(EMAILWIRE.COM, November 13, 2008 ) SACRAMENTO, CA —Harrah’s Reno & Lake Tahoe announced they will sponsor the owners of two Asian-owned small businesses in a nine month structured leadership course called Catalyst. The course is organized and managed by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce (SACC) for Asian Pacific Islanders age 21 to 39.

Harrah’s scholarship recipients are Jeffrey Louie, co-founder of Capsity Offices and Carol M. Lazo, owner of Method Consulting.

“Jeffrey and Carol stood out to the team at Harrah’s as being two individuals with big dreams and a drive to make them happen. We believe they will greatly benefit from the SACC’s Catalyst program and emerge as strong leaders in their respective areas,” said Anne Chen, Director of Marketing for Harrah’s Reno & Lake Tahoe. “We are so happy at the opportunity to be a part of Jeffrey and Carol’s future, and hope to inspire other companies to invest in our area’s young entrepreneurs.”

The Catalyst Program is a hands-on course that helps participants identify areas for personal and professional development, expand their network, and participate in community efforts designed to further develop their leadership skills. The program also helps participants to develop an individual leadership plan, and join a community, social service or professional organization to forge key relationships with other community leaders.

The SACC’s goal in offering Catalyst to the young professional community is to increase the number and quality of prospective leaders in Sacramento. They hope that graduates of the program will go on to succeed and advance in their companies, to serve on the boards of non-profits and on public commissions, and to be active and inspiring in their communities.

“The Catalyst program is a rare opportunity to be part of a change in the old traditions of how we do business and learn how we as industry leaders can and will influence the next generation of community leaders,” said Jeffrey Louie. “Receiving Harrah's sponsorship for the Catalyst program goes far beyond monetary support. It is a representation of their commitment to empowering the API community.”

About the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce: Since 1993, the SACC has been connecting their diverse membership with influential decision makers from around the region. Offering a wide variety of special events, networking opportunities, workshops, and training programs each month, the SACC works to protect and promote the interests of their members, lending support on issues that affect both businesses and the greater Sacramento community.

Contact Information:
the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of
Chantel Hoad
Tel: (916) 442-1394
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