On Friday, August 15th, James Harris, Senior Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity at H‑E‑B, visited the SNG campus for a day of connection, learning, and opportunity.
The day began with Chairman Wea Lee personally leading a tour of the three cornerstone facilities — the Southern Chinese Daily News Building, the Southern Tower, and the International Trade Center. This immersive experience provided Mr. Harris with firsthand insight into the campus’s mission to create a global hub for commerce and cultural exchange.
Following the campus tour, the program officially opened with a warm welcome from Co‑Chair Danny Nguyen, who served as Master of Ceremonies. His introduction set an engaging and collaborative tone for the event.
Attendees then heard remarks from Chairman Wea Lee, who emphasized the importance of fostering meaningful business relationships and supporting diverse growth opportunities in the community. Judge Robert Eckels also shared a few words, commending the partnerships between SNG, community leaders, and corporations such as H‑E‑B that continue to model leadership in supplier diversity.
Mr. Harris later joined a private roundtable with Elite Circle members, where he offered valuable insights into H‑E‑B’s supplier diversity strategy. The conversation centered on supplier readiness, building strong partnerships, and creating opportunities for minority‑owned, women‑owned, and veteran‑owned businesses.
Participants appreciated Mr. Harris’s openness and practical guidance, noting the importance of connecting directly with decision‑makers from one of Texas’s most respected companies.
This visit was more than an introduction — it was a step toward stronger bridges between corporations and diverse suppliers, reinforcing that inclusive supply chains are not just good for business, but are essential to innovation, community growth, and shared success.
