History: Tai Village, Inc

Six Tai organizations and 40 individual families joined together and founded the Tai Village, Inc. They pooled their resources and acquired a 120 acre piece of land, north of ML King Jr. Pkwy, in October 2003. A Board of Directors was established with a mission to: create a working replica of a traditional Tai Dam village to honor the thousands of Iowans who opened their hearts to refugees and to recognize the legacy of the Tai Dam people: their beautiful culture, history, sacrifices, and dreams for the future.

The Tai Village, Inc. organization has successfully met the first goals they have set in developing this project. Land was cleared with the help of Lower Beaver Neighborhood Association members, friends, the city and Polk County, fences put up bordering the property; the first festival was held in July 2007, ground was broken and the first structures built (3 small gazebos), the lake cleaned out and 40 fruit trees were planted.

Founders

Organizations:

The Kadsan Thaidam Society, Society of Thaidam American Friendship, Tai Vietnamese Association, Tai Studies Center, Asian American Fellowship Church and Tai United Foundation

Individuals:

Leunh Baccam	Roger (Houng) Q Rasavanh	Nakharath Khounlo	Phimmachanh Baccam
Marc Lovan	Sivilay Phongvixay	Som Baccam	Quinn Baccam
Phahoanh Baccam	Sang Baccam	Brian Baccam	Khamlong Baccanm
John Backham	Jake Cam	Bao Cam Lo	Man Van Lo
Louane Baccam	Thomas Baccam	Dinh Vanlo	Phet Houangsavanh
Vien Baccam	Tom Lovan	Noi Hoang Van	Souane Cavan
Khamthong Khamma	Dr. Nokham Baccam	Thouan Vivanh	Ding Cavan
Loon Kambanoon	Pe Luong	My Khamphanthong	Quych Baccam
Sutjanpong Paisoon	Khamyath Mekdara	Mary Hoang	Sisavath Virasith
Patraporn Paisoon	Steve Baccam	Naphorn Sornterm	Bao Baccam

Siang Bacthi