Beth Wild accepts AABC’s first runner-up business award from Longhua Xu (l) and Jayesh Ramnani (r). Courtesy: Arkansas-Asia Business Council
Hot Springs was the epicenter for Arkansas’s evolving international business landscape when the Arkansas Association of Asian Businesses announced its transition to the Arkansas-Asia Business Council (AABC) during its annual “East Meets West of Arkansas” Lunar New Year Luncheon at the DoubleTree Hotel.
“We announced this milestone here because this city has always welcomed people from around the world,” said Jayesh Ramnani, AABC executive director. “This is exactly the bridge we’re building between Arkansas and Asia in both business and culture.”
The AABC also presented its 2026 “Business of the Year” Awards, with Aitoh of Hot Springs announced as the first runner-up. Two other local businesses with Asian heritage, Molecular Processing and Origami Sake, were among the luncheon’s sponsors.
Special luncheon guests highlighted Hot Springs’ own ties to Arkansas-Asia business and culture. Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald remarked that cities such as Hot Springs that welcome international business and embrace cultural diversity are well-positioned for the next wave of Arkansas’s economic growth.
Renowned artist Longhua Xu shared why he calls Hot Springs his sanctuary and spiritual home. Guests also experienced “Chado,” or “The Way of Tea,” presented by the Tea Horse of Hot Springs.
Ramnani said the AABC’s new strategic pillars will focus on talent development, referral networks with metrics for increasing revenue, cultural programming, and events. Membership in the AABC is open to all.
For more information, visit arkasianbiz.com or contact Jayesh Ramnani at jayesh@arkasianbiz.com.
