The California State Senate Rules Committee established on Thursday an historic Senate Select Committee on California, Armenia and Artsakh Mutual Trade, Art and Cultural Exchange reported the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region.

The select committee came at the request of State Senator Anthony J. Portantino and will serve to expand business opportunities through trade, economic development, cultural awareness and education between California, Armenia and Artsakh.  Portantino will Chair the committee.

“The ANCA-WR welcomes this transformative undertaking by the California State Senate in establishing the nation’s first such committee related not only to Armenia, but to Artsakh as well,” exclaimed ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan. “We extend our deep gratitude to Senator Portantino for spearheading this just three months after being sworn into office, Senate President Pro Tem and Chair of Rules Committee Kevin de León for his leadership, and Senators Tony Mendoza, Josh Newman and Scott Wilk for their staunch support. These are the game changing results we see when the Armenian-American community is civically engaged and helps elect officials who understand our concerns, and who act swiftly to advance our issues,” added Asatryan.

 “I am very proud to bring this important committee and mission to fruition,” commented Portantino.  “There is a lot for all three countries to offer each other and I am confident that Armenia and Artsakh will be terrific partners for the best of California’s industry, art and culture.  I look forward to working through the Select Committee to explore new ways of strengthening cultural and economic ties between California, Armenia and Artsakh,” added Portantino.

Select Committee Chair Portantino concluded that since the Senate did not have a standing committee tasked with expanding trade and economic development beyond California’s borders, there was a need to initiate an effort to fill this void.  California has the largest population of Armenian Americans in the country with a significant number of prominent Armenian American business owners residing here.  This committee creates a tremendous opportunity to augment national efforts to expand trade and commerce between the US and Armenia and Artsakh.  The Select Committee will convene meetings with Armenian American business owners and California industry leaders to develop and expand opportunities of mutual economic benefit.

On Sunday, February 26, Senator Portantino held a community swearing-in ceremony at Glendale Community College. Several hundred community members representing various segments of the diverse district were in attendance, including many leaders from the ANCA-WR and local chapters.