Greetings!

2006 has come to an end, but KAPS continues to grow and build momentum. 

Many thanks to all the board members and committee members that volunteered their time and energy to help take our organization to the next level. 

As one of the leading organizations representing the next generation of Korean Americans, it’s important that we continue to provide opportunities for leadership, mentorship, civic involvement and cultural awareness.

With this vision in mind, I’m proud to say that together we have contributed greatly to our community. This past year, KAPS has gained over 100 new members, new corporate sponsors and community partners. We have also started the first online bilingual English-Korean business directory, found at www.seattlekaps.org, with over 1,000 unique visitors each week. 

The new KAPS Web site launch is especially exciting to our organization because it is our way of connecting communities. Every week we receive numerous e-mails from individuals, companies and organizations looking for answers to questions about Korean culture and/or business. Questions range from translation services to business contact information to local Korean-related events. Now of course, the answers to these questions are out there, but traditionally, one must fluently read and write Korean to find these answers. 

However, by providing a directory that can be searched in Korean and English, we are now creating a portal to Korean America that can be comfortably accessed by the mainstream community. This online service is definitely a work in progress, but the tremendous positive feedback we have received so far is encouraging us to keep moving forward and expanding. Over the course of the next year, we will provide blog and comment support so that users can interact online and exchange information instantly. A local job board highlighting jobs seeking Korean-English speaking professionals and a comprehensive Korean American community calendar are also in the works. We are even working closely with Consulate General of South Korea Chanho Kwon to figure out ways to encourage the younger generation to study the Korean language.

Translating and organizing this information will take some time to perfect, but the bottom line is, we are getting it done.  

As we push into 2007, I’m confident that we have another great year ahead of us. I’m looking forward to sharing our stories and our progress with you as each new month arrives and I hope you enjoy getting to know us as well.

As always, we look forward to your comments and questions.

 

Best regards,

 

Jesse Adams

KAPS President

president@seattlekaps.org

(866) 399-KAPS