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President's Message
Dear Chamber Members and Partners:

It is with great pleasure to report that the first quarter of 2018 has been a fruitful one. We continue to gain the support of our local business community and we are committed on paying it forward. On February 8th, we had our very first National Day of Prayer Breakfast, all funds collected were donated to Hunger Fight, a local nonprofit recognized for packing over 1.7 million meals for children in Northeast Florida since 2012.

We want to continue to make an impact in our community and what better way than to support our future generation. FCHCC will celebrate its 22nd Hispanic Heritage Gala & Achieving the Dream Awards  on September 28th. We will grant scholarships to 10 distinguished and deserving Hispanic students, each student will be given a $2,000 scholarship towards school of their choice. The Gala will be hosted by Florida Blue and presented by Virginia College at the Florida Blue Center. Come join us and you will have the opportunity to meet the winners and other members within FCHCC.

We are now accepting applications at fchcc.com/scholarship, please tell others of this great opportunity!

Lastly, we had a great turnout at our March 29th Professional Networking Event at the new Sugar Cane Cuban Restaurant. Thank you to everyone who attended and who helped make this event a success! Get ready for our next networking event on April 25th, at Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse on their rooftop with a very special guest and local Leader that you do not want to miss, see the flyer later in this newsletter to register!

Achieving the Dream Awards History

The Achieving the Dream Scholarship was launched by Leon Carrero in 1996. Prior to 2008, the Achieving the Dream Scholarship Luncheon was hosted at local libraries. However due to its success and attendance, in 2008, the annual luncheons began to be hosted at private venues. In 2016, the name of the luncheon was changed to the Hispanic Heritage Gala & Achieving the Dream Scholarship Awards.

Sincerely,

Cesar J. Grijota
FCHCC President & CEO
This is a great time to join our chamber!
Save the Date! Upcoming FCHCC Event!
May Networking Event
Date: Thursday, May 24, 2018
Time: 6 - 8 PM
Location: DEX Imaging
4810 Executive Center Court Jacksonville, Fl 32216
Cost: $5 FCHCC members;
$10 non-members/guests
Visit our NEW web page featuring available job openings with our Strategic Partner, Florida Blue!
Did you catch this on our social network?

FCHCC Business Development Associate, Francisco Sefair, at Virginia College
FCHCC Business Development Associate, Francisco Sefair attended the Grand Buffet event by Virginia College! If you own or manage a restaurant, contact the College for some of the best Culinary Talents in town. Call Monday - Friday at 904-520-7454 and ask for Bernard Tamares and let him know that you read about it in the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page. ~ Culinary Program Director Bob Henry and Director of Career Development Bernard Tamares.
FCHCC Recognizes New Members

FCHCC President, Cesar Grijota and Chairman, Jose Paredes awarded our newest members with their member certificates at our March networking event. We welcome them to the chamber! Pictured l to r: Carlo A. Perez: Carlo A. Perez Agency, Dr. Yunior Molina: Beauclerc Dental; Gianette (Gee) Prince: Primerica Financial Services and Jorge Bertram: Inspired Closets
More pics from March's event!
View the full album on...
FCHCC Calendar of Events
April Professional Networking Event
Click the flyer to register!
FCHCC 2018 Achieving the Dream Scholarship Applications Open
Click the flyer below to apply!
The Reason for a Hispanic Heritage Month Gala
 
Each year, the FCHCC has celebrated our Hispanic Heritage Month with a Gala. This is done to promote awareness of the impact our Hispanic community has had in our Northeast corner of Florida.
 
The Gala is a way for us to say thank you to our community for all they have done for us and the impact that we as a society can make on others.
 
At this Gala, we also celebrate the achievements of our Young Hispanic Students that through their hard work and dedication have come a long way... in a short generational time. This is where we celebrate and present the winning students with the: Achieving the Dream Scholarship Awards .
 
We invite and encourage you to support these endeavors, together we can really make the difference, first in our communities and second in our own families. Come be part of this and together we can celebrate the achievements our Hispanic community has worked so hard for.
 
Visit FCHCC.com and see what it’s all about!
 
Sincerely,
Jose Paredes, Pastor
Chairman, FCHCC

________________________________________

2018 Hispanic Heritage Gala & Achieving the Dream Scholarship Awards

presented by:
hosted by:
Florida Blue
**SAVE THE DATE **
September 28, 2018
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Florida Blue Center
4800 Deerwood Campus Parkway ~ Jacksonville, FL 32246

After Party at Cuba Libre Bar
2578 Atlantic Blvd. ~ Jacksonville, FL 32207
Castillo de San Marcos Hosting Three More April Discussion Groups
Maribel Hernandez, former FCHCC President, is working on a project assisting the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine. The Castillo is committed to ​learning more about how it can better serve the local Latino/Hispanic community. ​They are hosting three more discussion groups this month in order to hear from Latino/Hispanic adults in St. Johns County. Click the flyer below to sign up!
Toastmasters International Meeting April 30th
You're invited to the Toastmasters International meeting April 30th where you will learn more about how the program works, be able to ask questions and what the next steps are on the journey of becoming a better communicator and leader whether it’s in English or Spanish. See the flyer below for more details.

Welcome New and Renewing Members
We could not achieve our mission without our members. THANK YOU very much for your partnership!

Members that joined or renewed in March.

Small Business
Primerica Financial Services

Student Members
Josefina Martinez

This is a great time to join us! If you have not renewed your FCHCC membership or want to join, click below!
In the Spotlight:
Dr. Yunior Molina and Dr. Annette Lorenzo, Beauclerc Dental
Dr. Yunior Molina and his wife, Dr. Annette Lorenzo are current residents of the Mandarin area and are originally from Cuba. The couple is excited to announce the grand opening of Beauclerc Dental, as the new owners. 

Established in 1970 Beauclerc Dental, has always been involved in the community and it is the intent of the doctors to continue the legacy to grow and foster their relationship with the families and residents of Jacksonville. A completely bi-lingual office invites the Hispanic community to visit the location and become “part of the family”.
 
It is the vision of Beauclerc Dental to exceed patients’ expectations in every way possible. “We will succeed by providing the best quality dental care complemented by the very finest customer service with no exceptions!” Relationships with patients will be built on honesty, trust, and comfort; and emphasis will be placed on educating patients, so they are empowered to make knowledgeable decisions concerning their oral health and treatment options. “Above all, we will honor others before ourselves.”  
 
From implants to cosmetic treatment, and orthodontic care for children and adults, all of your dental needs are taken care of comprehensively with Beauclerc Dental and at one location! Dr. Molina and Dr. Lorenzo participate in local study clubs and continuing education courses nationally and internationally, allowing them to be able to provide you with the most up to date technology and cutting-edge treatment options. Visit their website at https://www.beauclercdental.com/.
In Other News:
Stories about FCHCC's Members and Partners
  • Member Discounts Program
Discounts provide positive exposure for your business and can add value through increased business with chamber members. Any business may request to offer a member discount and you don’t have to be an FCHCC member! Click here to learn more!

-- Current Member Discounts --

Florida RX Card Program
Save money with a FREE Florida Rx Card.

Florida Development Business Council
Free business technical coaching assistance available.

Edward Meredith Foundation
Free business consulting services.

Point Taken
Discounts available on website design services.

For more information on these discounts, click here!
Is it Time to Renew your Membership?
Renew your membership easily online! Click here. If you would like to join FCHCC, click here. We also accept checks and money orders. Make checks payable to:

First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 57972 ~ Jacksonville, FL 32241
Job Opportunities

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Get more information about submitting your article from our website here!
FCHCC Partners
The FCHCC recognizes the leadership and support of these leading organizations!
Publishes the first week of each month!
Editor-in-Chief: Cesar GRIJOTA............ FCHCC President and CEO
Creative Director: Kim MCDOUGAL..........Director of Interactive Communications