Assemblymember Harabedian Launches California State Assembly’s First Select Committee on California and Armenia Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange
SACRAMENTO, CA) – California is home to the largest Armenian American community in the United States. Today, Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) announced a new effort to turn those deep cultural ties into new opportunities for business, education, and the arts.
Harabedian, the only Armenian American currently serving in the California Legislature, has launched the California State Assembly’s first Select Committee on California and Armenia Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange. The committee held its inaugural hearing today, which featured remarks from Anna Avetisyan, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles, underscoring the importance of strengthening the partnership between California and Armenia and highlighting the opportunities this new committee can help create.
The committee will bring together business leaders, educators, artists, community organizations, and policymakers to identify ways California and Armenia can work more closely together. From expanding trade and investment to strengthening educational partnerships and promoting Armenian art and culture, the committee will serve as a place to turn ideas into action.
“Long before this committee existed, California and Armenia were connected by the people who call both places home,” said Assemblymember John Harabedian. “Hundreds of thousands of Armenian Americans call California home. They’ve built businesses, created jobs, strengthened our communities, and helped shape this state. This committee was created to build on that foundation and create new opportunities for the next generation.”
Harabedian said California is uniquely positioned to lead. As the world’s fourth-largest economy and home to a thriving Armenian American community, the state has an opportunity to deepen economic partnerships while celebrating the cultural connections that have existed for generations.
The committee will examine ways to:
- Expand trade and business partnerships between California and Armenia.
- Encourage investment and innovation.
- Strengthen educational and academic exchanges.
- Promote Armenian art, culture, and tourism.
- Elevate the contributions of California’s Armenian American community.
Assemblymember John Harabedian represents the 41st District composed of the cities of La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Oak Hills, Piñon Hills and Phelan.
