In This Issue

March 1, 2008

The First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC) strives to establish and encourage better business practices among Hispanic-owned and -operated businesses in northeast Florida and south Georgia. All business professionals, both Hispanic and non-Hispanic, are welcome to become involved with our Chamber. The FCHCC also strives to foster understanding of Hispanic heritage through educational endeavors, business opportunities and social interaction.

President' Message - Giselle Carson

It has been said that the key to happiness is having a dream, and the key to success is making your dreams come true. Many Hispanics dream of opening their own business, because they want to be their own boss, make more money, or are excited by the challenge. However, many new business owners fail. In fact, many Hispanics in North East Florida have had trouble starting their businesses.

No dream comes true until you wake up and go to work. Before you jump into your dream venture, come to learn the basics of business ownership: from finances to marketing to creating a business plan. Sign up to attend the 2008 Hispanic Business Series, which again will be provided en Espanol. The first seminar is for beginning entrepreneurs and will be held on Wednesday, March 26 from 8 am to 12:30 at the U.S. Small Business Administration Center , on Baymeadows Way. For additional information, please refer to our website and Hispanic Media.

With some good preparation, you can increase the odds of being successful in creating the business and lifestyle of your dreams. To your success!! And, if needed, may the luck of the Irish be with you - Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Giselle

Membership Spotlight - Haven Hospice

The FCHCC is proud to have Haven Hospice, a not-for-profit hospice organization,as one of its new members. Haven Hospice provides comprehensive, compassionate care and support to individuals facing life-limiting illness as well as families and caregivers.

Haven's focus is not on curing - but caring and ensuring quality of life. Haven Hospice services patients and their families at home, in nursing homes, in hospitals and at their four inpatient hospice care centers in North Florida.

Its free Transitions Program provides telephone support and information to individuals and families. It is not necessary to be or become a hospice patient to benefit from the program.

Haven Hospice is actively reaching out to assist and support the Hispanic community in many ways such as: a Spanish-language advertising program with Eco Latino and Hola News; partnering with San Jose Catholic Church in Jacksonville to provide informative presentations and participating in health fairs; providing information in Spanish such as Five Wishes; a Nursing Scholarship for a Hispanic; and actively participating in the FCHCC's activities and programs.

Many of these efforts have been supported through the Aetna Foundation's Health Care Disparities Project to address racial and ethnic disparities regarding access to hospice and palliative care in the greater Jacksonville area. For more information about Haven Hospice, please call 1.800.727.1889 or visit www.havenhospice.org.

2008 Meeting Calendar

I would like to thank the following companies for their generous offer to host an FCHCC Meeting in 2008. We had an overwhelming response. Thank you again!

February 14, 2008: Alterman & Johnson Family Chiropractors, Contact: Franca Alterman, 423 N Third Street, Jax Bch, 32250, 904-247-3933; francabernal@yahoo.com

March 13, 2008: Mayo Clinic, San Pablo Road, Please make sure you park at or around the Cannaday Bldg. The event will be in room 1106. Contact: Jean Davit; Davit.Jean@mayo.edu

April 10, 2008: Merrill Lynch - cafeteria Contact: Alida Lupari 4804 Deer Lake Drive East (bldg 3) Jacksonville, FL 32246 (w) 634-6057; Alida_Lupari@ml.com

May Scholarship Lunch: No Meeting

June 12, 2008: JAXPORT Contact: Joanne Kazmierski 2831 Talleyrand Avenue Jacksonville, Florida 32206 Joanne.Kazmierski@jaxport.com Phone: 904-354-1230

July 10, 2008: Law Offices of Arthur Hernandez, P.A. Contact: Arthur Hernandez 2223 Oak Street, Suite 711 Jacksonville, Florida 32204 904.389.6989 arthur@arthurhernandez.com

August 14, 2008: AAA - Southside location Contact: Carmen Sostre 8101 Southside Blvd., Suite 2 Jacksonville, FL 32205 (904) 565-7740 csostre@aaasouth.com

September 11, 2008: PHH Mortgage Contact: Matt Leturmy 5201 Gate Parkway Jacksonville, Florida 32256 Matthew.Leturmy@mortgagefamily.com Phone: 904-445-4506

October 9, 2008: BCBSFL / HOLA Hispanic Organization for Leadership & Advancement Contact: Jose Rodriguez 4800 Deerwood Campus Parkway Jacksonville, Florida 32246 Jose.Rodriguez@bcbsfl.com

November 13, 2008: CSX, Southpoint - details to come

December 11, 2008: State Farm Insurance Contact: Becky Vasko becky.vasko.iam8@statefarm.com

Meeting Fees Begin February 2008

Please be aware that as of February 1, 2008, the FCHCC will begin collecting $5 at the door from each NON-MEMBER to attend the monthly networking meetings.

We ask that you please bring exact change as it will help us when collecting the funds

If you have any questions or would like to become a member, please email me or view the FCHCC website at www.fchcc.com for membership information.

FCHCC now accepts PayPal

The FCHCC will immediately begin accepting Paypal payements. You can pay for your membership this way and even workshops. You MUST have a Paypal account already or set up an account before being able to use this feature. For more information about how to join the chapter using PayPal, please visit fchcc.com.

Job Opportunities

Bi-lingual Receptionist

Bi-lingual Receptionist for busy Immigration Law Firm to greet people, answer phones and keep the calendar. Will also do light filing and typing as well as go to the post office and other duties as necessary. Congenial international atmosphere, M-F from 8:30 to 5:30. Please send resume to:

Rebecca Black Law Office of David R. Fletcher, P.A.
541 E. Monroe St. Suite 2
Jacksonville, FL 32202

For more careers please visit the job opportunities section at fchcc.com

Spanish Cultural Society of North FL

The Spanish Cultural Society of North Fla. is hosting a cultural event featuring the country of the Dominican Republic at Ramirez Restaurant on Sunday, February 24, 2008 at 5:00 PM. A power point presentation of the country's demographics, geography, pre-history and history, agriculture, industry, economy and culture will be followed by a cultural movie of the Dominican Republic most interesting and beautiful sites. The international group of Flamenco Expressions from the Spanish Cultural Society will perform some typical dances. Ramirez Restaurant will offer authentic Dominican cuisine.

Proceeds after expenses will be donated to St. Jude's Children Hospital. Tickets are $12.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door. If interested please contact the Spanish Cultural Society of North Fla. at (904) 278-0173 or visit our website at www.spanishculturalsociety.org

Employment Opportunities - Federal Reserve Bank of FL

Senior Cafeteria Assistant Chef-

Brief Description of Job:

Under general supervision, serves as lead cook in preparing food items. Participates in menu planning, recipe selection and ordering supplies. Prepares serving line for meals, serves customers, and makes menu suggestions. Performs cleaning duties in the cafeteria kitchen and dining room. Serves as a team leader and provides backup for other cafeteria staff. Contact: jaxrecruiting@atl.frb.org if you are interested.

Currency Processor:

Brief Description of Job:

Maintains processes and destroys large sums of currency in a regulated and secure team environment using high speed processing equipment. Applies significant job knowledge, experience and abilities to complete currency processing activities such as high speed machine operation, reconcilement and transaction balancing of valuables holdings in a single or multiple machine room environment. Maintains extensive knowledge of governing procedures for processing and destruction of currency. Detects counterfeits and altered notes through visual inspection. Applies independent judgment and discretion within the framework of governing procedures and maintains ongoing compliance in a complex and multifaceted operation. Contact: jaxrecruiting@atl.frb.org if you are interested.

Law Enforcement Officer:

Brief Description of Job:

Enforces federal laws and Federal Reserve policies and regulations to protect life, property and assets. Responds to incidents on Bank property and provides emergency services. This position is an essential function of the Bank and may require extended work hours and/or work during emergency or crisis situations.

Monitors metal detectors or utilizes metal detection wands on staff/visitors and x-ray machines to scan packages, handbags and briefcases for weapons, explosive devices or other unauthorized items.
Monitors and authorizes visitors accessing Bank facilities and records visitor data on appropriate logs. Monitors surveillance equipment, intercoms, telephones, radios and other specialized equipment.
Inspects vehicles entering Bank property for unauthorized personnel and contents.
Patrols building and reports unusual situations or unauthorized individuals. Responds to general alarms and secures building until alarm has been cancelled.
May participate in special assignments for Law Enforcement Unit or Bank management, such as escorting VIP's or Bank visitors working in high security areas.

Contact: jaxrecruiting@atl.frb.org if you are interested.

Jacksonville Journey Calendar

Members of the community are cordially invited to attend the meetings of the The Jacksonville Journey: Take a Step committees. Keep up with the latest steps to create a roadmap for achieving peace and prosperity in every home, on every street, for every citizen!

For meeting times and agendas, visit www.coj.net or call 630-CITY.

Please note that while opportunities for public comment in this initial phase of the effort are limited, the action items resulting from committee deliberations will be presented for public comment in a later series of meetings specifically held to gather suggestions and feedback.

Aerostar Environmental to share in $3B Air Force contract

Aerostar Environmental Services Inc. is among 25 companies in 16 states sharing in an indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity Air Force contract for professional architect-engineer services worth up to $3 billion over five years.

The contract is for services to administer, coordinate and technically support environmental, military construction, military family housing, facility sustainment, restoration and modernization programs for the government worldwide. The ordering period for the contract is 60 months.

To date, $2,500 has been obligated for each contractor.

Elizabeth Edgar Hall Scholarships for Women

Each year, Elizabeth Edgar Hall, Inc. offers scholarships to local women attending college at FloridaCommunity College, the University of North Florida, JacksonvilleUniversity and EdwardWatersCollege. Candidates must have completed 12 semester hours of college study, be currently enrolled and in good academic standing and have a GPA of 2.5. An essay, transcripts and letters of recommendation are required. The deadline to apply is March 14, so start working on your application now! To download the application, go to www.eehinc.org.