March 19, 2026, Irving, Texas. The U.S.-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce was throwing its first
grand opening — two years into its work. The chamber welcomed its guests the traditional way
— with a korovai. In Ukrainian custom, it is offered as a sign of respect during occasions that
matter.
For Tamara Velsher, the chamber’s president, both the timing and the tradition were deliberate. “People already know us and we’re being established,” she said. “It was a great opportunity to bring everyone together and show what we’re doing.”
The Southlake Chamber of Commerce organized the event, drawing more than a hundred guests. Among them: Richard Sleeper, co-Chief Ambassador of the Southlake Chamber; Joe Chapa, Vice President of International Affairs at the Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, representing chamber president Beth Bowman; Ken Tse, President of the Asian American Contractors & Professionals Association; and Vesa Jaamuru of the Finland Chamber of Commerce
Richard Sleeper said the moment felt personal. He had watched Velsher build this chamber from within their shared network. “It almost feels like family,” he told the guests. “I got to hear her grow through every step in building this chamber… and I can’t wait to hear more.”
Joe Chapa brought more than greetings. His organization had been working to attract Ukrainian businesses to the Irving area over a decade ago, before the war put everything on hold. “We’re back on it again,” he said. але війна змусила все поставити на паузу. «Ми знову повертаємося до цього», – сказав він.
That sentence landed simply. In this room, no one needed it explained.
Velsher kept the energy moving. She encouraged Ukrainian chamber members to stand and introduce themselves — “So people will know your face and your accent,” she said.
The chamber’s mission is deliberately broad: connect Ukrainian professionals and businesses with the wider community, celebrate Ukrainian culture, and demonstrate that difference, handled with respect, becomes a shared resource.
The ribbon was cut by Velsher and chamber Vice President Pylyp Slipchenko, followed by prize drawing, live music, and informal conversations. And the chamber that spent two years building its reputation in North Texas finally had a celebration to match it.
