The New Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce was welcomed by a “ SOLD-OUT ” luncheon . With its official kick-off held at the Valencia Gardens on Tuesday , April 28 at 11:30 a . m ., the capacity limited the luncheon to 100 people – and that they had and more , as a few people were turned away due to the sold-out status .
Gil Hernandez , CPA was the guest keynote speaker , he discussed the important role that chambers of commerce can play in the economic development and growth of businesses especially during financial hardship times .
There was a definite excitement in the air – as area professionals were once again given the opportunity to network in a luncheon setting with other area professionals that they had not seen in a long time . “ It was definitely long over due ”, seemed to be the consensus when we asked what local professionals thought of the new Chamber . For many , it was an emotional time “ I haven ’ t seen a Latino Chamber of Commerce luncheon like this one , since the good ole ’ days – when the other chamber used to have big ones at the Columbia Restaurant !
With a dedicated team of local professionals , including some genuine “ Tampeños ” the board is made of the following :
2009 Officers : President - Jackie Rojas-Quiñones Vice-President - Al Frederick Secretary - Denise Shreaves Treasurer - Diego Malagón
2009 Committee Chairs : Leo Alvarez
Norma Camero Reno Ileana Devin Jolie González William Insignares Carmen Ochoa Grace Posada
The next event is scheduled for Tuesday , May 26th , 2009 @ The Valencia Gardens at 811 W . Kennedy Blvd . in Tampa . 11:30 AM -1:00 PM . Due to limited room capacity , TLC is requesting that all individuals wishing to attend the event confirm their reservation with payment in advance to ensure a seat is reserved in their name . Subsequent events will be held at the Columbia Restaurant in Historic Ybor City .
For information on how you can become a member TODAY , please visit their website for details : TampaLatinChamber . com joint event of leaders from the export / import community announce their first joint event in Tampa aptly
A named the Export-Import Symposium 2009 Panel Speakers / Industry Experts :
• Judith Rivera , Director - Export-Import Bank of the U . S
• George Martinez-Director U . S . Department of Commerce
• Mary Hernandez - Regional Manager , Small Business Administration ( SBA )
• Moderator , Dean Collura - Director , Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce
Wednesday , June 24th , 2009 @ 8:30am - 1:00pm University of South Florida , Marshall Student Center
4202 East Fowler Ave Tampa , FL 33620 The event has been created to assist small , medium , or large companies that wish to expand into the international marketplace by way of exports - imports and share with them , the current global market status along with regional and global trade and commerce information .
• One to Ones with industry experts
• Scenarios will be shared about real world experiences , successes , challenges , and best practices from businesses that have branched out into international markets
• Networking period with answers about trade and how to enter the global market and grow within the international community .
• In dept exploration of the subject of importing and exporting internationally and a Q & A
• Perspectives on cultural diversity and international business strategies
• Export-Import Bank presentation on “ financing solutions ” to those interested in investing abroad .
FOR TICKETS : ( 727 ) 919-2030 / ( 813 ) 333-9331 * Ticket prices include panel , networking session along with a light breakfast and a buffet-style lunch reception . Sponsorship Opportunities available : Derek Lloyd at ( 727 ) 919-2030 for more information .