NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Holiday Edition

Special President's Message

Dear FCHCC friends,


As we near the end of this year, it's so important to say how much we appreciate your support and your participation. The Chamber would not be where it is today without you.


Looking back at what we accomplished this year with your help. The FCHCC:


  • Hosted the 4th Excellence in Business Awards, where we recognized Hispanic leaders who have made important impacts in our community.
  • Held the annual Murejes del Manaña event, benefiting business women of all industries to connect with purpose and create opportunities that lead to achieving them.
  • Awarded 10 deserving Hispanic Students with scholarships at the Hispanic Heritage Starlight Gala and ATD Awards.
  • Signed Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Jacksonville (COJ) and the Jacksonville Black Chamber of Commerce (JBC).
  • Received proclamations for Hispanic Heritage Month from the City of Jacksonville and the St. John's Board of County Commissioners.
  • Held and participated in 7 events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, including these community events: ATD Food Bank, Jumbo Shrimp, "Together at MOSH" and Voces Hispanas.
  • Launched the "Business and Culture FCHCC On Air!” podcast, a space to celebrate multiculturalism and diversity.
  • Our weekly radio show, "FCHCC Al Aire" provides viewers with more information about our business members, enabling them to grow their customer base.
  • Opened our new Office at 4651 Salisbury Road, Suite 400, to better serve our members.
  • Partnered with Bank of America to introduce "Hola Emprende", a one-of-its-kind, full-day workshop dedicated to empowering and supporting the Hispanic community.


Many people have worked hard to make 2023 a successful year, and I would like to take the time to thank them:


Our Support Staff:

Sahira Longoria, Chief of Staff

Nelson Estepa, Vice President of Membership and Retention

Maria Isabel Montoya, Director of Marketing

Kim McDougal, Vice President of Interactive Communications


Committee Chairs: 

Angela Merritt, Hispanic Heritage Gala Chair

Joshua Stewart, Achieving the Dream Scholarship Judging Committee

Jessica Mendez and Joel Gonzalez, Membership Committee

Beatrice Chandler, La Ruta del Sabor Event Chair

Dr. Rebecca Karimi and Maria Isabel Montoya, Hispanic Voces Event

Ed Perez, Achieving the Dream Scholarship (ATD) Food Drive

Maria Isabel Montoya, "Together at Mosh" Event


A Special Thank You to our Board of Executive

Committee Members:

Monica Hernandez, President

Wilfredo (Willie) Gonzalez, Chairman

Sandra (Sandy) Martin, Vice Chair

Michelle Kaplafka, Secretary

Eric Garcia, Treasurer

Sabrina Marcos Smith, Attorney


And a Thank You to our other Board of Directors and Ambassadors for your continued commitment In 2023.


As we close a successful 2023, it's important for us to thank YOU, our members and community partners for your continued support and trust given to the FCHCC over the years! We look forward to an amazing 2024! So from all of us at FCHCC, we wish you and your family peace, hope and joy this holiday season.


Warmest regards,

Monica Hernandez

FCHCC President

Upcoming Events

FCHCC Town Hall Meeting

for MEMBERS ONLY


Topic: Growth and Entrepreunership


Date: FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Time: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM


Cost: FREE

Contentinal Breakfast will be served.


Location: Florida Blue

4800 Deerwood Campus Parkway DC2-1

Jacksonville, FL 32246

Map

REGISTER

Achieving the Dream Scholarship 2024

Deadline to apply: March 15, 2024

APPLY NOW

Learn more about the Achieving the Dream Scholarship program here.

Fall Protection in Construction & General Industry Safety Course

In this safety course, you will be provided with the basics of fall protection safety with an overview of various fall safety tips and requirements in the Construction industry. This course presents numerous case studies that cover topics such as fall hazards, fall hazard evaluation, fall hazard control and training requirements. When you have successfully completed this course, you will be able to promote fall protection safety in your workplace.

Check out the full class schedule here.

January 9, 2024

8 AM - 2 PM

REGISTER

Are you following us on Social Media? If not, you should!

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Awards & Recognition

Julio Fuentes recognized as one of Florida's most influential business leaders


Julio Fuentes, President and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, was honored as one of Florida's Most Influential Business Leaders by Florida Trend Magazine!


Julio's unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership continue to shape and inspire not only the business landscape but also the Hispanic community in Florida. This recognition is a testament to his incredible commitment and influence, paving the way for positive change and growth.


Join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition for Julio. His contributions and impact resonate far beyond our organization, influencing and uplifting the business community statewide.

For FCHCC Members

Don't miss FCHCC Al Aire on Action Radio 97.3 Wednesdays at 1 PM & Saturdays at 10 AM!

Make a Guest Appearance on the "FCHCC on Aire" Radio Program

The First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s “FCHCC On Aire” Radio Program is a great way to promote your business and for our audience to learn more about your company and how it serves the Hispanic community.

Click here to learn how to request a guest spot!
Other Chamber News
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Welcome Members

We could not achieve our mission without our members.
THANK YOU very much for your partnership!

November

Large Corporation #2

Dominion, Inc.


Small Business #2

Eneterprise Holdings

JAX Chamber


Small Business #1

MFG Merch

Parra Harris Law, PLLC

Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC

Latin Creations


Non-Profit #1

Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County


Individual Members

Eric Garcia

October

Large Corporation #2

CSX Transportation, Inc.

Adams Homes of Northwest Florida, Inc.


Small Business #1

Afanador Garcia Group Corp.


Non-Profit #3

Jacksonville Symphony Organization


Individual Members

Rafael A. Collazo-Morales

September


Leadership Trustee

VyStar Credit Union


Small Business #1

Vanezza Reyes – Professional Home Planner

Yai Galarraga Realtor – Red Point USA

Deluxe Corporation

Ram Squad Agency

Jax Custom Creations LLC

Doña Empanada – Sabor a Colombia

Wingard

Mindful Medicine and Counseling Center

Lina Ocampo Chic Studio


Non-Profit #3

Goodwill Industries of North FL. Inc.


Individual Members

Carmen Roben

Brenda Seifer-Santiago

Roxana F. Medina Silva

FCHCC Partners