Dear Chamber Members and Partners:

For the last message of 2017, we would like to share some of the highlights and accomplishments that would otherwise have not been possible without the support of our FCHCC members and partners.

 

After rigorous searches, evaluations and interviews we selected 10 hard working and deserving students that were awarded a scholarship at our Achieving the Dream Hispanic Heritage GALA on September 29 ^th, 2017. To rejoice in the hope and pride that each of these students' parents must have felt as they walked across the stage, once again, here are the recipients names of the 2017 Achieving the Dream Scholarship: Alfonso Soria, Anastasia Daniels, Camille Benitez, Danielle Torres, Gabrielle Arguetta, Ivan Claudio, Jordan Bubar, Kimberly Laynes, Moises Valcarcel-Gonzalez, and Xsyvier Rosas.

 

On a much more sobering note, the world witnessed two of the largest and strongest hurricanes on record to ever make landfall in late August and mid-September - Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria. As if the devastation was not enough for one year, an earthquake struck Central Mexico at 13:14 CDT (18:14 UTC) on September 19 ^th 2017. The FCHCC almost immediately released a call to action for donations to the Red Cross (U.S/Puerto Rico) and Red Cross (Mexico) while leveraging our pursuing Annual Gala to host our first ever, "Cocktails for a Cause" with 100% of the proceeds being donated directly to the Red Cross (U.S/Puerto Rico) and Red Cross (Mexico). Lastly, a 51’ container was sent to Puerto Rico to deliver much needed nutrients and supplies to aid the ensuing devastation.

 

In closing, the FCHCC will conclude 2017 with nearly double the membership that it began with in January, which results in double the opportunities that exist for our small business owners to connect to Corporate America as well as professionals and sole proprietors. This great accomplishment would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our three employees: Kim McDougal - Director of Interactive Communications, Chirstina Llamozas - Executive Administrator, and Francisco Sefair - Business Development Associate. Of course, none of it would be possible without the leadership of our Chairman of the Board, Rene Pulido and the FCHCC Board of Directors: Angela Merritt, Toni Higgs, Madelene Skinner, Gianinna Cooper, Ami Pinero, Liz Joiner, Mari Ibanez, Lionel Perez, Jose Paredes, Jorge Lopez, Roberto Sanchez, and Chad Dominicis.

 

Lastly, a very special THANK YOU to a man who needs little introduction for his many contributions over the years to the FCHCC and was awarded “The Lifetime Membership Award”: Nelson Estepa.

 

Thank you all for making this possible. We're excited for more opportunities to serve you in the new year! Happy Holidays!

Cesar J. Grijota

President and CEO