Business Matters September/ October 2017 | Page 23

This year, the Gateways for Growth Challenge
will again offer resources to communities that
demonstrate a public-private commitment to
the development of a community-wide strate-
gic plan. Those resources include:
Customized quantitative research reports
from NAE on the demographic and economic
contributions immigrants their communities;
On-the-ground technical assistance from NAE
and Welcoming America to help communities
draft, execute, and communicate a multi-sec-
tor immigrant integration strategy; and
Planning grants from NAE that local partners
have committed to match.
NAE and Welcoming America also maintain
an interactive map outlining initiatives across
the United States that support immigrant and
U.S.-born entrepreneurs, promote citizenship
and financial empowerment, improve public
safety and access to services, and advance
education and workforce goals to help re-
gions compete in the global economy. The
map provides detailed information about and
examples from the communities that have
embraced this work, as well as guidance for
those seeking to replicate successful pro-
grams and policies.
On September 1, 2017, the United Corpus
Christi Chamber of Commerce (UCCCC) com-
pleted its first year of successful operation,
having combined the membership, services,
programs and resources of the 100-year
old Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce
and the 78-year old Corpus Christi Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce. With a mission to be
“the premier organization working to advance
economic prosperity for all business while
preserving the region’s diverse cultures” and
a vision “to unite Corpus Christi to be the best
place to work and live,” the new chamber rep-
resents a fresh beginning for business in the
city.
The preamble to the new chamber’s bylaws
states in part: “This joining of rich histories,
significant accomplishments and a commit-
ment to board diversity with women and mi-
nority participation reflective of the commu-
nity’s demographics, will provide a cohesive
voice for business. As the chief advocate for
the entire business community, we will serve
as a multidimensional model wherein the
diversity and inclusion function is part of all
facets of the unified chamber.” The United
Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce rec-
ognizes that strength comes from diversity
and unification with a cultural awareness of
the value of the local Hispanic legacy and
culture that inspires and helps all business in
the Corpus Christi region to succeed. In both
its values and practices, the United Corpus
Christi Chamber of Commerce is committed
to the inclusion and excellence in the man-
agement of all diverse people irrespective
of differences. There shall be no barriers to
participation in any activity on the basis of
economic position, gender, race, creed, age,
sexual orientation, gender identity, national
origin, or disability. Diverse perspectives are
important and necessary for responsible and
representative decision-making. We affirm
our commitment to reflecting the diversity of
Corpus Christi and the Members of the Unit-
ed Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce.
“Talent and opportunities come from every
country, region and corner of the world. We
must do what we can in our Coastal Bend
Community to welcome and cultivate talent
which will have a positive and productive
impact on our business community. We will
take this opportunity to learn as we move
Adelanté! What an honor to be working with
our partners and our colleagues.” Cleofas Ro-
driguez, Jr., President/CEO, United Corpus
Christi Chamber of Commerce.
For more information on the Gateways for
Growth award contact Dr. Gilda E. Ramirez,
Vice President for Small Business & Educa-
tion, United Corpus Christi Chamber of Com-
merce, at 361-815-0957 or gilda@unitedcor-
puschristichamber.com
UNITEDCORPUSCHRISTICHAMBER.COM
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