Eghosa Edebor
Christian Herald
HOUSTON, TX – April 30, 2025 – The International Trade Center (ITC), a longstanding hub for business networking and international cooperation in Houston, hosted its highly anticipated Monthly Luncheon on Tuesday, April 30, drawing a crowd of entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and professionals eager to connect and explore new frontiers in business development.
Spearheaded by Mr. Wea Lee, publisher of Southern Chinese Daily News and a respected community leader, the luncheon once again demonstrated the ITC’s dedication to fostering collaboration between diverse communities and empowering local businesses with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy.
This month’s featured topic was one of growing relevance and urgency—artificial intelligence (AI). The guest speaker, Chris Cheetham, a respected voice in emerging technology and business strategy, captivated the audience with an accessible and insightful presentation on how AI is already transforming industries and what that means for businesses of all sizes in the Greater Houston area and beyond.
AI: The Tool Every Business Needs
Cheetham, who has worked with companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500s, brought a clear and compelling message: AI is not just for tech giants. “Artificial intelligence is a tool that every business—no matter its size or sector—should begin to understand and integrate,” he said. His talk walked the audience through a range of applications, from automating repetitive administrative tasks to helping identify future business partners through data analysis.
One of the highlights of Cheetham’s presentation was his emphasis on AI’s ability to enhance rather than replace human workers. “We’re not talking about machines taking over,” he explained. “We’re talking about technology that helps you work smarter, not harder.”
He pointed out real-world examples: AI tools that can assist in the hiring process by screening resumes for relevant experience, chatbots that provide customer support around the clock, and AI-driven research systems that can help entrepreneurs find grants, investors, or collaborators for new projects.
“Imagine being able to identify your ideal partner for a joint venture in a fraction of the time it would normally take,” Cheetham said. “AI can do that. And it’s available now.”
A Space for Learning and Connection
The luncheon setting was warm and welcoming, with elegantly set tables and a delicious lunch that added to the sense of community and comfort. As attendees dined, they exchanged stories and strategies and sparked new ideas—many inspired by Cheetham’s message.
The event also drew several prominent figures from Houston’s business, nonprofit, and media circles. Their presence underscored the significance of the topic and the ITC’s reputation as a center for serious yet inclusive dialogue. While the event was intensely focused on future technologies, it never lost its grounding in the community—something Mr. Wea Lee has championed for decades.
“This is what the International Trade Center is all about,” said Mr. Lee in his welcome remarks. “Bringing people together to learn, grow, and succeed—not just in business, but as a community.”
The Bigger Picture: AI and the Local Economy
Houston is no stranger to innovation. With a thriving energy sector, a growing tech scene, and one of the most diverse populations in the country, the city is uniquely positioned to become a leader in adopting AI tools responsibly and effectively.
Cheetham made this connection clear, noting that AI adoption isn’t just a corporate trend—it’s an economic opportunity. “Cities that equip their small businesses with AI capabilities are going to be the ones that thrive,” he said. “Houston has the people, the drive, and the diversity to lead in this space.”
He also touched on the importance of education and equity in AI development, encouraging community leaders to advocate for training programs and partnerships that make AI tools accessible to underserved populations.
“It’s not enough for a few companies to benefit,” he said. “We need to build an ecosystem where everyone—from mom-and-pop shops to nonprofits—can tap into the power of this technology.”
Reactions from the Room
Many attendees expressed enthusiasm and curiosity about how they could apply what they had learned. “I had no idea there were AI tools available that could help with the kind of work I do,” said one local nonprofit director. “This opened my eyes.”
A small business owner in the hospitality industry shared a similar sentiment: “We’ve struggled with staffing and customer follow-up—after today, I’m going to look into automating some of that.”
Others appreciated the practical nature of Cheetham’s talk. “It wasn’t just theory or buzzwords,” said a real estate developer. “He gave us examples, tools, and strategies we can use.”
Looking Ahead
The April edition of the ITC Monthly Luncheon was more than just a meal and a keynote. It was a meeting of minds—a reminder that innovation starts with a conversation and that the future of business will be shaped not only by what we know but by how we choose to act on it.
As the event wrapped up, guests lingered, continuing to exchange thoughts and business cards. Some discussed follow-up meetings; others made plans to attend the next luncheon. The sense of community was as strong as ever, underpinned by the shared desire to grow in knowledge and impact.
In closing, Mr. Lee thanked Chris Cheetham for his time and insight and extended an open invitation to the broader community to attend future luncheons. “We welcome everyone who wants to learn, share, and succeed,” he said.
With topics like AI on the agenda and a growing list of influential speakers, the ITC’s Monthly Luncheon series continues to be one of Houston’s most valuable platforms for business education and engagement.
Anticipated Monthly Luncheon on Tuesday, bringing together a vibrant mix of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community influencers for an afternoon of insight, innovation, and impactful networking.
This month’s event, organized by Mr. Wea Lee, focused on one of the most transformative forces shaping today’s global economy: artificial intelligence. The featured guest speaker, Chris Cheetham, delivered an engaging and forward-thinking presentation on how AI is revolutionizing business operations across industries—offering practical applications and encouraging local businesses to adapt quickly or risk falling behind.
Cheetham’s presentation highlighted how AI can streamline everything from hiring processes to document management, as well as how it can be leveraged to identify potential partnerships and future growth opportunities. “Artificial intelligence is no longer a thing of the future—it’s here, and it’s rapidly becoming a tool we can’t afford to ignore,” he said.
The luncheon, which took place at the ITC’s headquarters in Houston, offered more than just food for thought. Guests were treated to a delicious and well-prepared meal while engaging in a lively conversation about how AI technologies could enhance their specific industries. From small business owners to tech developers and nonprofit leaders, attendees walked away with actionable insights and new connections.
Cheetham emphasized the accessibility of AI tools today, noting that many are affordable or even free, making them accessible to businesses of all sizes. “Whether you’re a startup looking to scale or an established company trying to improve efficiency, AI has tools that can help you succeed,” he explained.
Mr. Wea Lee, a longstanding advocate for community empowerment and international business collaboration, thanked guests for attending and encouraged them to continue exploring innovative solutions for economic development. Under his leadership, the ITC continues to serve as a bridge between cultures, communities, and the global economy.
The event also attracted a host of distinguished guests, reflecting the growing interest in how technology can intersect with business strategy and social impact. Conversations buzzed around the room after Cheetham’s talk as attendees exchanged ideas and reflected on how to implement what they had learned.
In a time when AI headlines often focus on job displacement and ethical dilemmas, Cheetham took a refreshingly optimistic approach, framing AI as a tool that augments human ability rather than replaces it. “AI is not about replacing people—it’s about making people better at what they do,” he said.
The event concluded with a call to action for business owners and community leaders to take AI seriously—not just as a trend but as a critical tool in staying competitive and responsive to modern market demands.
As always, the International Trade Center Monthly Luncheon proved to be more than just a networking opportunity—it was a forum for education, inspiration, and meaningful collaboration. With the April edition now behind us, attendees left energized and equipped to bring new ideas back to their organizations.
The ITC will continue its tradition of hosting these dynamic gatherings each month, inviting experts and change-makers to share their knowledge and enrich Houston’s diverse and thriving business community.