O U R V I S I O N :
The Vietnamese American National Gala(TM) (VANG(TM)) is a national annual celebration of Vietnamese heritage and pride, which is held in conjunction with the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a month-long celebration in May of each year, which honors the achievements of Asian Pacific Americans and recognizes their contributions to America.
VANG(TM) is the premier Vietnamese American gathering in the nation. This Oscar(R)-like festivity exhibits the Vietnamese American Community's celebration of professional achievements and community contributions. The formal black-tie dinner gala brings together hundreds of elected officials, corporate sponsors, community and business leaders, and Vietnamese American luminaries - all who come together to share one common vision: To honor America's best and brightest.
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 VANG 2009 UPDATE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
With 2008 officially behind us, preparations are in full swing for VANG 2009. We are very excited to be hosting the 5th Anniversary of VANG at the prestigious Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills California, home to the Golden Globe Awards. This will be the first time ever VANG will be held in Southern California, which is known to have the largest population of Vietnamese and Vietnamese Americans nationwide. This year's theme is "Honoring Community & Excellence," a purpose VANG continues to uphold and strive for...
We are further pleased to welcome back Wells Fargo as one of VANG 2009's Title Sponsors. Wells Fargo has continued, year in and year out, to be actively involved with VANG and the Vietnamese American Community, and we would like to congratulate them on their continued success.
I would also like to encourage nominations for the 5th Biennial Golden Torch(TM) Awards. Nominations are now being accepted online at www.vangusa.com/nominations and will be open through February 15, 2009. The six Golden Torch Award Categories for VANG 2009 will be Business/Entrepreneur of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, National Leadership Award, Honorary Vietnamese American; Diversity Pillar Award and Achievement Award.
Registrations for VANG 2009 is also now available online at the vangusa.com site. Be there as we celebrate the best and the brightest from all across the nation.
In Honoring Community & Excellence,
John D. Tran, Esq. | Executive Director VANG 2009 WELLS FARGO HEADLINES VANG 2009 AS TITLE SPONSOR
As 2008 comes to an end and we approach a new year, our nation's economy is on all our minds. However, no one can deny that some institutions continue to thrive and be steadfast pillars during such economic times. One such institution is Wells Fargo, a valued supporter of VANG.
Wells Fargo has continued to support VANG since its inception in 2002. This year, we are pleased to announce Wells Fargo as one of VANG's 2009 Title Sponsors. Regional President, Nam Hoang, explains why Wells Fargo continually supports Vang:
"Like VANG, we also believe that by promoting education, leadership, volunteerism and recognizing those who make significant contributions to the vitality of Vietnamese Americans, more people can translate cultural differences into building stronger and more inclusive communities."
And as a new year approaches, Wells Fargo remains dedicated to building lifelong relationships with their customers and communities. "We are well-funded, and continue to serve as a reliable, responsible lender that offers competitive pricing for consumers and small business owners. We recognize that the success of our company is built upon the rich cultures of their diverse team members and communities."
It is this foresight that will continue to keep Wells Fargo ahead of its competition next year and beyond.
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VANG 2009
The 2009 National Gala will be held at the Prestigious Beverly Hills Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on Memorial Day Weekend. Please visit www.vangusa.org for more information.
This VANG Newsletter is proudly sponsored by
Title Sponsor 
Become a VANG Newsletter Sponsor
Please contact: Kim P. Ngo at pkim.ngo@vangusa.org
VANG 2009 CORE TEAM
John Tran
Executive Director
Rosalind Ong
Deputy Executive Director
Ryan Hubris
President/Sponsorship Chair
Monique Phan
Finance Director
Alexander Hubris
Volunteer Coordinator
Tim Nguyen
Deputy Director
Joseph Vu
Webmaster.
Angy Che
Lead Graphic Designer.
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| Catching Up with Chloe Dao
It's been nearly three years since Chloe Dao appeared on Bravo TV's Project Runway and became a household name. After months of laborious and stressful competitions, Dao was named the winner of Project Runway and given one hundred thousand dollars to use in her own fashion line. VANG caught up with its favorite designer to get an update on how her life has changed since the show.
One word sums up Dao's daily life: Busy! Before appearing on Project Runway, Chloe Dao already owned and operated a boutique in Houston, Lot 8.
Today, Dao has expanded her fashion lines. She recently launched Dao Chloe Dao, a contemporary wholesale line, and Chloe Dao for QVC. Dao continues her fashion reign as she is currently working on designing electronic cases for IPods, cell phones and laptops. For this technically savvy venture, Dao teamed up with Office Max and Verizon Wireless. With plans to design luggage on her to-do list, Chloe Dao is certainly occupied and it doesn't look like business is slowing.
Despite the growth and expansion, Dao maintains that her design aesthetic remains the same, "[Project Runway] hasn't really changed my point of view but it has made me more thoughtful…I realized my design philosophy is simple: Keep it clean, simple but sensual." Dao aspires to "create a visual fluidity in ever creation" and this mantra is carried throughout all of her work.
It's Dao's keen sense of what works that makes her so successful. When asked what qualities make for a successful fashion designer, Dao lists passion and discipline. And she balances a passion to create, knowing when to stop designing with a humble perspective. Chloe Dao was often praised by Project Runway judges for her ability to understand a woman's body and she continues to channel this quality; "Inspiration also stems from what I sense is a need from my customers, it is just a designer's radar." For Dao, "Understanding it is a business and not about you all the time" is essential to her success.
Despite the national acclaim Dao has received, she remains loyal to the platform that gave her instant credibility. "I am a real fan of Project Runway and will always be. I love Leanne Marshall, Rami, Christain Siriano and Uli. I wish all the designers from all season of Project Runway the best." Its Chloe Dao's rare combination of talent and humility that make her a remarkable designer with nothing short of great success down the runway.
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