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Peru Awaits:
SFLHCC Gears Up for 2026 Trade Mission
| | The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) hosted an informative session yesterday for members and business leaders interested in participating in the upcoming 2026 Peru Trade Mission, taking place October 20–24. Attendees had the special opportunity to meet the Ambassador of Peru, Bernie Navarro, and learn more about the mission, opportunities for doing business in Peru, and the importance of strengthening economic ties between South Florida and Peru. SFLHCC looks forward to leading this exciting delegation and creating meaningful opportunities for international business, trade, and collaboration. | | SFLHCC Supports The WOW Center | | |
SFLHCC President Liliam M. Lopez recently attended The WOW Center Miami’s Casino Night Gala at the Marriott Marquis, an inspiring evening supporting the organization’s important work and the individuals and families it serves.
A special thank you to Ilieva Valdés from the Supreme Twins Foundation for the gracious invitation and for welcoming Dr. Lopez to its VIP section, where she had the opportunity to connect with an incredible group of community leaders and supporters.
The SFLHCC is proud to support organizations and community partners that are making a meaningful difference throughout South Florida.
| | SFLHCC President Attends Miami-Dade Beacon Council Annual Board Retreat | | |
SFLHCC President Liliam M. Lopez attended the Miami-Dade Beacon Council Annual Board Retreat, joining business and community leaders for insightful discussions on Miami-Dade County’s continued growth, economic development, and future.
The retreat featured distinguished speakers who shared valuable perspectives on the opportunities ahead for our community. SFLHCC congratulates Rodrick Miller on his leadership and continued efforts to strengthen Miami-Dade’s economic future.
It was also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with longtime friends and colleagues, including Paula Hawkins, while engaging with leaders committed to advancing our region.
| | Airing Tomorrow, August 20, 2026 | |
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David Perez
Director of Philantrophy
Arc Broward
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Northbridge University Named 2026 School of the Year by FAPSC
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For the third time, Northbridge University has been named Florida’s School of the Year in the Degree-Granting Institution category by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges (FAPSC), recognizing its excellence in student success, career-focused education, workforce development and community impact.
Serving Florida since 1956, FAPSC is the leading voice for the state’s career schools and colleges, providing advocacy, leadership and support for institutions that prepare students to meet the needs of today’s workforce.
The 2026 honor follows Northbridge University’s previous School of the Year recognitions in 2020 and 2022, underscoring its longstanding commitment to preparing students to meet Florida’s evolving workforce needs.
“This recognition is a powerful affirmation of the values that have defined our university for more than four decades,” said Dr. James Michael Burkett, President of U.S. Operations at Northbridge University.
Northbridge executive Carla Alvarado was also recognized by FAPSC as a CHEP Champion for her commitment to professional development, excellence and student support, further highlighting the University’s strong culture of service and student success.
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FIU Pig Roast Series
The Ultimate Tailgate Experience
Louis Fonseca Productions, Pig Roast Command & Kiko Hospitality Group will be curating more than 100+ local competitors that will compete in the biggest FIU Pig Roast competition and ultimate tailgate experience.
Information Package
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Saturday, September 26, 2026
12:00 p. m - 6:00 p.m
FIU Pitbull Stadium
| | You're Invited! Register Now! | |
HUF's American Dream Awards Nominations Now Open!
Hispanic Unity of Florida’s (HUF) 13th Entrepreneur Summit is back on Friday, October 2, 2026, bringing together entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders for a day of insight, inspiration, and opportunity. This year’s event will once again serve as a vibrant platform to share ideas, spark connections, and celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship that drives our community forward.
One of the most meaningful parts of the day is our American Dream Awards, a celebration of individuals and organizations who embody the entrepreneurial spirit and support the journey of others in our community.
As a valued partner, your voice and perspective are especially important in helping us recognize those who reflect the mission and values of HUF.
We invite you to participate in the nomination process for the following awards:
· American Dreamer Award
· American Dream Supporter Award
· American Dream Builder Award
Key Dates:
· Nomination Period: August 5 – August 24, 2026
· Review by Selection Committee: August 25 – September 11, 2026
· Winners Announced: Mid-September
· Awards Ceremony: Friday, October 2, 2026, at HUF’s Entrepreneur Summit
You can submit your nominations by August 24 using this link.
| | | | CONGRESSWOMAN MARÍA ELVIRA SALAZAR SPEAKS WITH POPE LEO XIV AT THE VATICAN ABOUT IMMIGRATION, PRESENTS DIGNITY ACT | |
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VATICAN CITY — U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) spoke today with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, where she raised the issue of immigration in the United States and personally presented the Holy Father with information about the DIGNITY Act (H.R. 4393), her bipartisan immigration reform legislation.
During the exchange, the Congresswoman spoke about the importance of finding a lasting solution to America’s immigration challenge and shared the DIGNITY Act as the work she is leading in Congress on the issue.
“It was a profound honor to speak with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV about immigration at such a consequential moment for our country,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “For decades, Washington has debated this issue while millions of families have continued to live with uncertainty. I was grateful for the opportunity to place the DIGNITY Act in the Holy Father’s hands and to share the work we are doing to find a lasting way forward.”
Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born Pope, has made migration an important part of his public teaching, addressing both the responsibility of nations to govern their borders and the need to respect the dignity of migrants and families.
The DIGNITY Act is the only major bipartisan immigration reform proposal currently before Congress. It combines border security, mandatory E-Verify, and accountability measures with an earned legal status for qualifying long-term immigrants who meet strict requirements.
Immigration also has deep relevance for the Church in the United States. More than four in ten U.S. Catholics are immigrants or the children of immigrants, according to Pew Research Center. A 2025 report issued by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and evangelical partners found that roughly one in twelve American Christians is vulnerable to deportation or lives with someone who is.
The people at the center of America’s immigration debate are also, in significant numbers, the people sitting in its pews.
Read Full Article
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Join the U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, and OpenAI for the first-ever Manufacturing Workforce Expo on August 26th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Atlantic Technical College in Coconut Creek, Florida.
Please visit the Event Website at https://sba.connect.space/manufacturing-workforce-expo/details for the agenda and registration information.
Event Overview: This half-day event will equip small manufacturers, students and aspiring apprentices with practical resources to boost manufacturing production through workforce development programs and advanced technology.
The inaugural Expo will provide education on leveraging apprenticeship programs to build a job-ready manufacturing workforce. Attendees will learn about SBA programs available to small businesses, DOL workforce development initiatives, apprenticeship opportunities through Atlantic Technical College, and ways to increase productivity with artificial intelligence. Small manufacturers will also have an opportunity to connect with students who are seeking employment opportunities.
Program Highlights: The program features a DOL–led Apprenticeship Training session for small businesses and students, followed by remarks from senior leadership at SBA, DOL, OpenAI, and key industry partners. After the opening program, the exhibit hall opens to showcase manufacturers that are actively hiring, launching, or expanding registered apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs across critical trades and advanced manufacturing occupations. Throughout the morning, leadership from SBA, DOL, and OpenAI engage directly with students, tour the college’s technical programs, and highlight support mechanisms for a new generation of “Made in America” manufacturers.
Goals and Impact: This event advances SBA and DOL's memorandum of understanding to support American manufacturing through enhanced collaboration and data-sharing across key programs. Additionally, the Expo is designed to cultivate a pipeline of skilled workers while also promoting capital and contracting opportunities for domestic producers – 98% of whom are small businesses. The agreement aligns directly with President Trump's ongoing efforts to restore American industry and jobs.
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Contact Cathy@sflhcc.com for your renewal information.
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The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce invites our members to participate in an exciting event hosted by Fiserv! This is a unique opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share your business journey, and gain valuable exposure.
Fiserv is seeking a small business owner, especially a Clover® merchant, to speak at the event about their entrepreneurial experience, challenges, and successes. As an added opportunity, Fiserv is also interested in purchasing products from the featured business to showcase with associates across the United States.
If you're interested in attending or would like to be considered for the featured speaker role, we encourage you to contact the Chamber. Don't miss this chance to showcase your business on a national stage!
| | Remember to Maximize Your Benefits | | The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) has announced an exciting partnership with CareerSource South Florida to deliver enhanced services to its members. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths and resources of both organizations to benefit businesses and job seekers within the community. | | Career Source available benefits | | Chamber Member Announcements | | |
Do you have an Ad or content you want to display in the SFLHCC Newsletter?
Email info@sflhcc.com for the requirements and availability
| | Aranto Productions Brings the Passion of Spain to Miami | | |
Aranto Productions proudly presents the Miami debut of Barcelona Guitar Trio & Dance on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 4:00 PM at the Adrienne Arsht Center.
This internationally acclaimed ensemble unites the extraordinary artistry of guitarists Alí Arango, Xavier Coll, and Luis Robisco, alongside acclaimed flamenco dancers José Manuel Álvarez and Carolina Morgado, with percussionist Lucas Balbo, in a breathtaking tribute to the legendary Paco de Lucía. Audiences will also experience inspired works by Chick Corea, Manuel de Falla, and Federico García Lorca in an unforgettable celebration of Spanish music, flamenco, and culture.
Presented by Aranto Productions, this special performance marks the company’s continued commitment to bringing world-class international artists to American audiences.
Learn more and purchase tickets:
https://www.arshtcenter.org/tickets/2026-2027/barcelona-guitar-trio-dance/barcelona-guitar-trio-dance/#buyTickets
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THE WOMEN'S FUND OF MIAMI-DADE IN-PERSON / RAISE THE BAR 2026
Date & Location: Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Description: Serious Fun for a Serious Cause! The networking event features an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and more. Join the extended legal community and supporters of your Women's Fund's Freedom From Violence Pillar for one of our signature annual events. The esteemed judiciary, members of the bar, related business professionals, elected officials and survivor leaders will gather in support of women and girls in Miami-Dade.
There is a great tradition among members of the legal field in Miami, who gather to support the mission of The Women's Fund while taking the opportunity to connect with peers and network over drinks. Hence the name, Raise the Bar. Since its inception, funds raised from Raise the Bar have supported Advocacy and Funding & Grantee Partners initiatives that work with survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.
Link to get registered: RSVP: https://womensfundmiami.org/raise-the-bar/
Donations are always welcome: https://womensfundmiami.org/donate/
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A "Business Minute with Lily Lopez" Featuring Steven Meiner, Mayor of Miami Beach
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A "Business Minute with Lily Lopez" Featuring US Senator Rick Scott (FL)
| | Click below to access "A Business Minute with Lily Lopez" on YouTube | | | | |
