Los Angeles, CA. The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region issued a statement today praising the accomplishments of the newly launched ANC Professional Network (ANC-PN). The ANC-PN is dedicated to bringing together young Armenian American professionals who share a desire to expand their civic awareness and involvement through social, cultural and educational activities. The ANC-PN Executive Committee is made up of Pattyl Aposhian, Armen Martin and Jeannine Topalian as well as ANCA-WR board member Raffi Hamparian. “We believe that the Armenian community needs a strong organization to bridge professionals and university students who share a common goal,” according to Aposhian. “The ANC-PN provides a forum of activism which many young Armenians in the professional world desire.” The ANC-PN’s initial event was a private screening of the movie “Ararat” for young Armenians held on November 17 at the Laemmle Music Hall 3 Theaters in Beverly Hills. The sold out event drew over 200 people, including honorary guests Israel Charney, noted genocide scholar, and Harut Sassounian of the United Armenian Fund. The event was followed by a lively discussion by attendees who analyzed the symbolic portrayals in the movie. “The fact that 200 young Armenians turned out to watch and support this movie as a community is a testament of Generation X’s dedication to the Armenian Cause,” said Topalian. The organization followed its Ararat event with a Thanksgiving Eve party held near Universal City, drawing a crowd of over 250 people ready to network with other young Armenian professionals and support the ANC-PN’s launch. “Our organization is aimed at attracting a diverse group of Armenian professionals from various political and nonpolitical backgrounds who aspire not only to network with similarly situated Armenians but also contribute to bettering their community,” stated Martin. “We encourage our members to attend Armenian events in general and we look forward to working with the many other fine Armenianorganizations.” On Sunday, December 8th the ANC-PN will be co-hosting an event with the ANC Leadership Institute featuring ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. Details on this event are available on the internet at: www.evite.com/ancpn@yahoo.com/hamparian. The ANC-PN is affiliated with the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) which is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues. To join the ANC Professional Network or to learn more about the organization send an e-mail to ancpn@yahoo.com.