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President's Message - Betzy Santiago
 "As are families, so is society. If well ordered, well instructed, and well governed, they are the springs from which go forth the streams of national greatness and prosperity - of civil order and public happiness." -Thayer
I've always believed in family. No one on earth should be more closer to us than those we have either grown up with or developed long-term relationships with. Normally, we would define a family by our parents, grandparents, children, and such. But today, family is not as easily defined and sometimes family isn't a relative at all but possibly a guardian or a group of people with like-minded interests.
In a sense, FCHCC is a big family of people from many different backgrounds, geographic locations, and even cultures all working together toward a common goal: to change and improve our community. We look around and see the disarray of our generation and the young people to come. The Chamber feels strongly that we must do something now to change their fate. Many of our high school students never make it to college and a lot of those that do drop out early. Some come from very dysfunctional households and neighborhoods; all they need is someone to believe in them.
This is one of the reasons we developed our "Achieving the Dream" Scholarship; to reach out to these would-be presidents, engineers, and/or astronauts of the future; to give them a hope and a dream; to let them know that there is a family of people who care and will rally around them to help ensure they succeed.
You see family doesn't have to mean a blood relative, it can simply be a good friend. I hope you will consider becoming a sponsor for this year's "Achieving the Dream" Scholarship Luncheon and help our FCHCC family grant another family their dream. If you'd like more information about this important program or to become a sponsor, click here to visit our website.
Board Member's Message - Pedro Rosales
 Let me introduce myself, my name is Pedro Rosales. I'm the newest board member of the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. I was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico. However, for the last 20 years, I have worked and lived in five countries and seven cities. About three years ago, I relocated to Jacksonville, Florida to join Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida.
At Blue Cross, I joined HOLA as an active member. HOLA is one of the BCBSFL employee groups that promotes cultural competence while supporting the company's goals and a positive social interaction. HOLA's focus is on the Hispanic culture and heritage. Shortly after that, I was invited to join the HOLA board. This was a great opportunity to know about different areas of the business and network with a diverse group of people.
Now, I have joined FCHCC and I chose to work closely with the education committee because I believe that education is a great legacy that we can give to the young and upcoming Hispanics. This is a great opportunity to give back to the communities we represent and where our children will be growing up in the near future. I truly believe we can make a difference and improve the future of our communities by our efforts in this area.
I am also passionate about discovering new business opportunities. I enjoy networking with people and identifying scenarios where diverse teams can come together to exceed expectations and working with people from different backgrounds and learning about what they do and how they bring value to our community.
I truly believe that our work and daily interactions should be meaningful. I see the FCHCC as an enabler of business growth focused on opportunities for the Hispanic market. Contact us to talk to see how we can be of assistance. Our goal is to see your business flourish. To your success! |
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Membership Spotlight - Javier Garcia
Pinnacle Civil and General Contractors, LLC
 Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Javier Enrique Garcia moved to the Jacksonville area in 1981. He holds dual degrees from the University of Florida's Rinker School of Building Construction and College of Architecture and has held licenses as a State Certified General Contractor and a State Certified Excavation and Underground Utilities Contractor for the last 10 years.
Javier owns Pinnacle Civil and General Contractors, a Hispanic-owned construction firm founded in March 2007 specializing in civil engineering and general contracting services such as new construction, renovations, restoration, reconstruction, design/build, site development, demolition, marine construction, parks and recreational building facilities, and underground utilities.
Javier has been a member of the FCHCC since January 2007 and through his participation in chamber activities has met community leaders who have mentored his business and provided him with the education needed to obtain government minority vendor certifications such as MBE - Minority Business Enterprise, DBE - Disadvantage Business Enterprise, and JSEB - Jacksonville Small Emerging Business. These certifications have helped Javier win business from government agencies such as Jacksonville Electric Authority and City of Jacksonville.
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NOTE: Apologies to Medardo Monzon for the misspelling of his name in the May Issue.
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June 2010 Calendar of Events
FCHCC Professional Networking Event
Date: Thursday, June 10, 2010
Time: 6 - 8 PM
Hosted by: Fraternal Order of Police
Address: 5530 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207
Be on the look out for your Official Invitation soon for more details!
FOR MEMBERS ONLY: Coffee and Learn Workshop
Date: June 25, 2010
Topic: Advertising the Latino Way!
Time: 7:30am - 9:30am
Be on the look out for your Official Invitation soon for more details!
Visit our website calendar for future meeting dates. |
Welcome New and Renewing Members
The FCHCC is proud to announce our new and renewing members for April!
Large Corporations and Trustees:
The Prudential Insurance Company of America - Gold Trustee
Individual Members:
Mark Davis
Martha Labriny
Non-profit Organizations:
Jessica Green Foundation
We could not be where we are without our members so thank you so much for your partnership.
If you'd like to become a member, please visit our website for more information!
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Awards and Accomplishments
Congratulations to Ed Perez for graduating from Leadership Jacksonville!
A NOTE about Leadership Jacksonville: The program was established in 1976 as a vehicle to stimulate the growth of leadership in our community. It explores the dynamics of an urban society, analyzes major areas of community concern, facilitates the development of leadership capacities, and promotes a network of community trustees. The individuals selected to participate are required to have demonstrated excellent leadership skills, an active involvement in the community, a willingness to invest the time, and the energy required by the program. NOTE: Giselle Carson is also a past graduate of Leadership Jacksonville.
Also for our members, share your story with us so that we can celebrate with you! Send to fchcc@fchcc.com.
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Committee Happenings! Our members play an integral role in this organization. Enhance your experience and get involved.
Education/Scholarship: We are currently seeking sponsorship opportunities from companies for our "Achieving the Dream" event. Contact Angelica Guardia or Idania Lizano if you are interested in sponsoring the event.
Communications/PR: The Communications/PR Committee are hard at work on their aggressive strategic marketing plan working closely with our media partners to get more exposure for the Chamber.
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Become an FCHCC Trustee
The
FCHCC recognizes the leadership and support of these leading
organizations, which are also our trustees.
Gold Trustees:
Prudential Insurance
Brunet-García Multicultural Advertising & PR
CSX
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Silver Trustees:
Coastline Federal Credit Union
Citi
Publix Supermarkets
Hola Noticias Newspaper
Eco Latino Magazine
Learn more about this important program and about all the trustee-level benefits.
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Current Job Opportunities
Position: Insurance Staff
Employer: State Farm Insurance
Several Positions Available at Coastline!
Employer: Coastline Federal Credit Union
Position: Corporate Recruiter
Employer: Crowley Maritime
Position: Sales Representative
Employer: Prudential Insurance
For more details about these positions and to apply, please visit our website here.
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Become our Fan on Facebook
Keep up with the latest news about the FCHCC on Facebook!
Click here to become a fan today!
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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.
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