Hispanic Business Council Connects The Community

The Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce started the Hispanic Business Council in order to give Hispanic business owners more of a voice in the chamber and the community.

It has offered business people, social service agencies, educational institutions and others the opportunity to come together to talk about current issues and the growing Hispanic population in our community. Chaired by John Freeman, California Water, the council has brought in many dynamic speakers and engaged in community projects, including funding for soccer uniforms for Livermore high schools.

Martha Espinoza, vice president, administration and special events at the chamber said, "The Hispanic Business Council has been a catalyst to evoke enthusiasm to our members and business owners to stay connected, be creative and continue making good partnerships in this economy."

One of the many speakers the committee has had is the founder, publisher and CEO of Latino Times, Andrew Ysiano. Mr. Ysiano's management expertise and innovative skills have established him as one of our country's entrepreneurial success stories.

A true visionary, Mr. Ysiano founded Latino Times in 2001 with the simple goal to provide a bilingual publication for Latinos that reflects their positive contributions in the local, state, and national community. Under his leadership, the enterprise has successfully grown to be the most recognized bilingual publication in California's central valley. 

Rigoberto Cabezas, president of the National Hispanic Organization of Real Estate Associates, Alameda County Chapter shared the information on the services they have to offer the Hispanic community. The committee has also invited Kris Noceda, editor of Livermore Patch to attend. Kris educated the committee about Livermore's newest source for local news and information.

The committee has grown to more than 40 members, including:

• Aaron Ortiz, Tri-Valley Community Foundation
• Arturo Rosas,
• Gilberto Victory,
• Marcella Trujillo, Velur Enterprises, Inc.
• Kelly Bowers

The Hispanic Business Council is another example of the Livermore Chamber's board and staff's determination to evolve along with its member's needs.

All chamber members are welcome to attend meetings on the third Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m. in the chamber conference room at 2157 First St. For more information, contact Martha Espinoza at the chamber office at 925-447-1606.