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July's Networking Event
Membership Spotlight - Maribel Claudio Meditronic
August 2009 Events Schedule
Market & Promote your Business!
Save the Date! Scholarship Luncheon
Make a Donation to the Achieving the Dream Scholarship Fund
Envision 2035
"Starting a Small Business" Workshop
Federal Minimum Wage Increase
Prudential Becomes Gold Trustee!
FCHCC Accepts Credit Card Payments for Membership
Quick Links
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Photos from July's Networking Event at
Mayo Clinic

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AUGUST 2009
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President's Message - Giselle Carson
g_carsonThe number of Hispanic students in our pre-college schools continues to rise but the majority of these students do not obtain a higher education because of financial constraints. To promote the education and well beings of Hispanics, the FCHCC and the MHAB are working together to provide sixteen scholarships to deserving Hispanic students. To learn more about this important and significant event, please visit our website at www.fchcc.com.    
 
After a very successful and health inspired meeting at Mayo Clinic, the FCHCC has the pleasure of being hosted by Best Buy at Regency for an informative meeting about how Best Buy is actively targeting the Hispanic market and providing for a Hispanic themed shopping experience.   
 
I look forward to seeing you at Best Buy and Happy Back to School!
 
Giselle
    
 


Board Member's Message -
Carmen Rosa-Brooks
Carmen Rosa-BrooksWe have often heard that it is interesting how "the world turns". I never thought that having been raised in the small island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, my world would have revolved to where I am today, proudly serving the FCHCC as one of its officers.  Serving the FCHCC is a privilege that has brought rewarding experiences and has allowed me a great opportunity to meet members of our diverse community.  

As I look back, I realize that had it not been for good grades and the scholarship that paid for my entire college degree, I would not be here today. The FCHCC also offers scholarship opportunities that open doors for many students who otherwise may not obtain the necessary assistance to attend college. I encourage you to share this news with others and please visit our website for further information as the FCHCC is currently accepting applications for scholarships.

My years of service to our community has given me the opportunity to teach a self- development workshop at City Rescue Mission, and to serve on various committees and boards. Recently, I was elected to the board of Learn to Read Jacksonville where I can further pursue my passion for literacy.  I am also a youth leader and currently serve as the Chair of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Hispanic Employee Resource Group.  

Just as I experience my service with the FCHCC, so do our members experience the benefits of being part of this great organization. This year, our membership has grown and continues to grow beyond our own expectations. The various committees within the FCHCC continue to increase, as our members are active participants and contributors. I encourage all of our members and friends to continue attending our monthly events, which not only serve as a networking opportunity but also serve as a means to provide valued topics that are relevant to our community.  

I look forward to meeting each of you at our upcoming networking events. For further information, including applications for the Achieving the Dream Scholarship, please visit us at www.fchcc.com.
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Membership Spotlight - Maribel Claudio Medtronic
Lennys Campos picMeet Maribel Claudio, Lean Facilitator for Medtronic since 2005. Born of Puerto Rican descent, Maribel was raised in New York and has lived in the North East Florida area for over 15 years. At Medtronic, she has held numerous roles. In her current role, she leads and facilitates continuous improvement events within Medtronic ENT.  

Medtronic is a medical manufacturer that provides innovative products and therapies for use by medical professionals to meet the healthcare needs of their patients. Medtronic ENT is the manufacturer in Jacksonville that specializes for ear nose and throat medical devices.  

Maribel is the chair of the Medtronic Latin Cultures Network. This network is an employee resource group that is committed to contribute to the Medtronic Mission by educating, promoting, and assisting in the understanding of the Latin American cultures.

Maribel is also on the board of the Jacksonville Lean Consortium which is a resource where members share best practices in Lean through monthly meetings, training in the basics of Lean and Six Sigma, and SIGS or special interest groups. Our members include: manufacturing companies, governmental agencies, hospitals and medical offices, engineering companies, distribution companies, colleges and universities, and service companies. We have demonstrated that "Lean Thinking" applies everywhere.

Maribel is a graduate of Jacksonville University, a member of the Society of Manufacturing engineers, and a volunteer of the American Heart Association. She currently resides in Jacksonville with her significant other, Tony and her 3 year old daughter Natalia. Maribel takes pride in representing the FCHCC and has volunteered to join the programs committee.
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August 2009 Calendar of Events

FCHCC Professional Networking Meeting
Date:
August 13, 2009
Event: Back to School
Hosted by: Best Buy
Location: Best Buy, Regency Mall
Time: 6 - 8 PM
Address: 9355 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32225
RSVP: Tuesday, August 11 before Noon!

Topics for Discussion:

  • Best Buy's national and local retail programs for the Latino community
  • Best Buy local efforts important to the Jacksonville Latino consumer and;
  • Envision 2035, our transportation for the future

Come join us to learn, shop, and network! Look for the upcoming invitation in your email to register!


5th Annual Diversity Awards Luncheon
Date:
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Cost: $40 per person
Location: Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Time:
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Additional Information: The 5th Annual Diversity Awards Lunch and Awards Presentation is recognizing NE Florida's largest minority-owned businesses and the companies and individuals who have been instrumental in their success. The keynote speaker will be Linda H. South, Secretary of the Florida Dept. of Management Services (Chair).

Other Information:
Parking Instructions: $5 in Hyatt garage
RSVP: You can also register online here. RSVP deadline is Friday, August 7th.

Visit www.fchcc.com for future meeting dates.

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Market and Promote Your Business!
Beginning at the upcoming networking event hosted by Best Buy, and ongoing, please bring promotional materials about your business (brochures, flyers, announcements, business cards, etc). We will have a table at each meeting to display this information. We want to help you reach more people and be more productive!
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2009 Achieiving the Dream Scholarship Luncheon
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Donate to the "Achieving the Dream" College Scholarship Fund
Your contribution will help the most talented Hispanic students on Florida's First Coast pay for and graduate from college.

PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!
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Envision 2035
Envision 2035 The Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) completed its first round of public workshops at eight locations in January, asking the community how and where they wanted to grow, live and travel in the future, and what they want the plan to achieve. Round two of the open house meetings is scheduled for Aug. 17-27 at six locations whereby citizens will review the proposed projects and alternatives and tell the TPO what projects they believe are needed to fulfill their vision, examining current and new funding, and setting priorities within the funding constraints. To learn more about Envision 2035, visit the website at www.envision2035.com.
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"Starting a Small Business" Workshop
The SBA, the City of Jacksonville Office of Equal Business Opportunity, and the Jacksonville Public Library are conducting a workshop for people who want to start a small business.

When:
Friday, August 7, 2009
Location: Jacksonville Public Library
303 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Conference Level, Room G4
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (check-in begins at 2:30)

Topics Include:
  • Planning & business development
  • Private/government agencies expertise contact info
  • Where to get financing (i.e., loans, etc.)
  • Research support
Additional Information:
NO FEES, seating is limited
For more information, contact: Janine Stanley
Jacksonville Public Library
(904) 630-2665
Jacksonville Public Library
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Federal Minimum Wage Increase
money The federal minimum wage goes up to $7.25 on July 24, 2009. This is four cents more than the current Florida minimum wage of $7.21. Florida employers must pay the higher of the two wages.

For more information, visit the US Department of Labor Wage and Hours Division's website here.
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Job Opportunities
Position: Port Captain
Employer: Crowley Maritime Corp.


Position: Career Service Assistant
Employer: Florida Technical College of Jacksonville

Position: Admission Representatives
Employer: Florida Technical College of Jacksonville

For more details of these positions and to apply, please visit our website here.
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Prudential Becomes a Gold Trustee!
A BIG Thank You to Prudential for becoming Gold!
The FCHCC recognizes the leadership and support of these leading organizations which are also our trustees. 


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If you would like additional information about this important program, please click here to learn more.
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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.
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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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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.