Photos from January's Events: MLK Breakfast & the Diversity Summit
|
|
|
|
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's Message - Giselle Carson
 Worried about the Recession? Let's face it, 2008 was a challenging economic year, and this is unlikely to change in 2009. In times like these, education, patience and discipline are important to minimize losses and take advantage of financial opportunities. The FCHCC has planned a year of educational programs and opportunities to assist our members and friend thrive during this economic downturn. In order to take full advantage of these opportunities, you must take action: renew your membership and/or become a member, attend networking events and join a committee. Please visit our website to easily renew your membership and/or join a committee and/or become a new member.
As we work together to make 2009 a great economic year, let's also Enjoy Super Bowl XLIII and Valentine's Day! See you all at the February networking event!
Giselle
Board Member's Message - Alida Lupari
 My name is Alida Lupari. I am the FCHCC VP of Finance. I was born and raised in Panama City, Republic of Panama. I moved to Florida in 1999 to complete my Bachelor's Degree of Finance and Multinational Business at Florida State University. Through hard work and dedication, I became a financial advisor for the Global Wealth Management at the Merrill Lynch Downtown office since 2002. As one of the few Hispanic Financial Advisors, I take pride in offering financial advice and guidance to our community in both English and Spanish. You may visit my website at http://fa.ml.com/Alida_Lupari.
I have been an active member of the FCHCC for several years and became a member of the Board of Directors in 2006. I am also a member of the Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2009 and serve on the board of the Jacksonville Film Festival. Along with my husband Darren, and our Lhasa Apso Ozzie, I enjoy our home in the Southside area of Jacksonville.
Job losses, changes in lending and the economic downturn have created a new demand for financial planning. In response to this demand, the FCHCC's February professional networking event will include an educational program where members and guests can learn about:
- Mortgages: Current interest rate situation and how to take advantage of them. What programs can you participate in?
- Taxes: updates to the tax codes and how to prepare for this tax season
- Investments: What can you expect during this volatile period? How to stay invested wisely.
I look forward to seeing all Chamber members and guests at our next meeting on February 12, 2009.
Alida
|
|
|
Membership Spotlight: Idania Lizano, Business Development Manager - Coastline Federal Credit Union
 Established in 1936, Coastline Federal Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative that offers personalized, friendly service.
Despite the current economy, Coastline continues to be safe and sound. Our members' deposits are insured with the highest combination of federal (NCUA) and private (ESI) deposit insurance. Our Individual, Joint and IRA accounts are each collectively insured up to $500,000. You are eligible to join Coastline Federal Credit Union if you live, work, worship or attend school in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau or St. John's County. You can establish your membership by opening a share savings account with as little as $5.00. Once you become a member, your immediate family and all members of your household are eligible to join as well, regardless of where they live or work.
Coastline offers a full range of savings products. We have two types of youth accounts. The Sand Dollar Club is for kids ages 12 or under and the Wave Riders Club is for teens ages 13-18. We offer a Christmas Club account to encourage saving for Christmas 2009. We also have share certificates (CDs), money market, IRA, checking accounts and a wide variety of loan products. Coastline charges the same low loan rate regardless of the type of vehicle or the age of the vehicle whereas some financial institutions charge more to finance a used vehicle or certain types of vehicles. In addition, Coastline offers customized products and services to better serve those with good or less than perfect credit.
To support the increasing diversity of Jacksonville, Coastline has added a bilingual staff and is in the process of developing a multi-cultural initiative to accommodate the changing needs of our community. For more information, visit www.coastlinefcu.org or call Idania Lizano at (904) 346-1700, Ext 458.
We are truly built on the idea of "People Helping People." Coastline Federal Credit Union is proud to be a member of the FCHCC.
|
|
|
Welcome 2009 FCHCC Members
Thank you to the following new and renewing members of the FCHCC. We appreciate your support and involvement.
New Members
Olga Bialuk
Vicki Corder
Cathi Forment
Diana Perez
Jamil Sobh
Renewing Members:
Maureen Ambrose
Giselle Carson
Nelson Cuba
Jean Davit
Nelson Estepa
David Fletcher and
Rebecca Black
Acevedo Franchesca
Javier Enrique Garcia
Alejandro Gonzalez
Elizabeth Gonzalez
Jose Gutierrez
Al Guzman
Arthur Hernandez
Josephine Jackson
Dr. Laurie Johns
|
Marci Larson
Matthew Leturmi
Idania Lizano
Medardo Monzon
Jack Morgan
Donna Padgug
Rebecca Perez
Jacqulyn "Jackie" Perry
Orlando Rivera
Sharon Rosario
Elizabeth Ruiz
Mark Schou
Angela Tharp, PA
Clark Vargas
Luis Veinrich |
|
|
|
February 2009 Calendar of Events
February Networking Event
Date: Februrary 12, 2009
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 AM
Location: Coastline Federal Credit Union
Address: 4651 Emerson Street, Jacksonville, FL 32207
RSVP: to fchcc@fchcc.com before Noon, Wednesday February 11th
Additional Info: Educating members about mortgages, investment strategies, and tax related issues. Discussion followed by a Q&A session. Come Join us!
IndoUS and JAAA's Gala West meets East
Date: Februrary 28, 2009
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 AM
Location: Morocco Shrine Auditorium
Visit www.fchcc.com for future meeting dates. |
|
|
Welcome Cristina!
We have a new Executive Assistant, Cristina Parcell. She was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Though she reminisces about the island and has fond memories, she never had much of an opportunity to live there. Cristina's father was in the Foreign Service and his job assignment with the Peace Corps took her family all over the globe, so she grew up living in South America and Africa and then moved back to the United States in her early teens.
Cristina speaks English, Spanish, and conversational French and her travels and experience have imparted unusually strong administrative skills to her repertoire of assets. Currently, Cristina is the Operations Manager at Regus HQ where she oversees an executive office suite for 50 full office clients and over 100 virtual office clients. Additionally, she will be working for the FCHCC part-time. Cristina loves her volunteer work as well as being a proud member of Chets Creek Elementary School's PTA. She also serves on the Board of the Jax Beach Baseball Association.
Most of all Cristina enjoys spending time with her husband of 10 years, Chris, and her two boys, Drew and Alex and a beautiful princess named Ella. We welcome her to our team!
|
|
|
FCHCC Committee Participation Application
Our interactive committee participation application is complete and LIVE! You can now fill it out and email it. We welcome volunteers to help out with our events so if you're interested in participating, click here to fill out the application.
|
Florida's Minimum Wage Increases
 Florida's minimum wage increased on January 1, 2009 to $7.21. Federal law requires that employers pay the higher of either state or federal minimum wage. The federal minimum wage will increase to $7.25 on July 24, 2009. On this date, Florida employers must increase the minimum wage from $7.21 to $7.25. These wage minimums do not apply to employees who are salaried, also known as "exempt" employees.
Employees who are not paid the minimum wage may bring a lawsuit against the employer or any person violating Florida's minimum wage law. Additional information can be found at: http://www.dol.gov/dol/compliance/comp-flsa.htm. |
|
Job Opportunities
Position: Receptionist position opening for an Independent Insurance Agency
Employer: The Holmes Organization of Florida
Position: Manager - Financial Reporting
Employer: Crowley Maritime Corporation
Position: Sr. Planning Analyst
Employer: Crowley Maritime Corporation
Position: Senior Credit/Collections Coordinator - Bilingual (Spanish/English)
Position: Bilingual Staffing Coordinator
Employer: Remedy Staffing
Position: Senior Accountant
Employer: Crowley Maritime Corp.
Responsible
for the more complex activities associated with maintaining ledger
accounts and for developing financial statements and reports. Develops
ad hoc queries to support their activities, coordinates functions with
other departments to comply with accounting processing. Responsible for
research, preparations of complex PC reports to control project support
and other projects assigned. Maintains various activities associated
with sub systems and general ledger. May be responsible for credit
analysis and legal/collection agency interface functions. Assists
manager in development of procedures and controls and utilizes numerous
systems in support of their duties. Position may provide functional
advice or training to less experienced accounting personnel and may in
some cases include supervisory responsibility.
5 - 7 years experience in accounting. Excellent knowledge of various
operating and accounting systems and general administration. Proficient
in accounting systems and database structures. Must possess skill sets
and demonstrate proven experience developing, improving and
streamlining processes to meet established goals and
objectives. Requires the ability to effectively manage projects that
may vary in nature and scope.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Maritime Corporation
Attn: Human Resources Dept.
E-mail resume to: resumes@crowley.com
Bachelors degree required, with emphasis on accounting, business or finance preferred.
Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred.
Employer: Crowley Maritime Corp.
For more information or to apply for any of these positions, please visit our website here.
|
|
|
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.
|
To learn more about the FCHCC, please visit us on the web at www.fchcc.com. Or send us e-mail at: fchcc@fchcc.com.
|
|
|
