255 E Osborn, Suite 201 Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: (602) 279-1800 Fax: (602) 279-8900
Contact us at: info@azhcc.com
Message from Israel G. Torres, Chairman of the Board
April promises to be a ‘ball’ for AZHCC!
Comercio — April 2005
April is here and that means it’s time for the 47th Annual Black and White Ball and Business Awards, presented by Qwest! On Saturday, April 23, we’ll celebrate our successes and recognize outstanding contributors to the small business community.
This year, we are proud to recognize the following award recipients, all of whom exemplify the values that our chamber embraces:
- Woman of the Year — Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano
- Man of the Year — Gary Trujillo, Southwest Harvard Group
- Corporation of the Year — Southwest Ambulance
- Entrepreneur of the Year — Dan Villa, Jr., Villa Contracting
Tickets are selling fast so reserve your table to meet and recognize our award recipients and small businesses. We look forward to seeing you there!
On another note, our AZHCC Minority Business Development Center continues to score for Arizona small businesses! Did you know that just last quarter we helped Arizona small businesses secure over $390,000 of needed capital? Equally important, did you know that just last quarter we helped companies expand or create 31 new jobs for Arizona in addition to helping three separate small businesses secure procurement contracts totaling $1,483,100? Our chamber is truly moving Arizona forward and I’m proud to be a part of the team!
Another notable event last quarter was the Board of Directors strategic planning retreat in March. Setting aside a couple of days to focus the diverse knowledge, expertise, energy, and strengths of board members was invigorating and highly productive. In fact, the three “pillars of success&rdquol — business development, knowledge and relationships that emerged from the retreat are consistent with our Membership Committee focus groups and will serve as the backdrop for the organizational business plan. These pillars are integral to achieving our goals as an organization and we’re confident the results will be evident for years to come.
Also, last month marked a milestone when board members from the AZHCC, Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce came together for a first-time event to identify ways to work more closely to create additional opportunities for our respective small business members statewide. In fact, discussions already are underway for a statewide follow-up event later this year. Be on the lookout for more details to come!
Last, don’t miss the next Contactos After Five Mixer on Thursday, April 21 at 5:30 p.m., hosted by Café Latino, located at 4812 N. 7th Avenue. The monthly mixers are an excellent way to get involved, network and strengthen your role in the business community. Remember, it’s your chamber get involved, meet the staff, join a committee, run for the board. Have a great month and see you on April 23!
Israel G. Torres
Chairman of the Board