade, and finance. The top three AA ethnic groups owning businesses in Wisconsin were (1) Asian Indians; (2) Chinese and (3) other designated Asians and (4) Koreans. The largest concentration of businesses in Wisconsin were located in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Eau Claire with Asian Indians, Chinese and other Asians listed as the largest ethnic groups. Service, retail, and construction were the primary types of business. The majority of AA businesses were sole proprietors and had no employees which followed the national model. 
      As Wisconsin changes its face, there is a lot of opportunity for growth for and by Asian businesses. People can use these businesses to educate and acculturate their individual communities by providing new products, foods, and services. The year 2006 provides great prospects for all AAs in Wisconsin to start and expand their businesses. Let's go forth and celebrate not only the continuance of Asian Wisconzine but also the many opportunities available to us.
    "Anniversary" -- what does it mean and why should you celebrate an occasion? According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the definition of "anniversary" is (1) the annual recurrence of an event; (2) a commemorative celebration on the date of an anniversary. 
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