Contra Costa’s Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Recognized as “Chamber of the Year” in both its Region and California
At the recent statewide convention of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CAHCC), the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Contra Costa County (H5C) was honored as the 2012 Chamber of the Year. The H5C was selected from amongst 65 Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and Latino Business Associations throughout the state of California. The award was presented by President and CEO Julian Canete at the CAHCC’s 33rd Annual State Convention in San Diego.
“Our chamber was honored to have received the Chamber of the Year award, not only for our region but also the Chamber of the Year award for the entire State of California! The success of this chamber is the result of of the value we provide to our business members through Education, Business Opportunities, and Advocacy”, said Eric Maldonado, President of H5C.
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has been reaching the community and enhancing economic development in Contra Costa County for the last 25 years through various activities and programs. The Business workshop series has served over 1400 businesses by providing them with the tools and resources required to succeed. H5C has established a platform to allow small businesses to voice their opinions and concerns with elected officials during legislative events including visits to Sacramento and Washington D.C. Additionally, the mixers and speed networking events continue to be a vital source to help businesses expand their network and allow them to succeed and flourish. H5C will continue to find ways to better serve the community to create economic growth and opportunity in Contra Costa County.
Douglas Lezameta, Member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce states, “This well-deserved award was rewarded to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Contra Costa County for their excellent performances in providing members with the programs necessary for growth. I would like to congratulate the board of directors for their hard efforts. Special thanks to Eric Maldonado, President and Mayra Bautista, Vice President and chamber staff.”
Mr. Maldonado observed that credit for the extraordinary honor and recognition goes to a large team of hard working chamber volunteers, staff and supporters. He noted “the efforts required to be recognized as the best Hispanic Chamber in the State cannot be sustained without the proper support and infrastructure. Special recognition goes to the Board of Directors, chamber’s staffs, and volunteers, past presidents and the support of our corporate advisors.”
The H5C continues to grow and has become one of the most active chambers in Contra Costa County.
The mission of the Hispanic Chamber is to develop, enhance and promote valuable business opportunities for our members while providing a special emphasis on education, cultural awareness and available resources within the Hispanic Community and Contra Costa County overall. H5C is working to promote the economic prosperity of its members within the Hispanic community and the Contra Costa community
Special thanks to the following:
Board of Directors; Eric Maldonado, Travis Credit Union; Mayra Bautista, TeamPersona; Abiud Amaro, San Pablo EDC; Leonard E. Marquez, Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean LLP; Raymundo Villanueva, iServe Residential Lending; Emilio Solares, ESPN Deportes Radio; Stephen Martinez, ABD Direct Inc.; Nancy Aguirre Be-Yam, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Steve Macias, Humana; Johnny Huang, Johnny Huang Insurance Services and Richard Perez-Pacheco, Black Sheep Design.
Chamber’s Staff: Mayra Rodriguez, Operation Manager; Claudia Samalea, Administrative Assistant; Stacy Flores, Marketing Assistant; Maria Peterson, volunteer, Lydia Celis, volunteer; Martha Morales, volunteer.
Advisory Board: Ed Basaldua, Enrique Ruiz, Pedro Babiak, Steve Lesher, Shell Martinez Refinery; Ken Dami, Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery; Richard Chacon, Union Bank; Ken Mintz, AT&T; and Ron Wetter, Kaiser.
