FCHCC's Conexión E-Newsletter - January/February 2022

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January/February 2022

MESSAGE from MONICA HERNANDEZ,

FCHCC PRESIDENT

Dear Members:

During my tenure as President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC), there have been challenges. However, most of my experiences have been rewarding and helped me to continue to evolve as a Leader. As you continue reading, I will share some of the amazing successes our organization has accomplished as a team!

The following are some (not all) programs and recognitions the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has received and accomplished:

Recognized as Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of the Year in 2019 by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC).
Recognized with proclamations from City of Jacksonville and St. Johns (Duval and Saint John’s counties).
Strategic Alliance Agreement with the Small Business Administration produced in Spanish.
Organized a federal contracting series in Spanish in Partnership with the Small Business Administration.
Supported and participated during the presentation of the First Mural created in DuPont Middle School by Artist Whitney Perez representing Hispanic Heritage and supported by the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville with Jacksonville Jaguars sponsoring the event.

FCHCC participated in eight events during Hispanic Heritage month, covering five different pillars: Community, Business Owners, Cuisine, Students and Culture.
Received invitations and participated at Local, State and National events and boards such as local news.
Contracted the services of MiAddvantage, a social media and public relations organization that has been instrumental in the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's success and enhanced presence in social media.
Produced and organized the Excellence in Business Awards which became a sold-out event.

Initiated, produced and organized an event labeled La Ruta del Sabor: created to expose local Hispanic owned restaurants and showcase the diversity delight of Hispanic cuisine.
FCHCC has increasingly become the go-to organization to reach out to the Hispanic Community by the non-Hispanic community.
Organized and provided the Achieving the Dream Food Drive in partnership with Feeding Northeast Florida and sponsored by the Jacksonville Jaguars as Presenting Sponsor and additional support by VyStar Credit Union, Florida Blue and Three Grains of Rice Missions.
Produced and organized the event Women del Mañana with a focus on women's development along with Women del Mañana in the Arts and with an emphasis on Hispanic women artists.

FCHCC will continue with the tradition of inducting the incoming members of the Board of Directors in a new format with an event that will include active members, limited public and dignitaries on February 22, 2022.
Over the previous three years, FCHCC's membership has increased by 91%.
Produced and organized 22 workshops, which included three series that focused on marketing, legal aspects, growth and access to capital.
As we celebrate 30 years of service, we continue the tradition of supporting qualified Hispanics students achieve their dreams. During the Hispanic Heritage Achieving the Dream Gala in October 2021, twelve (12) Hispanic Students of Northeast Florida were recognized and awarded $25,000.00 in Scholarships Grants. Overall, since the inception of the Achieving the Dream Scholarship Program, FCHCC has awarded over half a million dollars in scholarships thanks to the altruistic support of our community, local businesses, corporate partners, and donors.

I am honored and grateful for the confidence afforded to me by FCHCC and its entire Leadership team and members while serving as their President. Most importantly, all accomplishments and recognitions would have not come to fruition if not for the tremendous commitment and support of the Board of Directors, Officers of the Board, Staff and the loyalty of our entire membership.

To conclude, if FCHCC continues to receive your support, commitment and membership, together we will continue to positively impact the Hispanic business community moving forward.

Warmest Regards,

Monica Hernandez, MBA

FCHCC President

MEET THE 2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Monica Hernandez

President

Wilfredo (Willie) Gonzalez

Chair of the Board

Sandra (Sandy) Martin

Vice Chair

Eric Garcia

Treasurer

Michelle Kaplafka

Secretary

Nelson Hernandez

Director-at-Large

Belkis Plata

Director-at-Large

Beatrice Chandler

Director-at-Large

Michael Boatman

Director-at-Large

FCHCC is excited to introduce you to our 2022 Board of Directors, you can read more about them on our website here. Also, there will be an induction ceremony slated for February 25th at the River Club. More information about this event will be published soon.

UPCOMING EVENTS

FCHCC Induction Ceremony

February 22, 2021 ~ 6 PM - 8 PM

The River Club, 1 Independent Drive, Suite 3500

Jacksonville, FL 32202

Meet our 2022 Board of Directors and Trustees!

Plus, we will recognize our outgoing members for their excellent work in 2021!

COST: $25 Members / $35 Non Members

Prospera USA Kicks off 4-Part Seminar Series: "Hispanic Business Coaching and Training Program in Jacksonville" (Spanish)

Prospera is an economic development, nonprofit organization specialized in providing bilingual assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs trying to establish or expand their business.

Prospera empowers Hispanic entrepreneurs through training, support and resources so their businesses can grow and prosper.

Prospera is able to serve entrepreneurs and the community, and without charging for its services, thanks to investments in its mission by generous corporations, individuals and government agencies.

Prospera was selected as one of the Florida state spokes to the SBA’s new Community Navigator Program, a testament to their experience and tenure in the small business technical assistance area.

If you are not familiar with Prospera and their work through FL and the southeast, visit their website: English: https://prosperausa.org/

Spanish: https://prosperausa.org/es/.

OTHER EVENTS

SBA February Virtual Sessions: Unlocking the Tools to Mentorship, Credit and Access to Capital

In recognition of Black History Month coming up next month, SBA is hosting 3 virtual events that will provide free and viable information that will help future entrepreneurs and existing small business owners in your small business communities become and stay successful.

Dates: February 1st, 8th and 15th

Join the link's "Future in___ series", Smart Buildings Event

Join our member, the link, on a journey to explore the rapidly changing world of various industries, technologies, and market segments.

Meet experts in various fields who will share their insights with you, while we all get a taste of what it might be like if certain professions or careers became more appealing than others!

FEBRUARY 5, 2022

6:30 PM - 10 PM

Mandarin Mambos Cuban Cafe Express

11105 San Jose Blvd #2

Jacksonville, FL 32223

JOSHUA STEWART'S

40TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Make plans to come out and join us to celebrate one of our Ambassadors and Chair of the Achieving the Dream Scholarship Committee's 40th birthday,

Joshua Stewart.

Proceeds to benefit the Chamber's ATD Scholarship Program.

To RSVP, click this link https://mamboscubanexpress.com/mandarin/store/ and from the left category, scroll to the bottom and click "Josh's 40th Birthday" to place your order.