Newsletter • wINter/sPrING 2011 - Philadelphia

NEWSLETTER
WINTER/SPRING 2011
200 South Broad Street, Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: 215-790-3723 • Fax: 215-790-3840
www.philahispanicchamber.org
LIKE US ON
Thank You GPHCC
Members And Friends
For Making The 2011
Alegria Ball A success!
yazmin Auli and Cesar Guzman owners of El Coqui Bakery receive the Hispanic Business of the year award from State Farm
and GPHCC leadership.
latina leadership
Network launch
THE 4TH AnnuAL celebration of Hispanic business
success in the region took place in January; the
Alegria Ball: Costa rica Verde. Highlighting
the culture of Costa rica and recognizing the
Latino business of the year, El Coqui Bakery, the
Corporate Advocate of the year, Wachovia/Wells
Fargo and the Hispanic Professional of the year,
Eric Cortes. continued on page 3
Esl Program Addresses small latino Business
Needs And Enhances latino Markets
A GrOWInG nEED to address leadership
In rESPOnSE TO the needs of Latino retail and
gave birth to the Latina Leadership network.
A GPHCC initiative developed to cultivate
Latina leadership in the region and to nurture
their growth towards business ownership and
executive careers. The three part leadership
seminar series program introduces Latinas to
a network of professional and business women
in an all-inclusive environment. Designed,
facilitated and presented by expert Latinas,
executive and seasoned women share their
career and leadership stories while offering
guidance and insight to empower participants.
Latinas represent the fastest growing business
ownership segment across the u.S. and the
program works to help Latinas become sound
leaders. continued on page 2
restaurant businesses, the Greater Philadelphia
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce developed an
English as a Second Language (ESL) program
two years ago. Since then, eight small business
owners have graduated from the program.
Additionally, the Verizon Foundation and Sovereign
| Santander have chosen to support the program,
understanding the importance of nurturing the
English language skills of the Hispanic business
owners. continued on page 4
9TH ANNUAl GOlF TOURNAMENT
sEPTEMBER 12, 2011 RADNOR VAllEY COUNTRY ClUB
Newsletter • wINter/sPrING 2011 • PaGe 2
Dear GPHCC Members:
I am delighted to communicate that 2011 has been off to a great start
as we continue to enhance our internal systems and program services
for your benefit. Our half yearly newsletter speaks of what has made the
ongoing year great.
Thank you for making of the 2011 Alegria Ball: Costa rica Verde an
incredible networking event where 420 of the most prominent business
owners, professionals and executives in the region did not only enjoy the
success of Hispanic business, but did business. We are grateful for the outstanding support the
Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce received from presenting sponsor State Farm,
and main sponsors Wells Fargo, Verizon, CIGnA, Gamesa and PECO/Exelon. Alegria Ball revenues
benefit small business education programs and thanks to participants support various workshops,
seminars and minority business opportunities have continued throughout the first half of the year.
The Annual Meeting of the Membership honored Latino leadership and recognized top Latinos in
the region, introduced the newly elected board membership, and presented last year’s results and
plans for the current year. Such plans include the launch of a Latina Leadership network, which, in
collaboration with State Farm took place in April; hiring of a chief operating officer and delivery of
a newly implemented customer relationship management system and website. These goals have
been met and we remain enthusiastic about the growth and the direction of the organization.
The GPHCC is constantly evolving to meet the needs of emerging Latino markets and the
Professional Mentoring network successfully granted two full scholarships for Latino youth to attend
the Community College of Philadelphia in the fall. This important endeavor compliments the city
strategy to help increase Latino high school graduation rates and postsecondary education.
2011 GPHCC
Calendar of Events
August 9
uPS Shadowing day
Location: uPS
August 20
Credit Basics with State Farm
Location: Casa Monarca
August 23
Certification Made Simple
with the Department
of General Services
Location: GPHCC
September 9
Comcast Class,
Effective Facilitation Skills
Location: Comcast Center
September 21 Doing Business with
the Commonwealth
Location: TBD
October 6
The Small Business Development and Education program continues to provide technical assistance
and has referred several loans to our lending partner CBAC, making it possible for members such
as Wash Cycle Laundry to expand. It has also helped some Latino businesses become certified
in partnership with the African American Chamber of Commerce and the City’s Department of
Commerce Office of Economic Opportunity; we have increased Latino business registration enabling
minority business opportunities with the City, Commonwealth and corporations.
Med-Week Workshop
Location: Pennsylvania
Convention Center
October 25
8th Annual Pennsylvania
Conference for Women
Location: Pennsylvania
Convention Center
We remain grateful for your support and devotion to this, your regional Hispanic Chamber, and ask
you to continue your involvement in our programs and events. I hope to see you on September 12
at radnor Valley Country Club for our 9th Annual Golf Outing.
Signature Events
Truly,
September 12 9th Annual Golf Tournament
Location: radnor Valley
Country Club
Varsovia Fernandez
latina leadership Network launch
Executive Latina veterans Diana rael with
event presenting sponsor State Farm, Patricia
Boshuizen de Alonso, KPMG and Maria Pajil
Battle, Keystone Mercy Health Plan joined
Philadelphia’s First Lady Lisa J. nutter
to kick-off the program sending a strong
message about authenticity. The women
shared their career and leadership stories
crucibles, successes and strategies. The
continued from page 1
program allowed participants to network
and connect with potential mentors and most
important, to develop themselves as leaders.
Latinas represent 50% of Pennsylvania’s
Hispanic population. The future of the Greater
Philadelphia region lies on our ability to create
sound leadership that results in Hispanic
influence to a robust economy.
Support for the LLN provided by State
Farm, a dedicated member of the Greater
Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce since 2006. To participate
in the next LLN seminar please register at
http://www.philahispanicchamber.org/events
or call the GPHCC at (215) 790-3723.
Newsletter • wINter/sPrING 2011 • PaGe 3
Thank You GPHCC Members And Friends For Making
The 2011 Alegria Ball A success! continued from page 1
2011 Annual Meeting
of the Membership
THE GrEATEr PHILADELPHIA HISPAnIC
CHAMBEr OF COMMErCE hosted its 21st
The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce wholeheartedly thanks all sponsors
for their support and contributions:
» 503 Corporation
» Health Partners
» Sovereign | Santander
» All State Datil Insurance
» The Hershey Company
» State Farm
» Bank of America
» Multicultural
Affairs Congress
» Stradley ronon
» Obermayer rebmann
Maxwell & Hippel
» Telemundo
» CIGnA
» Citizens Bank
» Comcast
» PECO
» Community College
of Philadelphia
» Pennsylvania Construction
» Continental Airlines
» Puente Construction
» Gamesa
» PZS Architects
» TD Bank
» univision
» Wells Fargo
» WFMZ-69
» Verizon
Annual Meeting of the Membership in February.
Management and Board shared the GPHCC
accomplishments for 2010 and explained the
organization’s plans for the upcoming year. The
chamber successfully met its goals and delivered
programs successfully during difficult economic
times showing a slight growth in funding and
membership acquisitions. For 2011, the chamber’s
new initiatives include launching a Latina
Leadership network and awarding the first
two Professional Mentoring network Dr. Jose
E. Lebron scholarships.
Keynote speaker richard negrin, Deputy Mayor
and Managing Director of the City of Philadelphia,
gave an informative speech about what makes
businesses successful and communicated
future projects in the City. The GPHCC honored
former chairman of the board Kenneth I. Trujillo
for his unwavering commitment to the organization
during his tenure.
The 21st Annual Meeting of the Membership
was a successful event that brought chamber
stakeholders together to reflect on the
organization’s achievements.
Counterlockwise from top:
Clockwise from top:
photo 1: Wells Fargo President Vince Liuzzi accepts Corporate Advocate of the year award from GPHCC leadership.
photo 2: Eric Cortes, Telemundo accepts the Professional of the year award from PMn advisory board and GPHCC leadership.
photo 3: Stephen Curtis, President, Community College of Philadelphia accepts the Green Pioneer award from GPHCC
leadership and honorary co-chairs rob Wonderling, GPCC and Mayor Michael A. nutter.
photo 1: GPHCC board members and annual meeting
of the membership attendees. photo 2: Paul Lima,
chair of GPHCC board
Newsletter • WINTER/SPRING 2011 • Page 4
The Professional Mentoring Network Shadowing Day
2011 PMN
Advisory Board
Co-Chairs
Ana Aguilar, Siemens
Nancy L. Wagner, UPS
Members
Anthony Rosado, Wells Fargo
Eva Campos, University of Pennsylvania
Carlos Cartagena, Outcomes Force, LLC
Cristian Hernandez, GPHCC
Ruben Reyes, Lyquix, Inc.
Honorary Chair
Txema Isusi, Goldman & Sachs, Co.
In February , the Professional Mentoring Network
(PMN) in collaboration with Siemens Hispanic
affinity group Amig@s hosted a shadowing day
for Edison High School and North Philadelphia
Community High School students to learn about
various jobs at the Malvern Headquarters of
Siemens Healthcare.
PMN Advisory Board Vice-Chair Ana Aguilar,
Advisory member Rafael Arismendi and program
coordinator Ileana Garcia worked to coordinate
the event between Siemen’s Latino professionals
and Congreso de Latinos Unidos youth program
students. Students were selected based on their
academic performance and progress in school
and paired with a Latino professional for the day
to follow them to their workspace and learn about
their jobs. The students toured the Executive
Briefing Center and the Information Systems Center
where they learned about data centers operations;
they also watched videos showcasing Siemens
contributions in Industry, Energy, and Healthcare.
Luis Castillo, Senior Vice- President of Health
Services Sales Support, CSG and Alina Urdaneta,
Competitive Intelligence and Industry Analyst
Relations for CSG spoke about their educational
background, various challenges and successes
experienced throughout their careers. The speakers
also inspired students and advised them “to focus
on their education and future goals.”
Senior Advisors
Edwin Roman, TD Bank
Mary Anne Rodriguez, Bank of America
Varsovia Fernandez, GPHCC
Esl Program Addresses Small Latino Business Needs and Enhances Latino Markets continued from page 1
What’s cool about this? The GPHCC is preparing
your prospects to do business with you.
It is important to acknowledge that language is
a barrier for many Latino immigrant business
owners. In order for them to integrate into local
business systems they must break through that
barrier. Often, corporations invest large amounts
of money in marketing and product development
aimed at prospects who are not necessarily literate
in English; hence the importance to address
basic grammar and conversational business
English among the native Hispanic population.
The custom-designed curriculum used by Global
Bilingual Solutions, an established Hispanic and
woman-owned language provider, helps students
learn accounting and negotiation language
preparing them to do fair business. The ESL for
Business classes is part of The GPHCC efforts to
provide a path to best business practices, as well
as credit and conversation enhancement. This year
twelve students are expected to graduate.
Learning English for many of these business
owners is part of the American Dream experience
they seek. The students understand the
importance of acclimating and adopting the
American business system mindset by means of
business networking exposure. This will help them
build relationships with other businesses and
professionals. For the rest of us, these students
represent the largest and fastest growing market
in Pennsylvania of which many companies hope
to do business with; the Latino market.
For more information about our ESL program
contact our SBDE coordinator, Yocasta Lora, via
email at [email protected] or by
phone at (215)790-3852.
Newsletter • wINter/sPrING 2011 • PaGe 5
GPHCC launches The Dr. José E. lebron scholarship Fund Annual Reception
Varsovia Fernandez, the President and CEO of the
GPHCC, urged Hispanic professionals and guests
to donate towards the scholarship fund as it is a
vehicle to tackle low Latino education attainment.
As stated by Ms. Fernandez, GPHCC would like to
“thank the generous professionals who donated to
the Dr. José E. Lebron scholarship fund; with your
help two students will be attending college this
fall. This is the type of investment in our Hispanic
community and youth that will help us succeed.”
In JunE, The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce’s Professional Mentoring
network (PMn) launched the Dr. José E. Lebron
scholarship fund to provide financial and
mentoring support to Hispanic students and
to encourage the pursuit of higher education.
Scholarship recipients Dominic n. Kersey of
Mastbuam High School and Lefty Fuentes of
north Philadelphia Community High School
received recognition among Hispanic
professionals, executives, and guests during
an awards reception at the Comcast Center.
Both students will receive a full scholarship
to the Community College of Philadelphia.
Dr. José E. Lebron, a tenured high school educator
in Philadelphia, is himself a Community College
of Philadelphia alum, graduated from Temple
university with a doctorate in urban Education.
At the reception he shared his experiences
with overcoming adversity and emphasized
the importance of mentorship. During his speech
to students and professionals Dr. Lebron stated:
“never take no for an answer. Pursue an education
and your professional goals. My school counselor
told me I was not college material and with hard
work and determination I completed a Ph.D.” His
words on never giving up on our dreams, not only
inspired the students but also the adults that
were present.
To contribute to the scholarship please
contact our PMN Coordinator, Ileana Garcia
at [email protected] or make
a donation at www.philahispanicchamber.org.
The PMn program has actively reached its
goal of creating a strong network of Hispanic
professionals with the support of the Comcast
Corporation and the Comcast Foundation. Comcast
Executive Vice President David L. Cohen, who was
also present at the PMn scholarship reception,
noted the importance of Hispanics in the regional
workforce: “We at Comcast are extremely proud
to be part of this endeavor. White males will soon
be the minority and Hispanics are the workforce
of the future.”
Clockwise from top:
photo 1: Honoree David L. Cohen with PMn advisory board and GPHCC leadership. photo 2: Dr. Lebron, with scholarship recipients, Lefty Fuentes and Dominic Kersey. photo 3: Dr. José E. Lebron.
New Member Highlights
Corporate Member
small Business Member
Mercy Health System is the largest Catholic healthcare system
serving the Delaware Valley. Mercy strives to be a leading provider of
compassionate care and community access to quality health services.
American Cable Company, Inc. designs and manufactures products for
the Original Equipment Market, such as wiring harnesses, battery cables,
electromechanical assemblies, and more.
PMN Member
Carlos M. Gonzalez, originally from Cuba, is the founder of the company.
Mr. Gonzalez’s dedication to his business and perseverance has led to
the creation of a sustainable and successful company. American Cable
Company, Inc. has come a long way since it was established in 1975;
it now develops new products for markets not only in the u.S. but also
abroad. The GPHCC looks forward to helping American Cable Company,
Inc. in their growth.
The Professional Mentoring network welcomes Javier rapoport as a
new member. Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Javier relocated
to Pennsylvania to live with his wife, Elizabeth Acosta, an active PMn
member who introduced him to the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce. In September 2008, Javier was hired at the
Devereux Foundation headquarters in the Internet Technology Department.
Javier hopes to network with other PMn members and to continue learning
about the growing Hispanic community in the Greater Philadelphia region.
Newsletter • wINter/sPrING 2011 • PaGe 6
Join Us In Welcoming GPHCC New staff
Cristian J. Hernandez
Vice President & COO
We are pleased to announce
that Cristian J. Hernandez has
assumed the role of Vice President
& Chief Operating Officer. Cristian
brings several years of first-hand experience
with the Hispanic businesses in the Greater
Philadelphia region. He is a founding member
of the Professional Mentoring network program
and serves on its advisory board. As an active
member of the GPHCC, Cristian brings a two-way
perspective to our staff mix.
Throughout his career at corporate member
PnC Bank, Cristian dedicated his time to the
financial education and business banking
management for Hispanic business owners.
After training in Pittsburgh, PA and transferring
to Philadelphia, Cristian realized that he could
truly thrive by assisting the Hispanic businesses
of the Greater Philadelphia region. He played
a key role in providing small business funding
and lending to local Hispanic for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Cristian was honored with
the 2010 GPHCC Hispanic Professional of the
year Award.
A graduate of Philadelphia university, Cristian
holds a BS and an MBA with concentrations in
Business Sciences, International Business and
Finance. He also studied abroad in collaboration
with various Fortune 100 companies in Prague,
Czech republic and Budapest, Hungary.
siria Rivera
Special Executive Projects
A Philadelphian, Siria rivera,
brings a mix of administrative and
customer service expertise, as well
as interpretation, translation and
advocacy experience. A graduate of Burlington
County College and rutgers university, Siria is
currently working towards a master’s in Bicultural
and Bilingual Studies at LaSalle university. Siria
aspires to advocate for the Latino community
in the region.
Yocasta lora
Small Business Development &
Education Program Coordinator
With over three years of
experience in financial and
human resources functions for
a clothing manufacturer, yocasta came to us as
a highly productive and dependable performer
able to manage detail and continuous change.
Her passion to help Latino businesses grow,
excellent organizational skills and human
resources background make her a great chamber
representative to help Latino businesses access
capital and knowledge through technical
assistance and networking events. yocasta
attended the Community College of Philadelphia
and holds a bachelors degree in Business
Administration from LaSalle university.
Join Us In Welcoming New Board Members
Jorge Acevedo
PECO, An Exelon Company
Jorge A. Acevedo is Vice President
of Finance and controller at PECO.
He is responsible for all aspects
of PECO’s accounting, financial
reporting and related internal control processes,
including oversight of financial reports filed with
the federal Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC), the Federal Energy regulatory Commission
(FErC), and the Pennsylvania Public utility
Commission (PA-PuC). A CPA, Acevedo earned
a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s
in accounting from the university of South Florida.
Ramiro Carbonell
Stevens & Lee
ramiro Carbonell is a Stevens &
Lee shareholder. He concentrates
his practice in tax-exempt finance
with an emphasis on taxation
and federal arbitrage law, Federal Low Income
Housing Tax Credit transactions and new Markets
Tax Credit transactions. He also has over 20
years’ experience of serving as bond counsel to
municipalities. He received a M.Fin. from Penn
State university, an LL.M. in Taxation from Temple
university School of Law, a J.D. with Tax Honors
from rutgers School of Law and a B.S. from
new york university.
Ileana Garcia
Professional Mentoring
Network Coordinator
Deeply committed to the growth
of the Hispanic community,
Ileana Garcia joined the Hispanic
Chamber to help Latino professionals enhance
their careers and Latino youth graduate high
school. Ileana’s experience helping Latino
communities in Greater Philadelphia counties
and Latin America has provided for an in-depth
understanding of Latino diversity across cultures.
relocated from new york to attend Haverford
College, a city girl, Ileana found a place to
apply her passion in Philadelphia.
Join Us In Welcoming GPHCC
2011 New Members
Individual Membership
Anthony Abdalla
Carla Johns
Carlos F Gonzalez
Claudia roemer
Erik Solivan
Ernesto Aguliar
Jack Bronkovic
Jacqueline Frias
Sandoval
Jaime Florez
Karen Mcrory-negrin
Lorena Ahumada
Mabel Gimenez
nofre Vaquer
Sekou Campbell
Stephanie Mazzagatti
PMN Membership
David Lopez
Irvin Hartman
Javier rapoport
Julio Correa
Marcus J. Hernandez
nilsa Graciani
Sergio Hernandez
Corporate Membership
Aramark
AT&T
Beverage Association
of Philadelphia
Mercy Health System
Stevens & Lee
small Business
Membership
AAL Acquest Corp.
Adviso Media Inc.
Advertising Agency
American Cable
Company, Inc.
American Cable
Systems, LLC
Casa Blanca
Cleaning Services
Charmed Insight LLC
Consulado de México
en Filadelfia
DD Promotions
& Events
Environmental Ateler
Archts/Planners
Jim Thorpe
Window Cleaning
Los Taquitos
de Puebla
Philadelphia youth for
Chicago Charter School
ready Transit
Services, Inc.
rP Hispanic Family
Tortilleria San
ramon, Inc.
Organizational
Membership
Krapf’s Coaches Inc.
Olympic Tool
& Machine Corp.
Newsletter • wINter/sPrING 2011 • PaGe 7
GPHCC launches New Website
THE GrEATEr PHILADELPHIA HISPAnIC
CHAMBEr OF COMMErCE takes pride in
the business systems infrastructure and
methodologies it has created. These provide
a most effective and efficient business
environment to staff and members allowing
for optimal customer service and program focus.
With the financial support of the Philadelphia
Foundation, the GPHCC launched a customer
relationship management software system and
new website designed to maximize its services.
Highlights of new features and enhanced services to members include:
» A new business resources section that
provides valuable information on how
to start a business, how to do business
in Philadelphia, and visitor information
focused on Philadelphia.
» A CareerBuilder job posting segment where
people can search for jobs, post their resume
or access advice and resources for their
job search.
» Members can promote their events by now
using the website as a tool to input their
event information for everyone to see.
» Members now have the ability to self-monitor
their membership status by accessing the
Members Only portal* of GPHCC’s website,
which also gives them access to the
member’s only database.
» Online sign-ups for membership.
Enhanced services to staff and management include: sales pipeline management, membership
management, automated accurate reporting; auditable payments from cradle to grave through
website events and membership payments, cost-effective membership processing.
GPHCC is very excited about this accomplishment and about providing you, our member, with
another quality and convenient tool. The website is kept up to date and full of valuable information
for members and non-members alike. The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce aims
for the new website to become a place where members and stakeholders can network and exchange
information. GPHCC encourages you to visit the website at www.philahispanicchamber.org.
*If you are a member and do not have your log in information please contact GPHCC at (215) 790-3723.
MEMBERsHIP HAs
ITs ADVANTAGEs:
The GPHCC is a quality
organization that helps
Hispanic business
grow, while supporting
the community and
local economies.
Benefits include:
◗ Marketing opportunities
to connect with other
businesses and clients
◗ Health insurance,
including dental and vision,
at a discounted price
◗ Discounts at various
member businesses
◗ special events, workshops,
socials and seminars
save Big With UPs
OnE OF THE MAny BEnEFITS of being a part of the Greater Philadelphia
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is the ability to leverage our vendor
relationships to improve your business. With that in mind, the GPHCC
is proud to announce the uPS Discount Program which provides outstanding
discounts to you.
Through the uPS Discount Program, you can save up to 28% on international,
air and ground shipping. All you have to do is enroll to receive the GPHCC
discount. The uPS discount for members applies to purchased materials,
shipping, drop shipping (third party billing), and heavy weight LTL shipments.
The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of membership options
designed to serve the needs of our various constituencies. By enrolling in the uPS Savings Program,
you can save your company money, so enroll today!
For more information visit GPHCC’s membership page at http://philahispanicchamber.org/Membership
Refer a Hispanic business
or professional to join today
and receive a 10% discount
to the 9th Annual Golf Outing
on September 12!
Call 215-790-3723 or e-mail us at
[email protected]
NEWSLETTER
WINTER/SPRING 2011
200 South Broad Street, Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: 215-790-3723 • Fax: 215-790-3840
www.philahispanicchamber.org
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