It is the Year of the Horse on the Chinese lunar calendar, traditionally a good time to establish new business relationships. To celebrate, the Detroit Chinese Business Association is welcoming local and international business, political and community leaders to attend the 18th annual Chinese New Year Gala. The event takes place Feb. 27 at Cobo Center in Detroit.

The gala begins at 6 p.m. and includes a reception, drinks, dinner, entertainment and networking, as well as live music, dancing, and cultural performances produced by Confucius Institutes and others. The event will also include a silent auction to benefit the Detroit Public Schools Foundation and a raffle prize of a special edition Wright Bros. Shinola watch.

The keynote speaker is Gov. Gov. Richard Snyder. Other speakers include Shinola President Jacques Panis; KPMG Detroit Office Managing Partner Heather Paquette; Hai’an, China Mayor Weidong Lu; General Motors Chief Diversity Officer Kenneth Barrett; and DCBA President Jerry Xu. 

The United States Green Building Council Detroit Chapter will be showcasing sustainable projects and inspiration for future of Detroit.

During a lunch meeting last week with managing editor Walter Wasacz, DCBA vice-president of business & community development Milan Stevanovich said the association's mission is to promote entrepreneurship in the Chinese American community. "There is plenty going on in Detroit to attract Chinese investors," Stevanovich said. "Technology, innovation and entrepreneurship are on the rise. There are so many opportunities to develop Detroit-Chinese business partnerships."  

Seating for the gala is limited, and tickets are $250 each. Sponsorships range from $2,500 to $25,000. Register online here or call 248-918-0391. For more information, email Milan Stevanovich here, or Jerry Xu here. 

The Detroit Chinese Business Association is a nonprofit organization that has been operating in Michigan since 1995. Its primary responsibility is to foster beneficial business relationships between Chinese and American businesses. It also serves as a catalyst to promote entrepreneurship within the Chinese American community.