The Asian Real Estate Association of America's (AR

CARLSBAD, Calif., Sept. 18, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Asian Real Estate Association of America held its annual National Convention at the Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 5-7, 2014. This year's Convention highlighted achievements of the Asian American community and connected the over 1,000 attendees, to means in which to significantly enhance their professional careers in real estate as well as homeownership opportunities for Asian Americans.

A number of influential speakers and industry leaders joined AREAA this past weekend in celebrating the organization's continuing strides in affordable homeownership for the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, a group that represents the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. Wing Lam, who is a co-founder of the popular Southern Californian fast-food chain Wahoo's Tacos, was the keynote speaker at the convention's general session. Lam shared his personal success story and his unique business approach as an AAPI starting a business alongside the region's blossoming extreme sports culture.

"I think Lam's story resonated with the audience during the event" stated Carmen Chong, who is the organization's newest chair, "A lot of our members can identify with growing up in an unfamiliar environment and finding unique ways to succeed when the odds are against them. His definition of leadership is pretty refreshing since he focuses on serving and making others look good. In a world that's mostly self-absorbed, we need to be reminded of that."

Best-selling author, entrepreneur, and CEO Jennifer 8. Lee was also among the guest speakers at the event. Lee, who is the co-founder of the online reading app Rooster, has written a number of books such as The Fortune Cookie Chronicles and has also written for the New York Times. During her address at the event's Keynote Luncheon, she spoke about the origin of Chinese food in America and the delicate relationship it has with multiculturalism in the country.

Alex Perriello, who is the CEO of the Realogy Franchise group, was honored by the organization during the event's installation Gala as the 2014 AREAA Person of the Year. REAA has recognized Perriello with this honor due to his unparalleled commitment to the organization's goals of sustainable homeownership for the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

The 2014 AREAA National Convention also highlighted the installation the organization's 2015 Board of Directors. The Board will be led by 2015 National Chair Carmen Chong. Ivan Choi, AREAA's Immediate Past Chair, remarked, "As an organization, we are looking forward to what Carmen can do in the coming year. With her emphasis on internal leadership development and chapter creation, we believe she can take AREAA to next level." In addition to Carmen Chong, the organization will have Vicky Silvano as 2015 National Vice Chair and Aaron Yu as 2015 Secretary/Treasurer among others.

As part of this year's event, the conference featured a wide variety of intriguing and valuable real-estate sessions that promoted professional development in tracks such as luxury, commercial, and international real estate.
 
For more information about the National Convention as well as the organization, visit www.areaa.org .

Michael Kelly at