Asian American Coalition of Chicago Announces Awardees, Names Filmmaker Wang Ki Kim as Show Director, and Announces A-List Script Writers Project 4707 for January 24, 2009 Asian American Coalition of Chicago Lunar New Year Celebration
ASIAN AMERICAN COALITION OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCES AWARDEES,
NAMES FILMMAKER WANG KI KIM AS SHOW DIRECTOR, AND
ANNOUNCES A-LIST SCRIPT WRITERS PROJECT 4707
FOR 26TH ANNUAL ASIAN AMERICAN COALITION OF CHICAGO
LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24th AT HYATT REGENCY O’HARE IN ROSEMONT
TICKET SALES CONTINUE, AD SALES APPROACHING CLOSE DATE
(MEDIA / COMMUNITY UPDATE # 2)
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____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: GENERAL/TICKETS: info@aacchicago.org or
December 31, 2008 (e-mail preferred) or (847) 830-6791 or
(847) 226-4881; www.aacchicago.org
MEDIA: info@enericom.net or (312) 635-0888
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CHICAGO, IL - - The Asian American Coalition of Chicago proudly announces the following list of awardees for the 26th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration, “Cultural Threads Woven into the Fabric of a United Future” to be held Saturday, January 24, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, 9300 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Rosemont, Illinois (60018):
PAN ASIAN AMERICAN PING TOM MEMORIAL AWARD, 2009 Honoree
Kamran Khan, Founder and President, Nexgen Cosmetics LLC; 1992 and 2000 Co-Chair, Asian American Coalition of Chicago
GRAND ASIAN AWARD, 2009 Honoree
The Hon. Pat Quinn, Lieutenant Governor, State of Illinois
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDEES, 2009 Honorees
1. Rebecca Yemin Shi, Community Organizer, Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community, Chinese American Community Awardee;
2. Anita Belisario Rosa, Teacher-Librarian, Cameron Elementary School, (Chicago, Illinois), Filipino American Community Awardee;
3. Smita N. Shah, President, Spaan Tech, Inc., Indian American Community Awardee;
4. Nyoman I. Mahartayasa, Software Engineer, Chicago Board of Options Exchange, Indonesian American Community Awardee;
5. Yoshiro Harada, Senior Research Specialist, Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute, Japanese American Community Awardee;
6. John Kim, Chairman, Inswan Home Healthcare Agency, Inc., Korean American Community Awardee;
7. Yin Kean, Executive Vice President, SuncasTV, Malaysian American Community Awardee;
8. Faisal Rashid, Trustee and Tax Collector, DuPage Township, Pakistani American Community Awardee;
9. Pairoj Vongsvangsiri, President, MVT Telecommunications, Inc., Thai American Community Awardee;
10. Joseph Hong-Phuc Tran, Founder, Rose International, Ltd., Vietnamese American Community Awardee
YOUTH WHO EXCELS AWARDEES
The Coalition announces the following students as the 2009 Youth Who Excels Award honorees:
1. The Chinatown Youth – 2008 New American Democracy Project (NADP)
Volunteers, Chicago, Illinois, Chinese American Community Youth
Awardee;
2. Francis Joseph DeAsis, High School Senior, John Hersey High School
(Arlington Heights, Illinois), Filipino American Community Youth Awardee;
3. Pardeep Singh Deol, High School Senior, Buffalo Grove High School
(Buffalo Grove, Illinois), Indian American Community Youth Awardee;
4. Sheena Anissasari La-Reine Quick, High School Freshman, Hinsdale
Central, (Hinsdale, Illinois), Indonesian American Community Youth
Awardee;
5. Anita Eumie Kim, High School Senior, Adlai E. Stevenson High School,
(Lincolnshire, Illinois), Korean American Community Youth Awardee;
6. Cecile J. Thai, College Junior, Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois);
Malaysian American Community Awardee;
7. Nudrat Zoha, College Freshman, University of Illinois at Chicago (Chicago,
Illinois); Pakistani American Community Awardee;
8. Jason Gerdnoi, High School Senior, Niles West High School (Niles, Illinois);
Thai American Community Awardee;
9. Danieh Tu Dinh, High School Sophomore, St. Benedict High School
(Chicago, Illinois); Vietnamese American Community Awardee
SPONSORS
This gala event is made possible through the generosity of major sponsorships.
American Family Insurance is the Presenting Sponsor of the 2009 Lunar New Year Celebration.
Pan-Asian Sponsor is LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc.;
Community Sponsor is Korea Tourism Organization;
Coalition Sponsors are: Chicago Children’s Museum; Foster Bank; Office of the Cook County
Treasurer Maria Pappas; State Farm Insurance and WPI Cellular, among others.
An event held on this grand of a scale only once a year, Lunar New Year is traditionally the single largest organized annual event in Chicago’s Asian American community. Every year a different Asian community takes turn playing host of the Lunar New Year gala. This year it is the Korean American Community, which has thrice before (in 1985, 1993, and 2001) held the gavel for the community's most important event of the year. The Korean American Association of Chicago is providing the leadership this year. Kay Kihwa Rho is 2009 Chair of the Asian American Coalition of Chicago.
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FILMMAKER WANG KI KIM NAMED DIRECTOR OF 26TH ANNUAL ASIAN AMERICAN COALITION OF CHICAGO LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION JANUARY 24, 2009 AT HYATT REGENCY O’HARE
CHICAGO, IL - - - The Asian American Coalition of Chicago is pleased to announce that multi-talented filmmaker and entrepreneur Wang Ki Kim, President of Win Media, a movie production, event planning and CF (Commercial Film) production company (since 2004); President of MCTS-TV (Midwest Christian Television System) (since 2004); and Director of Yehyang Cultural Ministry (since 1984); has been named Show Director of the 26th Annual Asian American Coalition of Chicago Lunar New Year Celebration, a black-tie optional gala for over 1,000 attendees, to be held Saturday, January 24, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois.
The 2009 Lunar New Year Gala welcomes The Year of the Ox 4707. Reception, open microphone and exhibitions for businesses and community organizations begins at 5:30 p.m. Opening Ceremonies are at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner, entertainment, and awards ceremonies, until approximately 10 p.m. Tickets are available at $800.00 per table of ten and are available on a first-funded, first-seated basis. Visit www.aacchicago.org for more information on ticket sales, sponsorships, last-minute availability to make ad placements (as of presstime, the extended deadline is January 7, 2009) and logistics. Details were previously announced in the Coalition’s December 7, 2008 press statement, also available on the website.
Wang Ki Kim’s most recent movie release is the beautiful and poignant feature film, “The Gift,” (Win Media and Yehyang, 2006), which was an Official Selection in three film festivals to date. (Details and full profile below.) Kim has also produced over 100 concerts, seminars and conferences. In 2008, he produced the 7080 Concert (music from the 70’s and 80’s) in over 13 U.S. cities. MCTS-TV’s headquarters are located in Chicago’s northwest suburb of Arlington Heights, Illinois, and include a 4000-square foot concert hall, and two studios – including one for mixing.
Irene (ENERI/Rieny G.) Cualoping, Managing Partner, ENERI Communications, is serving as Supervising Producer of the 2009 26th Annual Lunar New Year Show. This year’s show marks the 25th Asian Lunar New Year Show that Cualoping has worked on. Min Jae Shin, a producer at MCTS-TV; also an experienced graphic designer, videographer, editor and entrepreneur, has been named Show Production Manager; Timothy Pak of Los Angeles has been named Technical Director and Lighting Director; and Hyojin Kim, also of Los Angeles, has been named Sound Manager.
Min Jae Shin’s graphic design work has been featured in exhibitions abroad in Korea. Among numerous accomplishments, also in Korea, Shin served as Account Executive and Assistant Director for KISS Creative Group Co., where he worked on projects featuring the Dom Perignon, Levi’s Jeans, Coca-Cola and Nike labels. Also an entrepreneur, Shin serves as Vice President of Veryberry Fro-Yo & Coffee Inc., located in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, which he operates with his wife Jeanette Kim, who serves as President.
Timothy Pak’s wide range of production experience includes musicals, live concerts and musical festivals. Notable productions that he has coordinated include Jonny Lang’s West Region Tour, Marilyn Manson’s Halloween Concert, B.B. King’s Los Angeles Concert and FAME the Musical and Footloose the Musical, both at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, California. Hyojin Kim’s sound work projects include many concerts such as Don Moen, Paul Baloche, The Kry and numerous Korean pop singing stars.
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ASIAN AMERICAN COALITION OF CHICAGO
ANNOUNCES A-LIST SCRIPT WRITERS PROJECT 4707
FOR 26TH ANNUAL ASIAN AMERICAN COALITION OF CHICAGO LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION JANUARY 24, 2009 AT HYATT REGENCY O’HARE
CHICAGO, IL - - -The Asian American Coalition of Chicago is also pleased to announce the exciting creation of the A-List Script Writers Project 4707 (working title). An idea conceived and project created by Irene (ENERI/Rieny G.) Cualoping, the A-List is comprised of a gifted group of top talent representing area Asian Pacific American theatres in Chicago, and several other talented individuals. These artists were asked to lend their smarts, creativity and ideas to the Coalition, in order to help put together an even better script for this year’s three-and-a-half hour gala show.
The A-List has been proudly selected as follows:
Jamil Khoury, Co-Founder and Artistic Director, Silk Road Theatre Project, is serving as Artistic Advisor.
Keith Uchima, Playwright/Composer/Equity Actor and Producer; Producer and Creative Director, A&R Recording House; Co-Founder, MinaSama-No Theatre Company; Co-Founder, Stir-Friday Night!; is serving as Senior Advisor to Supervising Producer Irene (ENERI/Rieny) G. Cualoping, Managing Partner, ENERI Communications, and Co-Founder, Angel Island Theatre Company. (Keith Uchima was principal screenwriter for the Emmy-Award winning WMAQ-TV special, “Nothing Is Simple.” His original music and work were previously featured on stage in the 1991, 1989 and 1988 Asian American Coalition of Chicago Lunar New Year Celebration shows. Also, “Together, The World Can Count On Us,” a song he co-wrote with Cualoping, was adopted as the Coalition’s unity theme song in 1988. It was recorded on cassette single in 1988, re-mastered in 2007, and has been played at many Coalition productions over the years.)
Other team members named are:
Christina January Adachi, Co-Founder/President, Angel Island Theatre Company and Co-Founder, MinaSama-No Theatre Company; Lavina Jadhwani, Artistic Director, Rasaka Theatre Company; Lily Kim, President, Asian American Media Coalition and former Anchor/Reporter, KBC-TV Asian American News; Dae Lee, Vice President, Korean American Association of Chicago; Christine Lin, Actress and Cast Member, Stir-Friday Night!; Rajinder Singh Mago, Co-Founder/Past President, Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago and Past President, Sikh American Heritage Organization; Ronald Mok, Original Cast Member, Stir-Friday Night! (now in its 14th Season), (representing Harrison Pak, Artistic Director, Stir-Friday Night!); Allen Hope Sermonia, Actor/Director; and Co-Founder, A-Squared Theatre Workshop; Giau Truong, Artistic Director, CIRCA/Pintig Cultural Group and Don Villar, Writer/Producer, ABC 7 TV News.
In addition, Patrick H. Rita, Owner, Patrick Harold Productions, has been named Stills Photographer for pre-show shots of the A-List Script Writers Project 4707 group.
PROJECT UNDERWRITERS
ENERI Communications is serving as agency of record for the 2009 Lunar New Year show. WinMedia and MCTS-TV are generously providing overall show resources – including video, editing, sound, technical and lighting talent, facility resource and management services for the show. Additional videography and editing resources are being provided courtesy of Korean Broadcasting Channel (KBC) News and Asian American News (AAN). Scott C. Bae is serving as Executive Producer of the segments being provided by KBC and AAN.
Lao Beijing restaurant in Chicago’s Chinatown is generously serving as Food/Meeting Venue Underwriter for the A-List Script Writers Project 4707.
PROFILE WANG KI KIM
Filmmaker
December 2008
Multi-talented filmmaker and entrepreneur Wang Ki Kim, President of Win Media, a movie production, event planning and CF (Commercial Film) production company (since 2004); President of MCTS-TV (Midwest Christian Television System) (since 2004); and Director of Yehyang Cultural Ministry (since 1984); has been named Show Director of the 26th Annual Asian American Coalition of Chicago Lunar New Year Celebration, a black-tie optional gala for over 1,000 attendees, to be held Saturday, January 24, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. Detailed event information is available on the website: www.aacchicago.org .
Wang Ki Kim is Executive Producer of the beautiful and poignant feature film, “The Gift,” (Win Media and Yehyang, 2006). “The Gift” is based on a true story of Derrick, a second generation Korean American who became a drug addict, just like his sister, shattering his parents’ hearts and souls. However, one day, when everyone turns and walks away from Derrick, a true friend comes to him and helps him to realize the most valuable gift for his life is the family.
Written and directed by Hyung Hyup Kim, with director of photography Mark Ahn and produced by Dan Ahn with a beautiful and haunting musical score by Sinae Yoon, “The Gift,” filmed in English with Korean subtitles, was named Official Film Selection of the East Lansing Film Festival (2007, Michigan State University, Michigan); the Los Angeles Korean International Film Festival (2006, Laemmle Sunset 5 Theatre, West Hollywood) and the 3rd Corean Network Film Festival (2007, Seoul, Korea).
Wang Ki Kim is President of MCTS-TV (Midwest Christian Television System), whose shows are broadcast by DirecTV Channel 2087 and Chicago Channel 41. (MCTS-TV shows air weekly on Sunday nights on Chicago Channel 41 and AT&T Cable Channel 41 (from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.), and on DirecTV Channel 2087 weekly on Monday from 9 p.m. – 10 p.m. and Wednesdays from 5 p.m.- 6 p.m.) MCTS-TV’s headquarters are located in Chicago’s northwest suburb of Arlington Heights, Illinois, and include a 4000-square foot concert hall, and two studios – including one for mixing.
Win Media’s projects include providing sound and lighting for the Annual Korean Festival in Chicago for the last three years (2006-2008); sound, lighting and video for the 2005 Jina Tai Dinner Show (Tae is a famous Korean singer); and sound, lighting and video for the 2006 Seol, Undo, Joo, Hyunmee Dinner Show, also featuring famous Korean singers.
Wang Ki Kim is Founder and Director of Yehyang Cultural Ministry (since 1984). Yehyang focuses on family-related cultural events and ministry. Activities include a praise band; vocal, instrumental and theater performances; counseling for youth-related school matters; and addressing problems such as drugs and alcohol. Kim is the publisher of the monthly newspaper “Yehyang.”
Wang Ki Kim was the Executive Producer for the play “Café Millennium” (1999); the theater version of “The Gift” (2004 in Chicago and 2006 in Los Angeles); and the play, “The Love Beyond Forgiveness” (2005). Wang Ki Kim has produced over 100 worship concerts, seminars and conferences. In 2008, he produced the 7080 Concert in over 13 U.S. cities. In 2006, Kim produced the Steve Yoo (Sung Joon) Concert at the Christian Heritage Academy. Over 800 people attended this concert.
Wang Ki Kim was trained as an electrical engineer by profession. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from Devry University (1981). He also holds a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from DePaul University (1985). Kim previously served as senior engineer at Rockwell International (1985-1987) in Downers Grove, Illinois and as a senior technical associate at Bell Labs (1981-1985) in Naperville, Illinois.
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PROFILE
MIN JAE SHIN
Producer/GraphicDesigner/Videographer/Editor/Entrepreneur
December 2008
Min Jae Shin is a producer for MCTS TV (Midwest Christian Television System) (since 2006). MCTS’ shows are broadcast by DirecTV Channel 2087 and Chicago Channel 41. (MCTS-TV shows air weekly on Sunday nights on Chicago Channel 41 and AT&T Cable Channel 41 (from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.), and on DirecTV Channel 2087 weekly on Monday from 9 p.m. – 10 p.m. and Wednesdays from 5 p.m.- 6 p.m.) MCTS-TV’s headquarters are located in Chicago’s northwest suburb of Arlington Heights, Illinois, and include a 4000-square foot concert hall, and two studios – including one for mixing.
Min Jae Shin served as film editor for “The Gift,” (Win Media and Yehyang, 2006), editing the HD feature film working with Executive Producer Wang Ki Kim, and Director Hyung Hyup Kim. “The Gift” is based on a true story of Derrick, a second generation Korean American who became a drug addict, just like his sister, shattering his parents’ hearts and souls. However, one day, when everyone turns and walks away from Derrick, a true friend comes to him and helps him to realize the most valuable gift for his life is the family.
Written and directed by Hyung Hyup Kim, with director of photography Mark Ahn and produced by Dan Ahn with a beautiful and haunting musical score by Sinae Yoon, “The Gift,” filmed in English with Korean subtitles, was named Official Film Selection of the East Lansing Film Festival (2007, Michigan State University, Michigan); the Los Angeles Korean International Film Festival (2006, Laemmle Sunset 5 Theatre, West Hollywood) and the 3rd Corean Network Film Festival (2007, Seoul, Korea).
Min Jae Shin is also a graphic designer for the Chung-Ang University Cultural Bequest Digital Research Center, based in Seoul, Korea (since 1999). For the Center, he has participated in digitization and reproduction of Korean traditional folk tale prototype, and researched Korean traditional folk tales and digital illustrating patterns. Shin’s work for the Center was featured in exhibitions at Chung-Ang University Art Center Gallery in Seoul, Korea (2000); Cho-Sun Gallery KOEX Center in Seoul, Korea (2001); and Seoul Museum of Art in Seoul, Korea (2002).
Shin previously served as graphic designer/producer for Ye Hyang Family Culture Ministry (2004-2005); and videographer and editor for The Smelly Attic Inc. (2003-2004). In Seoul, Korea, Shin served as Account Executive and Assistant Director for KISS Creative Group Co. (2001-2002), where he worked on projects featuring the Dom Perignon, Levi’s Jeans, Coca-Cola and Nike labels. He was also Assistant Director for Gwang Go Bang Co. (1999-2001).
Min Jae Shin holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photo/Film/Electronic Media from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He also studied graphic design at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
Also an entrepreneur, Shin serves as Vice President of Veryberry Fro-Yo & Coffee Inc., located in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, which he operates with his wife Jeanette Kim, who serves as President.
PROFILES
Timothy Pak’s wide range of production experience includes musicals, live concerts and musical festivals. Notable productions that he has coordinated include Jonny Lang’s West Region Tour, Marilyn Manson’s Halloween Concert, B.B. King’s Los Angeles Concert and FAME the Musical and Footloose the Musical, both at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, California. Pak holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in computer electronic technology and a C.S. degree in theatrical lighting and color theory.
Hyojin Kim’s sound work projects include many concerts such as Don Moen, Paul Baloche, The Kry and numerous Korean pop singing stars. He studied at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Sound Master Recording School in North Hollywood, California.
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CELEBRITY PRESENTERS
The Asian American Coalition of Chicago previously announced in a December 21, 2008 press statement that the following popular TV, stage and radio broadcast personalities are scheduled to appear in person as Celebrity Presenters at the Coalition’s 26th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration, on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont:
* Rehan Aslam, 10 p.m. News Producer, FOX Chicago TV News;
* Ravi Baichwal, Weekend Anchor/Reporter, ABC 7 News;
* Jonathan Choe, Freelance Reporter, CLTV News and Adjunct Professor,
Columbia College School of Journalism;
* Cheryl Hamada, Equity Actress and Pledge Drive Host, WTTW-TV;
* Ellee Pai Hong, Weekend Morning Anchor, NBC 5 Chicago News;
* Judy Hsu, Morning Anchor/Reporter, ABC 7 News;
* Jan Jeffcoat, Morning Anchor/Reporter, FOX Chicago TV News;
* Nancy Loo, Morning and Noon Anchor/Reporter, FOX Chicago TV News;
* Joanie Lum, Reporter, CBS 2 Chicago News;
* Mai Martinez, Weekend Anchor/Reporter, CBS 2 Chicago News;
* Julian Nieh, Evening* Personality, WBBM-FM B96 Chicago (pending final scheduling);
* Mia Park, Equity Actress and Host, Chic A Go! TV Show (Roctober Media, Chicago Access
Network Television (CAN-TV)); and Co-Founder, A-Squared Theatre Workshop;
* Marc Rita, Director, Actor and Producer; (Director, “Spice Up Your Life!” SuncasTV); and
* Judy Wang, Weekend Morning Anchor/Reporter, CLTV News (pending final scheduling)
In addition, appearing in pre-taped segments will be Linda Yu, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Anchor/Reporter, ABC 7 News; and the smooth jazz voice of Rick O’Dell Nozaki, Show Host/Middays and Music Director, Clear Channel Radio WNUA FM 95.5.
Linda Yu will again present the introduction for the prestigious PAN ASIAN AMERICAN PING TOM MEMORIAL AWARD. Attorney and community leader Darryl Tom has been confirmed to assist in the Pan Asian American Ping Tom Memorial Award presentation, on behalf of The Tom Family. The Coalition renamed its Pan Asian Award in 1996 after the late legendary Chicago civic leader Ping Tom. Ping Tom was also one of the original founders of the Asian American Coalition of Chicago.
* Julian Nieh was promoted this week to Morning Drive personality, effective January 5, 2009.
MEDIA
Media requests for interviews, photos, longform bios and credentials (required ahead of time in order to cover the event from the press platform) should be directed to ENERI Communications at info@enericom.net or (312) 635-0888. Media wishing to sit at dinner tables must pre-arrange purchase of the $80.00 dinner tickets through the assistance of community organizations. Media credentials must be requested no later than January 18, 2009. Continual press information will be posted on the website www.aacchicago.org and at the web link: www.enericom.net/aaccpress.
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2009 ASIAN AMERICAN COALITION OF CHICAGO
26th ANNUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
AACC ’09 Mailing Address: 5941 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60659
tel. (847) 226-4881, FAX (847) 620-0794 e-mail address: info@aacchicago.org;
web site: www.aacchicago.org
FOR: 2009 Asian American Coalition of Chicago Planning Committee
THE AACC 2009 HOST COMMITTEE
Kay Kihwa Rho, Chair
Alice Cha, Secretary
Dae Lee, Treasurer
Charlie Jung, Honorary Chair
Committee Chairs
Paul Park, Awards
Young Han and HyungRan Shim, Decorations
Steve Chong, Exhibition
Nancy Kim, Hospitality
Irene (ENERI/Rieny) Cualoping, Media
Cynthia Park, Open Microphone
Billy Huh, Outreach
Wang Ki Kim, Program
Kathy Lee, Publications
Yin Kean, Raffle
Cynthia Park and Monica Lee, Sponsorship
Linda Wang, Tickets
Susan Shin, VIP’s
Nancy Kim, Volunteers
Tim Ahn, Technology
MEDIA CONTACT
ENERI Communications
"Energy Upon Impact"
tel 312.635.0888
e-mail general: info@enericom.net
THIS RELEASE AND PRIOR AACC RELEASES POSTED ON:
ENERI News Blog: www.enericom.net/blog
www.enericom.net/aaccpress
www.aacchicago.org
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