Hillcroft-Harwin Safety Initiative Networking Reception
A Report by Ruchi Mukherjee
A recent case of burglary took place at the beginning of the year where thieves broke into Karat 22 in Little India of Houston’s Hillcroft area. One of the pioneers of Houston businesses and owner of Karat 22 Aku Patel, expressed concern along with other business owners in the Hillcroft and Harwin area of Houston. The Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston helps solving issues and concerns regarding the Indo American business community, hosted a safety initiative networking reception on Wednesday June 15, 2011 at the City Hall, Downtown Houston.
The topic for the evening was Small Business Security Issues and Charles A. McClelland Jr., Chief of Police HPD was the keynote speaker for the evening. The Chief of Police informed the audience gathered at the City Hall that crime is trending down, but some business and neighborhoods are still seeing a hike in crime. “However looking at SW Houston we have done well,” informed McClelland. He pointed out in his speech that efforts are constantly high by the men and women of the police department to reduce crime and that they are doing their best, and that partnerships with communities are needed for information and support.
He concluded by pointing out that crime is always high during the summer months and that we as citizens have a duty to be extra careful and vigilant at all times. McClelland was happy to mention the keen involvement of the South Asian community with the HPD, providing sources and information.
Once again IACCGH managed to draw a packed house of distinguished individuals from the Indian and American Community as the highlight of the evening was to honor Officer Nash Patel, Narcotics HPD for his bravery and dedication to duty. Due to security reasons Nash could not attend the event. Nash’s commanding officer, Assistant Chief John Trevino introduced his parents who received a Plaque from the Chamber. In a conversation with John Trevino he mentioned Patel’s acts of bravery. “I truly, from the bottom of my heart, would like to thank Nash’s parents for raising such a brave son,” says Trevino.
Present at the event Sanjay Ram, Mona Parikh, Brij Kathuria, Ashok Garg, Mini Timmaraju, Aku Patel, Gobind Kamnani of India Jewelers, Jasbir Singh Bawa of Bawa Jewelers, and Raman Das of Palace Inn. Overall a great evening for small business owners and importantly a short and to the point event.
Watch the video of the event here – IACCGH Honors Nash Patel at City Hall.
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