Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Message from Israel G. Torres, Chairman of the Board

Comercio — May 2005

Israel Torres Summer is here and the heat is on… particularly in the Phoenix Suns’ case. Congratulations to the entire Suns organization for its amazing season thus far, and I hope you all have been able to catch the post-season action this month at America West Arena. Go Suns!

Accolades also are in order for the great job done by everyone involved with the Black and White Ball and Small Business Awards last month. I tip my hat to co-chairs Sonya Pastor and Alex Juarez, AZHCC staff and volunteers, and all of you who attended and shared in the celebration. I’d like to particularly note the generosity and contributions of Mr. Pat Quinn and Qwest, the title sponsor for the second year in a row. We could not have done it without you!

Our 2005 award winners bear repeating, as well. The Honorable Governor Janet Napolitano was recognized as Woman of the Year; Gary Trujillo was awarded Man of the Year; Southwest Ambulance took top honors as Corporation of the Year; and, last but not least, Dan Villa, Jr. of Villa Construction was named Entrepreneur of the Year. Finally, the program was in the capable and entertaining hands of Lin Sue Cooney and Mark Curtis, and I sincerely thank them and KPNX-12’s involvement and support for the event.

We have some exciting opportunities on the horizon for the chamber — particularly our participation in an Arizona-Mexico trade mission and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce annual convention.

The AZHCC Minority Business Development Center had another strong month! We assisted Arizona small businesses in securing more than $345,000 of needed capital last month. Additionally, we helped small businesses secure procurement contracts totaling $364,969.

I hope you all have an enjoyable and prosperous summer — please remember this is your chamber, so get involved and let us know how we can help you succeed!

Israel G. Torres
Chairman of the Board