Photos from July's Networking Event at Law Offices of Arthur Hernandez
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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.
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President's Message - Giselle Carson
 That critical Hispanic vote!....elections are almost here and it is time to familiarize yourself with the candidates, the issues, and to exercise your right and privilege to vote to decide your future and that of our community. The HobNob on August 7 can provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the candidates and the issues. See calendar of events for more information.
In Duval County, early voting will be from August 11 to August 24. The Polling locations open from 7:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M. There are primary election is August 26, 2008. Several important positions that will be decided. For additional information go to the Duval County, Supervisor of Elections' website, and other First Coast counties Supervisor of Elections' websites.
You must be a U.S. Citizen to vote on most elections. In 1996, Congress passed a law that made it a federal crime for non-citizens to vote in any federal election (or state election, unless authorized by state law). As a penalty, ineligible non-citizens who knowingly vote may be deported.
Our scholarship breakfast is scheduled for September 18th. The gap in earnings between those with a college degree and those without a degree is greater than ever before. Our scholarship luncheon helps talented Hispanic students bridge this gap. Please come and support this important event. See additional information in this newsletter.
See you at the booths and at our next professional networking event on August 14th.
Giselle
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Membership Spotlight - Lennys Campos
 Meet Lennys Campos the CEO of Campos Consulting Inc., a Supply Chain and Revenue Management consulting firm in Jacksonville, FL. Lennys is originally from Ponce, Puerto Rico. The FCHCC is proud to have Campus Consulting lead by a smart and hardworking mother as member.
Her firm helps clients to become more profitable and efficient through best practices in accounts receivables and supply chain management that lead to increased cash flow, cost savings, productivity and improved customer service. She has over 17 years of experience in industry and consulting across a variety of industries from aerospace manufacturing to specialty chemicals.
Prior to founding Campos Consulting, Ms. Campos served in management positions for REL Consultancy Group and Arizona Chemical; and in engineering positions for IBM, the US Navy and NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
Lennys and her husband Jerry Draper have lived in Jacksonville for almost 12 years and love the city. They have been blessed with two wonderful children, Nicolette Mia and Derek Alexander. Her parents, Humberto and Rosa Campos, and her sister Nilda Mia, are extraordinary and support every endeavour. They are truly a great team!
Lennys holds a MBA from the University of Connecticut specializing in International Management, and a Bachelor in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.
For information on Campos Consulting Inc., visit their website at visit www.CamposConsulting.com or contact them at 904-887-0455.
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August 2008 Calendar of Events
FCHCC Professional Networking Meeting
Date: August 14, 2008
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Hosted by: Carmen Sostre
Location: AAA Auto Club South
Address: 8101 Southside Blvd, Ste. 2 Jax, FL 32205
Contact: Carmen Sostre
Phone: 904-565-7740
RSVP: fchcc@comcast.net by noon August 13th.
Visit www.fchcc.com for future meeting dates.
HobNob 08 Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of FL
Date: August 7, 2008
Time: 4:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: Metropolitan Park
Registration: Register online at myjaxchamber.com or call (904) 366-6600 ext. 7610.
Event is free and open to the public.
JAXPORT Import Basics "GUT CHECK" Session
Date: August 22, 2008
Time: 10 - 11:30 AM
Location: Small Business Center
Address: 5000-3 Norwood Ave., Jax, FL 32208
FREE TO SBC INVITED BUSINESSES
RSVP: Confirm attendance at SBC 924-1100 x. 221
Save the Date!
FCHCC Achieving the Dream Scholarship Breakfast
Date: September 18, 2008
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 AM
Keynote Speaker: Oscar Munoz, Executive VP and CFO of CSX Corporation
Join us for breakfast as we celebrate the achievements of the First Coast's top Hispanic students.
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"Achieving the Dream" Scholarship Competition and Breakfast
 The FCHCC is currently accepting applications for the "Achieving the Dream" academic scholarships. These scholarships are open to all Hispanic students who have proven academic excellence. The scholarship recipients will be recognized at the organization's 12th annual scholarship breakfast, Thursday, September 18 in the Conference Center at the Main Library, downtown Jacksonville.
Sponsors
Click here to find out how you can sponsor a scholarship or become a title sponsor of our scholarship event. For Additional Information
Contact Erin Foster at fchcc@comcast.net. |
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Congratulations goes to Willie Gonzalez
 The FCHCC congratulates Willie Gonzalez, Director of the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) North Florida District, for his distinguished nomination by the Jacksonville Business Magazine (JBJ) to Individual  Diversity Mentor.
We join the JBJ in recognizing Willie's exceptional involvement and thank him for his leadership, contributions and advocacy for our community, small businesses and minority groups. We particularly thank him for being a visionary and an invaluable source of guidance and support to the FCHCC.
Felicidades Willie!!! |
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Fair Language Agreement Approved - New Norm Protects Hispanic Consumers
The Fair Language Agreement (FLA) was approved by the Florida Department of State to protect local non-English speakers from misleading advertising. This new legal tool, FLA, directs retailers to ensure any advertisements created in languages other than English will also include required disclosures or terms in the same language as the original advertisement written in English meaning the small print will have to appear in Spanish. The rule was created as a provision of Florida's Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practice Act.
The FLA Rule applies to any foreign language. To read the entire article in Eco Latino, click here.
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Federal Minimum Wage Increased
 The federal minimum wage became $6.55 per hour on July 24, 2008. The 70-cent raise from 5.85 per hour is part of a gradual increase that will raise the wage to $7.25 an hour by July 24, 2009. This last increase is expected to impact 12.5 million workers.
Many states, including Florida at $6.67, have minimum wages higher than the current federal rate but Floridians are likely to benefit from the last scheduled increase.
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Help for Floridians Facing Foreclosure
Over 77,000 Floridians are in foreclosure and many more are expected. The Florida Bar in conjunction with other legal groups have launched a statewide effort called FLASH (Florida Attorneys Saving Homes) that has a toll-free hot line (866) 607-2187 and will take calls from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. Monday through Friday to assist Floridians on the verge of foreclosure. Callers who fear that they soon won't be able to make their mortgage payments or who have already missed payments but are not yet in foreclosure are urged to call. Hot line callers will answer a few initial questions to ensure accurate placement with pro bono attorneys, who will then negotiate with lenders on behalf of homeowners. For additional information, please go to www.floridabar.org. |
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Job Opportunities
Position: Manager - Regulatory Training
Employer: Crowley Maritime Corporation
Position: Financial Services Coordinator
Employer: Trailer Bridge
Position: Consultant
Employer: Stop at Nothing
Position: Consultant/Facilitator
Employer: Stop at Nothing
Position: Project-based Consultant (Contract, Flexible)
Employer: Stop at Nothing For more information or to apply for any of these positions, please visit our website here. |
Meeting Fees Have Begun
Please be aware that 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.
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Trustee Program
 The
FCHCC recognizes the leadership and support of these leading
organizations which are also our trustees.
If you would like additional information
about this important program, please click here to learn more. |
FCHCC Accepts Credit Card Payments for New Memberships and Renewals
You can now pay to join FCHCC or renew your membership with any of these credit cards.
Also, talleres de negocios participants can pay by credit card to attend and reserve your space.
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To learn more about the FCHCC, please visit us on the web at www.fchcc.com. Or send us e-mail at: fchcc@comcast.net.
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