NOTICIAS - Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

February 2, 2008
NOTICIAS
IN THIS ISSUE
Special Feature..................................1
Hispanic Chamber Happenings.........2
New Member Spotlight.......................4
Economic Development.....................8
Education.........................................10
Member Recognition........................12
Corporate Members.........................13
Staff..................................................13
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robert Franco, Jr. - Chair
Bank of America
Blanca Zamora-García - Chair-Elect
Casa Blanca Realty
Larry Graham - Treasurer
Texas Gas Service
George Gutierrez - Secretary
Austin American Statesman-Ahora Si!
James W. Rash II - At Large
Wal-Mart Supercenter #1253
Pilar Sanchez - At Large
Housing Authority of the City of Austin
Paul M. Saldaña - Past Chair
Adelánte Solutions, Inc.
Al Beavers
Lower Colorado River Authority
Bryan Cady
urbanspace Realtors, LLP
Paul Cruz, Ph.D.
Austin Independent School District
Susan Franzen
LifeU, Inc.
Myndi Garrett
VMware
Sam Guzman
SGJ Essential Services
Jose Marrero
JAM Latino
Anna Marie Martinez
IBM
Tim McCoy
Univision Radio
Dianne T. Mendoza, Ph.D.
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Eva Muñoz
AT&T
Flynn Nogueira
del Fuego Companies, LLC
Sebastian Puente
Eko Communications
Audra Terrazas Launey
XO Communications, Inc.
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1
SHARING THE GAHCC VISION
By Alicia Maldonado, Program Manager of Website and Internet Communications
Blanca Zamora-Garcia was officially appointed Chair of
the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at the
Annual Member’s Meeting held on January 20th.
Anxious to begin her new role, Blanca responded to a brief
interview highlighting her plans for 2009:
What are some of the challenges you forsee as incoming
Chair of the GAHCC?
“We are well aware of the turbulent times our nation faces.
Although the Greater Austin area has enjoyed a protective
insulation, unlike most of the nation, the unpredictable
economy threatens our economy’s secruity and we must
support each other now more than ever. I challenge each
and every one of you to join me as your 2009 Chair of the
Board of Directors, as we forge ahead on building paths
to prosperity.”
What are your plans for the Chamber membership?
“Membership is the heart of our organization. We will continue to recruit future
members as we retain current ones by continuing our very successful and popular business
networking opportunities. We will also continue to increase awareness and participation in
various Chamber programs such as the Hispanic Austin Leadership Program, the GAHCC
Ambassador Program, and the Education and Workforce Development Programs. We will
encourage our members to utilize the services provided by our International Business
Center, and our newly developed Emerging Enterprises Business Resource Center. We
will also continue to engage our members in the numerous working committees the Chamber
offers to its members.
What are some of your goals for the GAHCC?
“In keeping with our Mission of creating wealth for our members, we will continue to enhance
economic growth opportunities for our small businesses by providing guidance in accessing
capital, facilitating certification opportunities, offering IT classes, expanding the Business
Incubator, and serving as the ultimate resource.”
Before closing, is there any last remarks?
“I’d like to thank our members for their dedication to the GAHCC. You, the members, are
what keeps this organization going. The GAHCC stands ready to be the guiding force to
building wealth for each and every member; 2009 promises to be an exciting year full of
opportunities.”
Blanca Zamora-Garcia can be reached through the Chamber by contacting Aricella Navarro,
Executive Assistant to the Chamber President/CEO, at (512) 462-4300 or via email at
[email protected].
HISPANIC CHAMBER HAPPENINGS
Photo to the left: The Greater Austin
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Annual Meeting on January 21st at the
Crown Plaza Hotel was a success!
Join the Chamber to be a part of
what’s to come in 2009!
Photo above: Incoming Chair, Blanca Zamora-Garcia, briefed members
on the Chamber’s MECA Career Expo in November. The Career Expo
afforded the opportunity to the general public to access over 50 local
companies.
Photo above: Board Member Audra Launey
gave an overview of the membership networking opportunities the Chamber offered its members in 2008.
Noticias 2
Copyright (c) 2009 Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
JANUARY RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONIES
Photo to the left: H&R Block can be found at a new
location in SouthPark Meadows as of January 15th. Cutting the ribbon of success is Mr. Manuel Alverdi,
Mrs. Mary Martinez, and Mrs. Nicole Overton.
Photo to the right: Round Rock has welcomed a new
H&R Block office this past January 17th. Welcoming it
were Luis Zervigon, Mrs. Sharon Jett, and Mr. Manuel
Alverdi.
Photo to the left: A new Farmer’s Insurance location
is now available for business. Mr. Andy Martinez,
Mr. Andy Urso and Mrs. Velma Arroyos Seawell
launched the Insurance Agency location by cutting
the ribbon.
To schedule a Grand Opening or a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, please contact Selina Aguirre, Membership Coordinator, at
(512) 462-4310 or at [email protected].
Noticias 3
Copyright (c) 2009 Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: SENIOR WORK SOLUTIONS
•
Provided by Senior Work Solutions
Senior Work Solutions was founded
in 2008 by Holly De Leon and Allison
Jenkins, a mother-daughter team.
The company taps into the talent pool
of mature workers (50+) to allow their
experience to be used by local businesses who need part-time or temporary workers in a variety of fields.
Senior Work Solutions has an unrivaled database of senior
workers who come with 20-30 years of work experience.
Senior Work Solutions matches those workers with businesses who need temporary help and would like to take
advantage of the experience offered by the more mature
worker. Senior Work Solutions has candidates with such
varied backgrounds as CEO/CFO/COO to engineers to FBI
agents to truck drivers and nurses. The one common factor
is they all have many years of experience to bring to a business for no additional cost.
Senior Work Solutions is divided into three departments:
•
General Staffing – positions may be clerical, bookkeeping/accounting, administrative assistant, paralegal, light
industrial
•
Executive Work Solutions – service is designed to
provide short-term replacement of executive and
managerial level employees who may be out for
medical leave or sabbatical. We have former C-suite
executives, vice presidents, managers and directors in
a variety of fields.
Call Center Solutions – service
provides outbound calls for
your business for such needs
as market surveys, customer
service feedback, appointment
setting, and event recruitment.
Senior Work Solutions takes
pride in the personal service
they provide for the candidates
as well as the businesses they serve. Senior Work Solutions meets with each employment candidate to conduct a
face-to-face interview prior to any recommendation for a
position and can conduct testing and all background checks
needed by the employer.
They also meet on-site with each potential business partner
to determine both short-term and long-term needs as it
relates to temporary or project-based employment. Their
staff is available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week to serve
our client’s needs.
“There are thousands of very talented seniors living in the
Austin area who are very willing to provide their services
to local businesses – and it doesn’t cost the business any
more for this knowledge and experience,” states Founder
Holly De Leon, “The mature worker brings a lot to the job
– responsibility, reliability, maturity and a strong work ethic.”
For more information visit www.seniorworksolutions.com
Holly De Leon can be reached at (512) 745-5597 or at
[email protected].
NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: REYTEX HOMES
Provided by Reytex Homes
Having built their reputation on the belief that a home should be built with quality construction, Reytex Homes builds new
homes starting at $80,000, a price range that makes homeownership possible for everyone. ZERO down payment home loans
are available. Reytex Homes also provides home loans with or without social security numbers. Credit counseling is available
for those who have less than perfect credit and are looking to invest in what could ultimately be the home of their dreams.
Owned by a Canadian company who has been building new homes for over half a century, Reytex Homes believes in quality
construction being the single most important factor in building a home. Therefore Reytex Homes has lent a helping hand
building several homes for Habitat for Humanity to help the less fortunate achieve home ownership.
Reytex Homes builds single family homes in Austin and other surrounding
areas and are currently offering a free refrigerator, washer, dryer, and blinds at
the Chaparral Crossing Neighborhood. This offer ends on March 1, 2009. To
learn more about Reytex Homes, please contact Carla Bright at (512) 767– 4953
or at [email protected].
Noticias 4
Copyright (c) 2009 Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
ARMANDO RUIZ ACHIEVES MEMBERSHIP IN
ELITE INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE NETWORK
Provided by The Ruiz Companies, Inc.
Armando Ruiz, CCIM of The Ruiz Companies will be awarded the prestigious Certified
International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation and will join a worldwide referral
network of elite global real estate practitioners with expertise in working with international
clients as well as immigrants. The CIPS Designation is awarded by the National Association
of REALTORS® (NAR), which represents over 1,200,000 REALTORS® in the United States.
Ruiz will be formally recognized at NAR’s Midyear Legislative Conference & Trade Expo in
Washington, D.C. on May 13, 2009.
Members of the CIPS Network are crucial players in today’s global real estate market. The
CIPS designation recognizes members who have achieved the necessary training and
experience to work successfully with international clients and properties. To earn the CIPS designation, REALTORS®
complete rigorous coursework devoted to learning cultural differences and international business practices. Designees must
also prove achievement in international real estate transactions.
Armando Ruiz, CCIM joins a distinguished society of over 1600 real estate professionals throughout the world who have
earned the CIPS designation. “This is a highly prestigious award in our industry,” said Barbara Schmerzler, CIPS, NAR
International Operations Committee Chair. “ Ruiz is now established as an expert in international real estate.”
Armando Ruiz, CCIM is the President of The Ruiz Companies, Inc. a Commercial Real Estate Consulting firm based in
Austin. The firm primarily serves the Central and South Texas area by providing customers Commercial Real Estate
Services. Armando Ruiz started his business in 1995 after a ten year tenure with the Texas Department of Commerce.
Mr. Ruiz also received his national certification as an Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) in 2003. In 2004
Mr. Ruiz joined 39 CCIM designees in Monterrey, Mexico and met with their Mexican counterpart to learn about doing
business in Mexico. The trip was sponsored by the CCIM institute. The goal of the trip was to develop business
relationships in Mexico for our clients in the United States. Mr. Armando Ruiz can be reached at 1-800-370-1221 or
(512) 385-9474.
THE CRITICAL UPDATE INC. EARNS COVETED
ANGIE’S LIST SUPER SERVICE AWARD
Provided by The Critical Update, Inc.
The Critical Update Inc. has been
awarded the prestigious 2008 Angie’s
List Super Service Award!
The Super Service Award, now celebrating its 10th year, is annually given
to companies who have achieved and
maintained a superior service rating on
Angie’s List. Fewer than 5 percent of
the companies on Angie’s List meet the
eligibility requirements to be considered for the award.
“Our Super Service Award winners are
the cream of the crop when it comes
to customer service, said Angie Hicks,
founder of Angie’s List.
Noticias 5
Luis Delgado, President
of the Critical Update had
this to say about the award;
“We are honored to be the recipients of this wonderful award and
will continue providing the best value
for the money when it comes to technology at home or business!”
Angie’s List Super Service Award
winners have maintained a total and
overall grade of “A;” have received
a minimum number of reports; NO
unsatisfactory ratings with the Better
Business Bureau and are NOT in the
Angie’s List “Penalty Box.”
Angie’s List is where thousands of consumers share their ratings and reviews
on local contractors and companies
in more than 425 different categories.
Currently, 750,000 consumers across
the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help
them find the right contractor or company for the job they need done.
Members have unlimited access to
the list via Internet or phone; receive
the Angie’s List magazine, which
includes articles on home improvement
and maintenance, consumer trends
and scam alerts; and they can utilize
the Angie’s List complaint resolution
service. Learn more about Angie’s List
at http://www.angieslist.com.
Copyright (c) 2009 Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
ST. EDWARD’S UNIVERSITY RECEIVES NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRANT
TO ESTABLISH NOYCE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
St. Edward’s University was recently awarded
$737,565 from the National Science Foundation, the
largest NSF grant received in university history. The
grant will be used to establish a Noyce Scholarship
Program that will recruit and prepare 18 mathematics
and science middle and secondary teachers to work
in the Austin Independent School District (AISD).
Recruitment will be targeted at high performing, underrepresented first generation college students majoring in
mathematics and the natural sciences at both St. Edward’s
University and Austin Community College.
“Noyce Scholars will be held accountable to higher standards for grades and undergo rigorous field-based preparation with mentoring to ensure their future success in high
need schools,” said Karen Jenlink, dean of St. Edward’s
University School of Education.
Recruitment for the program will begin in the 2009 spring
semester. Each Noyce Scholar will be eligible to receive
$15,500 per year for up to two years. Upon completion of
their degree, scholarship recipients are expected to teach
four years in AISD high need schools.
“The grant has created an outstanding opportunity for St.
Edward’s to work with Austin Community College in addressing the issues of teacher shortage and teacher diversity.” said Jenlink.
Once employed with AISD, Noyce Scholars will maintain a
relationship with St. Edward’s University and ACC faculty
as well as, mentors from the UTEAC (UT Employee
Advisory Council) Noyce Scholars program to ensure
successful teaching strategies.
As a result of the grant, St. Edward’s University hopes to
identify successful strategies for recruiting, educating and
retaining underrepresented math and science teachers as
wells as promote greater interest and higher achievement
among diverse middle and secondary students in high need
schools in both the subjects of math and science.
“The impact of the Robert Noyce Scholarship program will
be felt in local schools and in work force development long
after the grant period has ended,” said Jenlink.
St. Edward’s is a private, Catholic, liberal arts university
of more than 5,300 students located in Austin, Texas. For
more information on St. Edward’s University, visit www.
stedwards.edu.
JAN-PRO CELEBRATES TOP RANKING FOR SECOND YEAR
JAN-PRO of AUSTIN can now claim to be part of the “#1
Fastest-Growing Franchise” in the world today according to
Entrepreneur Magazine. In their 30th annual ranking of the top
500 franchises, Entrepreneur cited parent company, JAN-PRO
International as the fastest-growing franchise of 2009, beating
out second-place Subway for the top spot two years in a row!
Steve Block, local owner and operator of JAN-PRO of Austin
serving the Greater Austin Area is thrilled with the company’s
top ranking, but not surprised. “JAN-PRO is a terrific organization with a primary focus on improving service to our commercial cleaning clients. When the customer is your top priority, the
entire company improves the quality and growth of their operations”, said Steve.
JAN-PRO of Austin, located at 1016 La Posada Drive ste.295 in Austin has been serving the area since 2006 and will to
continue with the growth trend of their national ranking.
Noticias 6
Copyright (c) 2009 Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
THE IRIS LEADERSHIP FUND
The Iris Leadership Fund was established in 2008 in memory of Leadership Austin alum Melda Benavides. Contributions
to this fund provide scholarships for Leadership Austin program participants. For more information, please visit
www.leadershipaustin.org.
Contribute to the Iris Leadership Fund!
Contributors:
Ted Burton
Alice Dendinger
Elizabeth Gonzales
Pamela McClain Madere
Delma Pacheco
Cindy Ponce
Tom Sechrest
Lee Thomson
About Melda
A graduate of the Leadership Austin Essential Class of 2003, Irismelda “Melda” R. Benavides earned her B.A. in Physical
Education and a Master of Arts in Government and Public Administration from The University of Texas at Austin. She then
went on to earn an MBA from St. Edward’s University in 2007. Melda worked for Avance Austin as Director of Operations
and was the Interim Executive Director of Avance Waco. During her 18 year career in state government, she worked for
Governor Ann Richards in the criminal justice division and for several other Texas Governors. In 1993 her consulting firm
- Benavides and Associates - was awarded the “Wings Award” by BiGAUSTIN. Her passion for community service
benefited several local organizations and the communities they serve.
Melda was a Board Member of Austin Groups for the Elderly and Believe in Me. She was Treasurer and Board Member of
the Austin Women’s Political Caucus and Executive Board Member of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Texas.
SCORE AT THE EMERGING ENTERPRISES BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER!
The Emerging Enterprises Business Resource Development Center offers
free business consultations provided by Service Corps of Retired Executives
(SCORE). A non-profit association formed in 1964, SCORE encourages
entrepreneurial education and the formation, growth and success of small
businesses across the country. There are more than 10,000 volunteer
members nationwide in 389 chapters.
The Emerging Enterprises currently houses a counselor, Alex Cantu, who
was an executive that achieved success in his field. Now as a volunteer,
wants to help you succeed. SCORE counseling sessions are free.
Alex Cantu became an Austin chapter member of SCORE after his retirement as V.P.of Jose Cuervo International. His mission was to introduce and
expand the Jose Cuervo brand in the U.S. and around the world. He accomplished these goals thanks to a great product, brand and selecting excellent
“Champions” around the world dedicated to promoting Cuervo. Mr. Cantu
and his team also launched “Cholula” hot sauce in the United States.
To schedule a free consultation with Alex, please contact Monica Willey,
Program Administrator of Emerging Enterprises at (512) 938-2594 or at [email protected].
Noticias 7
Copyright (c) 2009 Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
CITY OF AUSTIN HISPANIC QUALITY OF LIFE INITIATIVE
On May 8, 2008, City Council approved Resolution
No. 20080508-050 directing a Hispanic/
Latino Quality of Life initiative be implemented.
A series of community forums will launch in late
February and will run through late April on various
issues including: Education, Economic Stability,
Health, and Cultural Arts/History/Cultural
Enrichment. The Education forum will be held
on February 24th at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the
Austin High School Auditorurium.
Adelante Solutions, Inc. will be working with a core
team of City staff lead by Assistant City Manager
Rudy Garza to identify the critical issues facing our Hispanic community. Through discussions at the forums, they will
identify important themes, prioritize critical issues, and provide feedback and assessment on existing City programs and
services aimed at the Hispanic community. The initial public engagement process will continue through the end of May
and in June the Austin City Council will receive a report from Adelante with specific recommendations. Later in the year
the City will put together a community committee to develop a living document and action plan to address the critical
issues identified in the initial public participation process.
The Initiative will address the following issues and questions:
•
Whether the quality of life in Austin for Hispanics is
markedly different from the quality of life experienced
by Hispanics in other cities, the state and the nation
as a whole.
•
Whether the quality of life experienced by Austin Hispanics is significantly different from the quality of life
experienced by the rest of the City and other demographic groups within the City.
•
Is the City of Austin providing opportunities to enhance the quality of life in Austin for Hispanics/Latinos?
•
Is the City of Austin providing programs, services
and funding to enhance the quality of life in Austin for
Hispanics/Latinos?
We encourage you to participate at these forums, the future quality of life in the Hispanic community will be determined by
your input and feedback to the city. Thank you for helping us create a viable and productive quality of life for all Hispanics.
Learn more about the City of Austin’s Hispanic Quality of Life by contacting Adelante Solutions, Inc. at (512) 637-0877 or
via email at [email protected].
Noticias 8
Copyright (c) 2009 Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
HISPANICS AND THE NEW ADMINISTRATION: IMMIGRATION SLIPS AS A PRIORITY;
LATINOS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT OBAMA
A year and a half after a lengthy, often rancorous debate over immigration reform filled
the chambers of a stalemated Congress, the issue appears to have receded in importance among one of the groups most affected by it-Latinos. Only three-in-ten (31%)
Latinos rate immigration as an “extremely important” issue facing the incoming Obama
administration, placing it sixth on a list of seven policy priorities that respondents were
asked to assess in a nationwide survey of 1,007 Latino adults conducted from December 3 through December 10, 2008, by the Pew Hispanic Center, a project of the Pew
Research Center. The top-rated issue among Latinos is the economy; some 57% of
Hispanics say it is an “extremely important” one for the new president to address.
Looking forward, Hispanics are optimistic about the incoming Obama Administration.
More than seven-in-ten (72%) say they expect Obama to have a successful first term.
Looking back, Latinos offer a negative assessment of the outgoing Bush Administration. More than half (54%) of Latinos say that the failures of the Bush Administration will
outweigh its successes. In comparison, 64% of the U.S. general population holds the
same view.
The latest report from the Pew Hispanic Center also examines the ways Latinos were involved in the historic 2008 presidential campaign such as using the Internet to research a candidate, trying to persuade someone else to vote for or
against a particular party, and displaying material or wearing clothing related to a political campaign.
The report, Hispanics and the New Administration: Immigration Slips as a Priority, authored by Mark Hugo Lopez, Associate Director, and Gretchen Livingston, Senior Researcher. Article is available at the Pew Hispanic Center’s website, www.
pewhispanic.org.
HISPANICS AND THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN:
HOUSING WOES AND REMITTANCE CUTS
Like the U.S. population as a whole, Latinos are feeling the sting of the
economic downturn. Almost one-in-ten Latino homeowners say they
missed a mortgage payment or were unable to make a full payment and
3% say they received a foreclosure notice in the past year, according to a
new national survey of 1,540 Latino adults conducted by the Pew Hispanic Center, a project of the Pew Research Center. Moreover, more than
six-in-ten (62%) Latino homeowners say there have been foreclosures in
their neighborhood over the past year, and 36% say they are worried that
their own home may go into foreclosure. This figure rises to 53% among
foreign-born Latino homeowners.
The survey also finds that the economic downturn has had an impact on
the amount of money that Latinos sent to relatives or others in their country
of origin in the past year. Among Hispanic immigrants who sent remittances in the last two years, more than seven-in-ten
(71%) say they sent less in 2008 than in the prior year.
Latinos hold a more negative view of their own current personal financial situation than does the general U.S. population.
More than three-in-four (76%) Latinos, and 84% of foreign-born Latinos, say their current personal finances are in either
fair or poor shape, while 63% of the general U.S. population says the same.
As a result of current economic conditions, many Latinos are adjusting their economic behaviors. More than seven-in-ten
(71%) report that they cut back spending on eating out. More than two-thirds (67%) planned to curtail holiday spending.
Over one-fourth (28%) report that they helped a family member or friend with a loan.
The report, authored by Mark Hugo Lopez, Associate Director, Gretchen Livingston, Senior Researcher, and Rakesh Kochhar, Associate Director for Research, is available at the Pew Hispanic Center’s website, www.pewhispanic.org.
Noticias 9
Copyright (c) 2009 Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
HISPANIC AUSTIN LEADERSHIP ALUMNI ASSOCIATION REUNITED
By Linda Medina, Education Foundation Program Manager
Alumni came together to celebrate 10 years of the Hispanic Austin
Leadership (HAL). The HAL Program is a self-sustaining program that
began in 1999. Since then, 148 participants have graduated from the
program. The program has been duplicated across the United States in
the following cities: Roswell, New Mexico; Corpus Christi, Texas; Reno,
Nevada; Fresno, California; Portland, Oregon; Pascal, Washington;
Fort Worth, Texas; McAllen, Texas.
HAL Alumni Chair, Daniel Estrada Class of 2008, says “I hope we
can increase the number of Hispanic leaders in the community and
encourage professional development for career advancement
opportunities.”
Left to Right: Linda Medina, Maria Adame,
Daniel Estrada
Join us for the next HAL Alumni Meeting on Thursday, February 26th from
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the GAHCC Conference Room.
Are you a HAL Alumni? Get LinkedIn today! www.linkedin.com
Left to Right: Juanita Baldwin, Michael Conn,
Liz Gonzalez, and Eve Garza Nyer
EASTSIDE MEMORIAL POLICE ACADEMY
By Linda Medina, Education Foundation Program Manager
The GAHCC Mentorship Program at Eastside Memorial High School
started the year with leadership and teamwork at the Austin Police
Academy. Advisors and mentors also learned about social barriers
and the stereotypes of a policeman. A special thank you goes out to
Mr. Sam Ruiz, Education Committee member, for making this happen!
“Going through the APD’s obstacle course was a great team experience.
The students put aside their differences and cheered for one another as
they climbed a 6ft wall,” said Janette Miller.
To learn more about the Mentorship Program, please contact
Linda Medina at (512) 462-4311
or at [email protected].
Noticias 10
Copyright (c) 2009 Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
FERIA PARA APRENDER
Provided by www.feriaeducativa.org.
Thousands of students and their Spanish-speaking parents are expected to visit the Tony Burger Center on Saturday,
February 7th for the annual AISD Feria Para Aprender. This event debuted in 2007 as the first citywide Spanish languageonly education fair, drawing more than 3,500 in attendance. It is the area’s largest one-day education effort with a dual
objective to close the Hispanic achievement gap in Central Texas while fueling the economy with a workforce of bilingual,
educated graduates. The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 3200 Jones Drive.
At the fair, there will also be a concentrated effort in place to position education as the key to the American dream and
achieving economic prosperity within families. A campaign led by Sylvia Acevedo, Owner of Communicard, called Para
Una Buena Vida (For A Good Life) will be reviewed at the event with targeting messages centered on graduating high
school, college, and conserving their bilingual heritage to get better pay and jobs.
The GAHCC Education Foundation’s table will be taking photographs of the children in their caps and gowns. To volunteer
for this booth, please contact Linda Medina at [email protected] or call (512) 462-4311. For more information, please
visit www.feriaeducativa.org.
Noticias 11
Copyright (c) 2009 Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
NEW MEMBERS
Southwest Key - Nellie Cantu
Burnett Staffing Solutions
Daniel Estrada
FHTM
Liberty Solutions/Liberty Source
Reytex Homes
Senior Work Solutions
Tanya Vasquez
Wells Fargo - Becerra
Noticias 12
RENEWAL MEMBERS
(512) 583-2568
(512) 531-7012
(512) 463-1180
(312) 498-0505
(512) 433-2111
(512) 276-9001
(512) 745-5597
(512) 480-8962
(626) 665-3586
(512) 445-3500
¡Ahora Si!
(512) 445-3903
Austin American Statesman
(512) 472-5437
Big Brothers Big Sisters
(512) 535-5615
Borg Solutions, Inc.
(512) 329-1900
CIT Small Business Lending Corp.
(512) 477-1018
Estilo Communications
(512) 473-4902
Frost National Bank
(512) 314-5380
H&R Block
(512) 854-9443
Honorable Bob Perkins
Jose I. Guerra, Inc. Consulting Engineers (512) 445-2090
(512) 447-6675
Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson
(512) 619-0275
McDonald’s-Round Rock
Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex (512) 472-6932
(512) 478-9611
Radisson Hotel
(512) 233-6754
RZ & Associates
(512) 370-1221
Segal McCambridge
(512) 579-3800
Staats Falkenberg & Partners
(512) 918-5703
State Farm Insurance Companies
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality(512) 239-0105
(512) 414-2527
Travis High School
(800) 469-7000
Velocity Credit Union
(512) 892-6086
Walmart #2133
(512) 329-5757
Wonders & Worries
Copyright (c) 2009 Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
C O R P O R AT E M E M B E R C O N TA C T U S
RECOGNITION
PREMIER INVESTOR
PRESIDENT/CEO
ANDY MARTINEZ
(512) 476-7502, [email protected]
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
ARICELLA NAVARRO
(512) 462-4300, [email protected]
ECONOMIC AND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
MARY MARTINEZ
(512) 462-4307, [email protected]
FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES
MARI FLORES
(512) 462-4303, [email protected]
POWER INVESTOR
APPLIED MATERIALS
AT&T
BANK OF AMERICA
BMP RADIO
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
H.E.B.
UNIVISION RADIO & UNIVISION TV
WELLS FARGO BANK TEXAS, N.A.
PRESTIGIOUS INVESTOR
AUSTIN AMERICAN STATESMAN/ ¡AHORA SI!
AUSTIN ENERGY
DELL, INC.
ESPN DEPORTES
HARUTUNIAN ENGINEERING, INC.
IBM
INTERNATIONAL BANK OF COMMERCE
SETON FAMILY OF HOSPITALS
STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANIES
TAYLOR PUBLISHING GROUP
TEXAS GAS SERVICE
NAYELI GALLEGOS
(512) 462-4302, [email protected]
EVENTS & TOURISM
MERCEDES FERIS
(512) 462-4316, [email protected]
WEBSITE & COMMUNICATIONS
ALICIA MALDONADO
(512) 462-4314, [email protected]
MARKETING & CORPORATE RECRUITMENT
RAQUEL JAIMEZ
(512) 462-4305, [email protected]
MEMBERSHIP
SELINA AGUIRRE
(512) 462-4310, [email protected]
EDUCATION FOUNDATION
CONTRIBUTING INVESTOR
3M
ACCESS IT
AMERIGROUP COMMUNITY CARE
AUSTIN COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO.
APORTIA
BETWEEN AMIGAS
CAPITAL METROPOLITAN
TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
COLDWELL BANKER UNITED REALTORS
COMPASS BANK
EL MUNDO NEWSPAPER
FAULKNER USA
FRITO-LAY
GRANDE COMMUNICATIONS
GUARANTY BANK
Noticias 13
HEALTHSOUTH
HILTON HOTEL
IKEA
MARKETPLACE AUSTIN
NATIONWIDE INSURANCE
PROGRESSIVE
PRIME OUTLETS SAN MARCOS
RADISSON HOTEL & SUITES AUSTIN
SEARCHPLUS TEXAS
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
TIME WARNER CABLE
TITUS ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING, INC.
VELOCITY CREDIT UNION
WACHOVIA BANK, N.A.
WASHINGTON MUTUAL
LINDA MEDINA
(512) 462-4311, [email protected]
BRITTANY BRUNSON
(512) 462-4313, [email protected]
HISPANIC TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF AUSTIN
HEBERTO OCHOA
(512) 928-2594, [email protected]
MONICA WILLEY
(512) 928-2594 X 112, [email protected]
VISIT US
2800 SOUTH IH 35, SUITE 260
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704
P: (512) 476-7502
F: (512) 476-6417
WWW.GAHCC.ORG
Copyright (c) 2009 Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce