Sacramento, California—The California State Assembly observed May as
Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) Heritage Month today with the adoption
of Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 135 and a special Floor ceremony featuring
the presentation of the Fourth Annual Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Awards.
Awards were presented to prominent APIs who have demonstrated excellence in
the areas of arts and entertainment, medicine, business, civil rights, community
service, and journalism.
“This year marks the thirtieth Anniversary of the creation of Asian Pacific
Islander American Heritage week,” said Assembly Member Ted Lieu (D-Torrance),
Co-Chair of the Asian Pacific Islander Joint Legislative Caucus. “We are proud
to recognize these six honorees for the achievements they have made in their
respective fields while advancing the progress of the API community.”
“Each of these men and women has realized the American Dream,” Assembly Member
Nakanishi (R-Lodi), Co-Chair of the Asian Pacific Islander Joint Legislative
Caucus, said. “They worked hard, achieved greatness, and are an example of leadership
to Californians of every ethnic background.” 2008 Asian Pacific Islander Heritage
Award Recipients include George Kee Cheung (Excellence in Arts and Entertainment),
Dr. Parampal Gill (Excellence in Medicine), Pervaiz Lodhie (Excellence
in Business), Lillian Nakano (Excellence in Civil Rights), June Pouesi
(Excellence in Community Service), and Joey Quinto (Excellence in Journalism)
Pervaiz Lodhie established LEDtronics in 1983 in Torrance, California. Today,
LEDtronics is one of the world's leaders in designing, manufacturing, and packaging
of energy-efficient, environmentally friendly light emitting diode (LED) lamps
to some of the world's largest Fortune 500 Companies. Lodhie was the recipient
of the United States Small Business Administration's Award for Excellence. He
also founded and serves as Chairman of the Pakistani-American Business Executives
Association and is a Founding Director and Trustee of President Musharraf's
Pakistan Human Development Fund. He is an active member of the U.S. Trade Advisory
Committee for Congresswoman Jane Harman, and was recently invited to serve as
a member on the International Circle of the World Affairs Council.
In addition, Lodhie has served as Chairman of the Industry Advisory Board for
the College of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology at California State
University, Los Angeles. In 2004, he became one of the Founding Directors of
PAL-C, a historic initiative that brought about the successful Pakistan Congressional
Caucus in the U.S. Congress. He is a past member of the World Affairs Council
International Circle and is also a founding member of MCAC (Multi-Cultural Advisory
Committee), a community outreach program initiated by the U.S. Department of
Justice on the west coast.
Lodhie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from California
State University at Los Angeles and was honored as its Alumni of the Year in
1999.
For more information about LEDtronics, visit www.LEDtronics.com.
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