Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
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more at www.wdwminoritybusinessdev.com ©Disney
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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
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HCCMO Staff
2014/15 Board Members Executive Board
Diana Bolivar President Christine Peña Events Coordinator Ana Bello Director of Marketing & Business Development Ian Suárez Graphic Design & Social Media Coordinator Elda Rivera Marketing & Sales Coordinator Nelson Camargo Business Development Specialist Ovelyn Beaudoin Membership Services Specialist Luisa Garcia Administrative Assistant Sebastian Sanchez Project Specialist Diego Rodriguez Graphic Design Intern
Giorgina Pinedo-Rolón
Peter A. Hilera
José Nido
Janet E. Martinez. Esq
Lourdes M. Mola
Karla Muñiz
Chair Gio Communications, Inc. Vice-Chair Wyndham Worldwide Corp. Vice-Chair Elect Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Jessica Delvalle Events Intern
Secretary Florida Hospital
José Cerda
Juan C. Lopez-Campillo, Esq.
Orlando Alancastro
Evelyn Martínez
Modesto Alcala
Christina Pinto
Malcolm Barnes
Keith J. Raymond
Dick J. Batchelor
David Ruíz
Ex-Officio State Farm Insurance Director OUC: The Reliable One Director Universal Orlando
Director Dick Batchelor Management Group, Inc.
Kari Conley
Director Orlando Health
José G. Costa Director Terracon
HCCMO Trustees
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Legal Advisor ShuffieldLowman
Board of Directors
Director Duke Energy
Gonzalo Loayza Marketing Intern
Treasurer Vestal & Wiler, CPAs
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
Director Jackson Lewis P.C. Director EM Promotions
HBIF Representative MPC Wealth Management Director Popular Community Bank Director UPS
Irma E. Stenman
EDC Representative Metro Orlando EDC
Editor’s Note... Mid-year in Central Florida not only brings us heat, humidity, possible hurricane parties, millions of tourists but this year in particular, also an upcoming important political season.
Editorial Team Carlos Carbonell Editor-in-Chief Echo Interaction Group Ian Suárez Art Director Shélika Báez Assistant Editor Univision TV/ Salsa 98.1FM/ UniMas TV Ana Bello HCCMO George Fournier Freelance Writer Millo Aldea millote.com Peter Hilera Vestal & Wiler, CPAs Jorge Estevez WFTV - Channel 9 Diego Puig McGee & Powers, P.A. Tony Lagos Contributor Daniel Kuykendall Photographer Jose Diaz Telemundo
UCF’s Maritza Martinez explains to us the importance of involvement this year, as we face a potential shortfall in funding our Orange County schools. Also in the political front, our community now has important representation in one of the highest political offices in the state. Read WFTV’s Jorge Estevez’s riveting interview with Carlos López-Cantera, Florida’s first Hispanic Lieutenant Governor. As a tech company CEO and tech industry community leader, I am proud to serve as a bridge between the IT sector (the second largest industry in the region) and the Hispanic community. Because of this, in this issue I enlisted the help of Necole Pynn, a community organizer and Managing Director of our largest technology coworking space, Canvs. Necole wrote a comprehensive piece to update our readers on the contributions and excitement around this up-and-coming business community. At Vision Magazine, we highlight 25 Hispanic Influentials in our beginning of the year issue, and recognize them at an event well-attended by Orlando’s who’s who in the business community. If you, or someone you know, is making an impact in our community, in their particular industry and influences those around them - whether as prominent educators, community organizers, or successful, influential and inspiring business leaders, please let us know. Email us at: info@hispanicchamber.net In my closing thoughts, I want to reiterate the importance of getting involved in your community. As evidenced in some of the articles you will find in this issue, our community is facing drastic change. Our Hispanic population is growing, our political clout increasing, and traditional business focus changing. We can be part of that change, and we can make an impact. Contact the HCCMO for volunteer opportunities, committee slots, business membership or sponsorships. You can also attend select events for free and get a taste of the HCCMO and all it has to offer. I know for me, I couldn’t be happier about my involvement and membership. By the way, the Don Quijote Awards -- the most prestigious business awards in the region -- will be held December 6th. Nominations are now open and I encourage you to visit www.donquijoteawards.com to find out more about this incredible event. Whether you attend and become inspired (as I did at my first DQ Awards ceremony in 2011) or end up nominated and then winning (as I did in 2013!), please check out the nomination categories, past winners, videos and information.
Diego Rodríguez Graphic Designer Vincent Giannoni GGM & Associates Euribiades Cerrud II Pesquera, Cerrud & Birmingham, P.A.
CARLOS CARBONELL Editor-in-Chief Echo Interaction Group Carlos@justecho.com @carloscarbonell
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
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the Visión 8
12
Coffee with the Mayor We sit down with Orange County Mayor Jacobs for coffee and to chat about the future of Orange County and its Hispanic Businees community.
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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
Lt. Gov López-Cantera
11
Opening Doors
16
Orlando’s Tech Community
20
JetBlue: Inspiring Humanity
26
Advocacy Corner
27
Sales Personality Rush
28
Taxes: Identity Theft
30
The Main Street Gardener
30
HCCMO Update
32
Gallery
34
Let’s Face the Facts
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LÓPEZ-CANTERA FIRST HISPANIC IN ONE OF OUR HIGHEST STATE OFFICES INCREASES OUR POLITICAL CLOUT
Stepping out of a black SUV which had just pulled up at the Eyewitness News Studios in Downtown Orlando comes Florida’s Number 2 Politician, the man who will run the state if something happens to Governor Rick Scott. The position does not yield the same amount of power as the number 1 slot, but in merely 4 months into office, Lt. Governor Carlos López-Cantera has already packed a political punch. López-Cantera has become Florida first hispanic Lt Governor. However, while an accomplishment, it isn’t something on which Lopez-Cantera wishes to hang his hat. “I am happy to help be on a ticket and appeal to an entirely different population”, LopezCantera commented during a recent interview. But, in the same breath, the 40 year old former Florida legislator from Miami said graciously, “Everyone is a Floridian and should want Florida to be a better place.” Throughout our 30 minutes together, Florida’s 19th Lt. Governor touted how great of a state Florida has become with more opportunities for businesses to shine mentioning the Governor’s trade missions to other countries during his first term, where 450 million dollars in deals were made. He also highlighted the tax cuts that have been made to help businesses across the state expand and attract out of state businesses. “Our economy has bounced back quicker than people expected,” said Lopez-Cantera. The Governor’s team was actually in Central Florida while en route to Port Canaveral to announce a billion dollars worth of improvements planned for all of Florida’s ports- a move, he says, will elevate Florida’s import and export business. It was during our conversation that I learned a little more about this father of two young girls. I asked what it was like to have a job that took him away from his home in Coconut Grove where he lives with his wife of 9 years, Renee. So far this year, LópezCantera has visited parts of the state that he had never been before during his time as a South Florida Representative, such as areas in the panhandle and parts of South West and Central Florida. The distance from his family, however is a reality even more apparent during this election year. “It’s a sacrifice that they are paying for so I can serve. I am very grateful to my wife and daughters especially my 6 year old who is now conscience of my absence,” said López-Cantera who was actually going home after his event at Port Canaveral on Friday for
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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
one night only before heading back out on the road. A sacrifice, he said, he was doing in order to spend time with his family. At times, he goes days without being home however, he tries to make it to the most important events. “With her [his 6 year old daughter] it’s about are you going to be at this or are you going to be at that,” said Lopez-Cantera adding that the extra long drives up and down Florida’s Turnpike and I-95 are worth it to see his family even if for brief moments at a time. “I am going to make sure that tomorrow I drive 4 hours so I can be there for that ballet recital,” he said. The Lt. Governor, who studied Political Science and Business Administration and graduated from both Miami Dade College and then the University of Miami, headed to Tallahassee to pursue a career in Politics. He was a volunteer for Bob Dole in 1996 and enjoyed his experience so much that he began his run for office as a legislator, but he lost his first race. An opportunity, according to Lopez-Cantera, that failure gave him many years ago. “It’s tough, but God has a plan. It is the best thing that could have happened to my career,” said Lopez-Cantera who ended up back in South Florida where he spent two years working for his family. “If I had won the election and been a legislator it was very possible that that weekend I met my wife I would not have been in Miami I would have been somewhere else,” adds Lopez-Cantera, with a smile. Family is essential for López-Cantera. Born to Cuban parents, 40year old López-Cantera was born two months premature in Spain when his mother went into labor during a vacation. He credits his passion and determination to his parents who came from Cuba with nothing at the start of the Fidel Castro Regime thinking it would be over in a few weeks. They checked into a hotel and ended up checking out a few weeks later when it was clear it was not going to be a quick revolution. “They lost everything in their 40’s,” he says, “they always reminded me of the importance of education, hard work and sacrifice,” Adding that the best part about a life in public service is being able to make something happen and fix a problem. “The commitment and the time is key to whatever one wants to do. That is the secret,” said Lopez Cantera noting Governor Rick Scott’s administration’s commitment to developing business and creating jobs in Florida. “This is a great state to do business in not just for Hispanic but for all backgrounds,” exclaimed Lopez Cantera, pointing out Florida’s number 2 ranking among business friendly States in CEO Magazine.
FEATURE STORY The rating was given in part because of Florida’s low tax structure and policies that lean toward less government regulation. “There are opportunities in Florida and opportunities to succeed in Florida. We want everyone to work, live, and play here because this is the place to do it. It is really beautiful to see the diversity in our state and the incredible things people are doing in Florida right now. This is the place you want to be -- a vibrant Hispanic population with a Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Venezuelan Community.” So, what about his Spanish. Can he speak it? Is he fluent? He made the point very clear. “Uno no puede ser electo en el sur de la Florida sin hablar Español. Hay que hacer entrevistas en Español y para mi, no hay ningun problema,” said López Cantera with just a hint of an American Accent.
QUICK FACTS Member � The Governor's Property Tax Reform Committee � My Safe Florida Home Advisory Council � Miami-Dade County Mayor's Mortgage Fraud Task Force.
Chaired � Committee on Business Regulation � Government Affairs Committee.
Titles
“Our economy has bounced back quicker than people expected,”
� Florida House of Representatives (2004-2012) � Majority Whip (2009-2010) � Majority Leader of the Florida House of Representatives (2010-2012) � Miami-Dade County property appraiser (2012) � Lt. Governor of Florida (2014)
JORGE ESTEVEZ
Anchor/Reporter WFTV Channel 9
@JEstevezWFTV
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
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LUNES A VIERNES 6 & 11PM
Facebook: facebook.com/noociasunivisionfloridacentral Twiier: @wventv Instagram: univisionorlando wventv.com Brighthouse Dish 827 10 | VISIÓN Hispanic Chamber of Commerce1901 of Metro OrlandoDirect TV 402
ENTREPRENEURS
OPENING DOORS Requiem for the uninformed and unprepared.
One the most exciting moments in any entrepreneur’s life is the day hope becomes a reality. However, that moment of hope can vanish in a sea of unnecessary frustrations and conflicts leaving behind only despair. Being informed and prepared to meet the requirements of opening your doors for business is the only way for the dreams and hopes of your enterprise to have a chance to compete in the marketplace.
Choose the Right Business Entity
There is a plethora of several conduits through which you may be able to establish your enterprise. These are sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability limited partnership, corporation,and limited liability company. Choosing the right entity will allow you to position your business for growth and limit/separate your business liability from your personal assets through the corporate veil.
Choosing the Right Tax Structure
Choosing to carry on as a sole proprietor will subject you to less tax structure options. However, if you were to choose a cooperation or an unincorporated entity, you have the option to choose your tax structure. Since 1996, the IRS, through “check-the-box” regulations, allows a business entity to select a preferred tax treatment. You should consult a certified public accountant (CPA) to determine the most beneficial tax structure based on the present and future financial situation of the enterprise.
Working with a Fictitious Name
Any name that is different from your organic enterprise or personal name and is used to transact business in the State of Florida is a fictitious name and should be registered with the Florida Department of State. The penalty for not registering the fictitious name may subject the owner or responsible individuals to civil fines and a second degree misdemeanor.
Entity Formation
Most people erroneously believe that they have satisfied all requirements under the laws of the State of Florida by merely registering some entity with the Department of State. However, this is just a license and notification that you have formed such an entity. This is a de-facto entity, which means it has all the characteristics of the entity you registered. Nonetheless, it may lack basic documentation such as bylaws (corporation), operating agreement (limited liability company), corporate resolutions and minutes (corporation), etc. Hence, a Court may construe your enterprise to be a partnership when you intended to have a corporation. Further, the Court may fill the missing documents (or clauses in the documents) with the letter of the statutes, which may be detrimental to your position in your own enterprise.
Obtaining the Proper Permits Professional Regulation
The goods or services your enterprise provides may be subject to regulation. Most professional services such as those provided by doctors, lawyers, engineers, certified public accountants, mechanics, electricians, plumbers, general contractors, insurance agents, and the like are regulated in the State of Florida. It is imperative that you satisfy any regulatory requirements prior to engaging the enterprise for business. Otherwise, obtaining any other permits or even forming your entity may be a waste of resources and efforts.
Goods Regulation
Restauranteurs and liquor purveyors, for example, are subject to additional licenses from health departments and must have the proper liquor license. Some liquor licenses are subject to a specific ratio of food to alcoholic sales that, if exceeded, may lead to fines and the revocation of the license.
Business Tax Receipt
The Business Tax Receipt, formerly known as occupational license, may affect where you can open your business and the regulation of the same considers, location, seating availability, parking, etc. You may find yourself working through a maze of government offices such as building departments and zoning to determine if the location of your choice if legally apt for the enterprise. The business tax receipt requirements vary from county to county and may take into consideration further constraints such as those required by a city within county limits. For example, while the business tax receipt for the City of Casselberry may be obtained at a Seminole County tax office, the business tax receipt for the City of Orlando needs to be separately obtained from the business tax receipt for Orange County despite the fact that the City of Orlando is within the limits of Orange County. This should highlight that, once you have obtained a City of Orlando business tax receipt, you should direct yourself to the Orange County equivalent and obtain a business tax receipt from Orange County. We would like to encourage and exhort you to seek the advise of your attorney and certified public accountant in making these very important decisions and obtaining the proper advice so that you are making informed decisions and prepare for a successful endeavor. Otherwise, it is just a matter of time before a requiem is all to be had of what once was hope and expectation.
Euribiades Cerrud II
Pesquera, Cerrud &
CANVS Birmingham, P.A., Business and Labor Attorneys
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
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UN CAFECITO
WITH THE
ALCALDESA
Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs’ fourth State of the County was held at the historic Church Street Ballroom in June. While she captivated the audience with her message of transformation, just outside of the venue her vision of transformation was busily underway. Earlier that morning and just steps away from the Ballroom, the nation’s newest commuter rail system, SunRail, dropped off guests to the Mayor’s annual gathering of community and business leaders. Just a few blocks from Church Street, the construction of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts continues to build anticipation, with its grand opening scheduled just in time for the 2014 holiday season. Central Florida’s new soccer-centric stadium will soon house the country’s newest Major League Soccer team, the Orlando City Soccer Club. Additionally, Central Florida will be home to some of the country’s most wellknown football bowls, games and concerts when the reconstruction of the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium is unveiled this fall. Couple those accomplishments with the Lake Nona’s Medical City, the new Orlando VA Medical Center, a robust Modeling and Training cluster along with a record breaking 59 million visitors last year, and it’s evident that Orange County has officially entered the Year of Transformation. Here’s a look inside Mayor Jacobs’ plans for the future and how our thriving Hispanic business community has played a significant role in shaping her vision and our region:
Economic development continues to be a priority for the county. How has Orange County fostered its relationship with our Hispanic entrepreneurs and business community? It is a very exciting time in Orange County. The historic momentum we have collectively created together with the Chamber continues on our path of transformation as we expand our jobs base and business development, particularly in our Hispanic community. My No. 1 priority continues to be growing our economy and job creation. In 2013, Orange County funded more than $1 million dollars in economic development programs for businesses within the County. For this reason, we continue to enthusiastically partner with organizations like the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund (HBIF), which assists Hispanic entrepreneurs in establishing their businesses. In fact, Orange County has provided over $123,000 to HBIF for its programs this year. One out of five businesses are Hispanic-owned in the Orlando-metro area, with over $7 billion in total receipts. We were also very excited to play an instrumental role in the creation of the Central Florida International Trade Office (CFITO). Earlier this year, Orange County provided $65,000 to fund CFITO, which was matched by JPMorgan Chase. CFITO will serve as a hub for local entrepreneurs seeking exporting opportunities and international companies interested in doing business in Central Florida.
CARLOS CARBONELL
Echo Interaction Group @carloscarbonell
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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
FEATURE STORY
SIMETRI
In May, I was excited to join Titan Products of Puerto Rico for the grand opening of their distribution center in Orlando. Titan will provide over 200 hundred products for consumers throughout the region, while creating good jobs. I was also part of the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico’s groundbreaking ceremony for its expansion in Orange County. The university’s new building will feature a three-story structure consisting of classroom space and engineering laboratories that will meet the standards implemented by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Programs (ABET). The Hispanic Chamber has spearheaded efforts to facilitate access for Puerto Rican companies to enter the Central Florida market, and that work is starting to bear fruit.
Orange County also works in partnership with the State of Florida to offer economic incentives that facilitate job creation.
You seem to share a special kinship with the Hispanic community. Why is that? I grew up in Miami during a time when the community was changing rapidly. Our neighbors moved from all over the country and the world to make their home in Florida. Although it was difficult for many to adjust to life in a new city, I saw how hard our neighbors worked to make a positive impact in our community. I see that here in Orange County and I am so proud of where we are as a community.
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
“The Hispanic Chamber has spearheaded efforts to facilitate access for Puerto Rican companies to enter the Central Florida market, and that work is starting to bear fruit.”
Orange County’s population stands at over 1.2 million residents and almost 30 percent of our population is Hispanic. We have a richly diverse population with families that come from so many countries and wonderful cultures. The contributions and economic impact they have in our region is both outstanding and inspiring. You can enjoy home-cooked meals at so many local Puerto Rican restaurants and we can all agree that our Colombian bakeries are just to die for! Besides bringing a little bit of home to Orange County, we are witnessing the rise of Hispanic professionals in business and government who bring with them a fresh new perspective in their leadership positions. I see their contributions first hand in the citizens that I have appointed to volunteer boards. Hispanics are making their mark in Orange County and working selflessly to improve and serve our community.
We know you as Mayor Jacobs, Chief Executive Officer of Orange County. What is life like outside the office? Without question my most favorite job has been that of a wife and mom. I’ve been blessed with a wonderful husband Bruce and we have been married for 33 years. Both of us are so proud of our four kids. The three oldest have graduated from college and have started their careers. Our youngest is a senior at Florida State University, my alma mater. I graduated Cum Laude with a degree in economics. I am in constant contact with my kids. This generation is just so much more engaged in the world around them, much more than I was at their age. The desire to serve and be active in the community is remarkable and I am encouraged about our
future because of their passion, their strong convictions to do what is right and their commitment to service. Our neighbors helping neighbors philosophy, the desire to lead and give back, that’s extremely encouraging and I am so proud of the direction they are headed. My kids, this generation, they are the leaders of tomorrow, and their potential is so promising.
I’ve heard you have a green thumb and you do a little bit of gardening? Absolutely! We’ve harvested tomatoes, zucchini, onions, lettuce, just enough for a good salad. In the rare occasion that I do have some spare time, you can find me in the garden tending to the vegetables. It’s very relaxing. We’re even raising honeybees!
You’ve been speaking Spanish in some of your speeches, and you’ve done great! Thank you! I’ve been able to practice every day with people I know. Whenever I have a few minutes in between meetings, I listen to Spanish lessons and that’s been helpful. I’ve also been watching a Spanish-learning series called Destinos, with a plot setup telenovela style. I also have four Spanishspeaking staff in my office, and I keep them on their toes quizzing them with phrases and questions in Spanish. With the growth of our community, it just makes sense to be able to serve residents in their native language. We’re making great strides in that effort in Orange County, with bilingual staff in our departments as well as my monthly newsletter and other materials made available in Spanish. I’m truly proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in connecting with our residents.
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
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FEATURE STORY
DIVERSITY COMES IN MANY FORMS FOR THE DOWNTOWN ORL NDO TECH COMMUNITY Connections between civic, business, and community organizations dedicated to diversifying Orlando’s economy have resulted in an explosion of tech-related activity in Orlando. Events, coworking spaces, festivals, and business associations are springing up across the Metro area, with downtown Orlando at the center of all the activity. Shaping the activity are a number of Hispanic leaders, working in partnership with other business leaders across the region. The focus on technology as an economic driver began several years ago with the announcement of Creative Village, a “transit-oriented development that will be anchored by education, new office and commercial uses, a mix of residential and quality open space.” The development, located in the heart of downtown Orlando, will support a creative environment of technology, education, and other companies and organizations that fit the mission of the community. Says the Creative Village team, “We’ve learned that a successful tech community isn’t simply about entrepreneurs with big ideas. It’s about the entire ecosystem surrounding the startups. Tech companies need an educated workforce, financial and legal expertise from people who understand their business, and a support system to challenge ideas and foster growth. The Creative Village facilitates this ecosystem; it is a place that will provide opportunities for those fortuitous encounters with other creative thinkers.” This community-focused mindset has gained momentum in recent months with the announcement of a City of Orlando digital main street, a nonprofit coworking space dedicated to supporting startups, and several exciting announcements relating to Creative Village, including the possible addition of a University of Central Florida campus. These details have served to support Orlando’s vision of a vast innovation center in the heart of downtown Orlando, a platform for the continued development of an industry looking to the future.
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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
MEET: SHEILA RIVERA
CONSERVATION COORDINATOR
“ I’M PART OF A TEAM
HELPING TO BRING ELECTRIC VEHICLES & RENEWABLES TO CENTRAL FLORIDA.
”
Working in the Conservation and Renewables area allows Sheila the opportunity to do what she loves–coming up with innovative ways for customers to be more efficient at home, work or on the road. As an Orlando local with 15 years of service at OUC, Sheila is committed to a greener tomorrow for our community. Learn more at www.ouc.com. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
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The City of Orlando and regional economic development organizations, including the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, have been overwhelmingly supportive of community efforts. Along with businesses and organizations across Orlando, they have begun working to establish common goals and partner on projects relating to technology. The recent documentary film Orlando Rising captured this trend toward city-wide collaboration. In the film, everyone seems to agree that in order to compete on a national and global scale, the Orlando technology industry will have to grow faster than the many other cities around the world that are actively working to become tech centers. This imperative is fueling activity designed to connect organizations and individuals, support new companies, expand the reach of established businesses, and make it easier for everyone working in the technology industry in Orlando to share what they’re doing. It’s also bringing in more and more Hispanic leaders, who have in the past been underrepresented in technology. It’s a little-known fact that technology is Orlando’s second-largest industry, after tourism, but it’s becoming clearer as area organizations begin to push the message out. Tech companies in Orlando are widely dispersed and often have little communication with one another. Several local groups have been working to change that. One example is the increased visibility of the independent gaming community with the growth of IndieNomicon, an organization that supports indie game companies with much-needed resources, events, and promotion. In only a year, IndieNomicon has grown from a handful of disconnected game designers to an active organization with over four hundred members participating in weekly events averaging one hundred and twenty attendees. As part of a tech sector bolstered by EA-Tiburon and one of
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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
the world’s largest simulation and training clusters, local game companies are able to better connect with talent and resources through these regular gatherings. The opportunity for companies to co-locate is key. That’s where Canvs comes in. Canvs is a planned nonprofit coworking community dedicated to making it easier for anyone to start and grow a company in Orlando. Set to open this summer in the Church Street Exchange, Canvs will provide resident startups with an open, collaborative workspace; a community association that encourages connections between founders; a mentorship network of business leaders from across the Orlando technology spectrum; connections to Orlando universities; and both curated and original programming tailored to the needs of startup companies and the broader entrepreneurial community. Canvs’s nonprofit operations will extend beyond the traditional coworking model to support an ecosystem in which anyone can be inspired to take the entrepreneurial journey. The community’s future locationthe Church Street Exchange- is in the process of being transformed into a center for tech activity in downtown Orlando, with tech companies occupying all levels of the building. Canvs shares many of its goals with the newly- formed Orlando Tech Association, which is on a path to unite and transform Orlando’s tech community. Orlando Tech, a nonprofit association designated by city officials as Orlando’s “digital main street,” was formed only this year to support and grow the tech industry across the Metro Orlando area. The organization came about as the result of grassroots efforts, and combined several community projects: an industry association representing the interests of tech companies, communication efforts designed to promote local industry activity, and events to support product development.
It began with Orlando Tech Meetup, which, within a few years of its creation, had become the largest grassroots tech gathering in the Southeast. Today it serves as Orlando’s unifying tech community event, providing a venue for product demos and networking between local professionals. With Orlando Tech’s formal incorporation into the Orlando Main Street program, the nonprofit was able to hire an executive director and establish a board of directors. One of their first planned programs is Tech Week, a gathering of all of Orlando’s most active tech-focused organizations for a week of activity spread across the Metro Orlando area. Orlando Tech President and Vision Magazine Editor-inChief Carlos Carbonell is one of the Hispanic business leaders championing progress in technology. “There is a direct correlation between diversity in a community and it’s ability to become a tech hub. We are fortunate that our community already has the ingredients for a successful tech ecosystem. We now have to nurture and support that ecosystem while working collaboratively with other public and private organizations and municipalities – our hope is that the Orlando Tech Association will facility this collaboration.” said Carbonell. Techies can also find support at Starter Studio, downtown Orlando’s first tech business accelerator. Founded and hosted by Envy Labs, the recurring three-month program provides tech startup companies with free workspace and amenities at the Envy Labs office, mentorship, and programming designed to support early-stage business development. The majority of Starter Studio events are open to the public, increasing the benefit of the program to the community and the exposure of resident startups to local business leaders. Starter Studio events include Founder Talks, at which local business founders tell their stories, sharing the challenges they faced and how they were able to overcome them; and Brown Bag Lunch, which features one hour presentations from local experts in areas relating to small business development. “Starter Studio’s goal is to help tech startups succeed here in Orlando. We do this by running a 3-month program that combines mentorship, educational events, and a demo day. Orlando isn’t known as a great place to create tech startups, inside or outside the city. We created Starter Studio to do our part to fix this perception, and show this isn’t the case at all,” says Starter Studio and Envy Labs founder Gregg Pollack.
The lobby of the Church Street Exchange building will soon host Orlando Data Science, an organization that develops data science events and educational resources; Rollins College and UCF events; Nerd Nite, an evening of presentations on arts, science, and culture; Tech Talks pitch practice for startups; and a speaker series featuring leaders from all areas of business and technology. Envy Labs hosts many of the local Meetup.com groups, which collectively provides a small, niche event almost every night of the week. There’s also the weekly pitch event One Million Cups, held at Rollins College, which provides a regular opportunity for companies to pitch their products to room full of entrepreneurs, students, professors, investors, and interested business professionals. In addition to the smaller events, there are large annual or semi-annual events like BarCamp, WordCamp, VenturePitch, Startup Weekend, and iSummit. iSummit, sponsored by local company/ tech publication Florida Technology Journal, is a digital conference held every year in Florida. The conference has been held for the past several years in Orlando, and is scheduled for Orlando in 2014. Next year the event will be replaced by OrlandoiX, a digital festival designed to bring together the most innovative Orlando tech companies to connect with product developers and tech experts from around the world. OrlandoiX will leverage Orlando’s entertainment corridor, which will stretch from the new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to the Amway Center and beyond, to transform downtown Orlando into a digital village for the week-long festival. The festival will coincide with Orlando Tech Association’s Tech Week, with satellite events taking place across Orlando. With everything that’s going on, the broader Orlando community is starting to get engaged. Business leaders are dedicating time to mentorship; companies are supporting nonprofit efforts and tech gatherings with funding and tailoring services for the growing entrepreneurship community; media groups are dedicating more time to covering tech news. This is a trend that is likely to continue in the coming years, with major implications for the City. More opportunities for the business community as a whole means more opportunity for Hispanic businesses, and greater diversity in a growing segment of our local economy. The increase in tech jobs means higher wages, better education, and a more forward-thinking business and civic structure. Hispanic leaders are championing this move into the future, helping to guide progress in Orlando and beyond.
Starter Studio and other groups are adding to the swell of downtown activity, which takes the form of nightly events, workshops, and other opportunities to connect. Canvs will serve as a much-needed gathering space, along with Envy Labs, the Melrose Center, and other venues, for a wide range of events.
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
NECOLE PYNN
Managing Director CANVS @neekono
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COVER STORY
January 1, 1914 was an auspicious day for the the fifth largest domestic passenger airline in the United States with airline industry.On that day, pioneer aviator five percent of the total market. Although still small by comparison Tony Jannus inaugurated the world’s first airline to it four largest competitors, JetBlue now employs almost 16,000 passenger service. Flying between St. Petersburg employees (they call them “crewmembers”), has a fleet of 196 aircraft, and Tampa, Jannus piloted his Benoist XIV flying and serves 84 destination cities. boat biplane, completing the trip in 23 minutes, a Coming to Orlando small fraction of the time then required by car or rail. The regular Soon after the start of its flight operations, JetBlue fair was $5.00. In a plane that carried only one passenger, every began service to the Central Florida market with seat was a window seat. a flight from JFK to Orlando. Today, the airline Fast forward to February 2000. A new airline headquartered in New has made Orlando one of its six focus cities with York City launched operations with its inaugural flight between JFK direct flights to 24 destinations, peaking at about airport and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. With that first flight, JetBlue 66 departures daily. Another indication of JetBlue’s commitment to entered the commercial airline business by pioneering an idea that Orlando was the opening in 2005 of its state-of-the-art training center became its corporate compass: providing the kind of service that known as JetBlue University. In addition to certification training, the University provides orientation for approximately 150 new hires nearly would keep customers coming back. every two weeks. An on-campus housing facility for crewmembers attending JetBlue University is now under construction next door. In JetBlue’s Differentiator November of last year, JetBlue opened its Orlando-based Customer The commercial airline business in the United Contact Center providing bilingual service to its customers. Within States has historically been a difficult place to five years, the center is projected to be staffed by 500 customer make a profit. If you had invested one dollar a support crewmembers. Currently, the total JetBlue workforce located hundred years ago, you would still have only one in Orlando is nearing 1,400 crewmembers. dollar. Undeterred, JetBlue identified a market niche in which it could create a brand and maintain a profit. JetBlue One of the most visually impressive signs of JetBlue’s commitment to began flying with a commitment to the kind of customer service that Orlando can be seen by taking a tour of JetBlue University’s facilities. would differentiate it from its competitors. In addition to its classrooms and auditorium, most striking are its four flight simulators for its Airbus A320 aircraft, each simulator costing According to JetBlue’s Vice President for Operational Planning and $12 million and weighting 20 tons. There are also simulators for Training, Warren Christie, when his airline started it was easy to break its Embraer E190 aircraft, a water evacuation training device (also out from the competition because, “customer service and airline known as a pool), and a full-motion cabin trainer that simulates a travel were two words you would not see in the same sentence.” wide variety of emergency conditions including smoke blowing out JetBlue had found a differentiator. They called it “bringing humanity of the cabin floor. back to air travel.” Today that niche has grown. JetBlue is now
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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
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IT’S ALL IN THE TAIL How can you tell one airline from another? One quick way is to look at their tailfins. You’ll find a falcon on Air Arabia. A maple leaf on Air Canada. An Aztec eagle warrior on AeroMéxico. And on JetBlue’s tailfins, you’ll find lots of blue.
Currently, there are nine basic JetBlue tailfin designs. There are blue blueberries, blue bubbles, and blue stripes. To mark the addition of the Airbus A321 to its fleet, JetBlue unveiled its latest design called Prism, including patches of green. For variety, sports teams like the Boston Red Sox, special occasions like the introduction of broadband Internet cabin service, and a tribute to the New York City Fire Department have inspired some one-of-a-kind designs.
Stripes Stripes are always in style. JetBlue has been wearing them since the very start (2000).
Dave Barger, CEO JetBlue Equally impressive is the enthusiasm of our tour guide, Pedro Hernandez who goes by the official title of Supervisor in the Administration, Logistics and Transportation area. Pedro is a native of Puerto Rico and a six-year JetBlue employee. He was attracted to JetBlue by the prospect of travel and by a desire to work in a company known for treating all its crewmembers on a first-name basis.
It Starts at the Top
Among those who are known by his first name is JetBlue’s CEO, Dave Barger. For Dave, the airline industry in general, and JetBlue in particular, are a perfect fit. His father was a pilot, but Dave elected to learn the airline business from the ground up. His first job in 1981 was as a part-time customer service agent in Detroit earning $5.50 an hour. Today, the personal touch remains part of Dave’s approach, - an approach mirrored by every crewmember throughout the company. In a recent interview with Kenneth Freeman, the Dean of the Boston University School of Management, Dave was asked how the core value of “caring” is promoted system wide. His answer was the single word, “presence.” At nearly all of the airline’s new employee orientation sessions, Dave and the JetBlue leadership travel from New York to personally welcome crewmembers and make presentations. It is a presence carefully maintained throughout the company’s geographically dispersed locations. With a high level of transparency, speed and technical sophistication, JetBlue continuously communicates with thousands of diverse crewmembers in a personal and multi-level way.
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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
Barcode You can’t quite scan their jets, but barcode sure makes for one beautiful tailfin. Generated in 2010.
Blueberries What could be better than a healthy snack in JetBlue’s favorite color? The blueberriesinspired design popped up in 2009.
Prism (A321 fleet) JetBlue recently unveiled this Cubist-inspired design, which reflects the many incredible facets of the new A321 fleet.
Windowpane Introduced in 2002, you can spot this pattern on both JetBlue’s stylish crewmembers and jets.
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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
VISIĂ“N | 23
High Scores and Higher Profitability
JetBlue positions itself between the ultra-low, discount carriers and the large, network airlines. The majority of its customers are VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) passengers with a mix of business travelers. It is a niche JetBlue has mined profitably over the years. One measure of its customer service success is demonstrated by its reception for the last ten consecutive years of the J.D. Power and Associates Award for “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Low-Cost Carriers in North America.” Winning eleven years in a row is now the new goal. JetBlue also looks carefully at something called Net Promoter Scores (NPS), a metric that indicates the percentage of customers who would recommend the airline to their friends. Providing customers with one free checked bag was one popular decision by JetBlue that was influenced by NPS. Over the years, the airline has found a direct correlation between high scores and higher profitability.
Members of a Family
Prominent on the wall of the third floor at JetBlue University are the airline’s five leadership principles. The first principle states, “Treat your people right.” The second says, “Do the right thing.” Are principles like these just nice sounding words on a wall? Do the people who see them (from pilots to ground operation crewmembers) believe them and act on them? Warren
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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
Christie says, “Yes.” He says, “It is how family members treat each other. Here it doesn’t matter if you are the CEO or a brand-new crewmember who is on the first day of employment. People have to bring life to the words.” CEO Dave Barger clearly believes that his airline’s caring approach is a foundational asset when he says, “It’s the cultural side of the equation. Because if we lose that edge we’re going to start to look like everyone else.”
Orlando: A Home Away from Home
Although JetBlue calls itself “New York’s Hometown Airline,” it also refers to Orlando as its home away from home. Orlando is the place where new crewmembers are welcomed into their new corporate family. Orlando is a destination for leisure travelers wanting to be served by an airline that understands leisure travel. Orlando is also a gateway to the diverse Latin America and the Caribbean markets that now account for thirty percent of the airline’s flying. For JetBlue, its crewmembers and its passengers, Orlando has become an ideal place to “Inspire Humanity.”
GEORGE FOURNIER
Freelance Writer
#TASTETHEFLAVORS
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 Cranes Roost Park, Uptown Altamonte at Altamonte Springs
www.latinfoodandwine.com Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
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ADVOCACY CORNER
Change 4 Kids
This election year, I want to make you aware of an important referendum that will be included on the August primary ballot. Change 4 Kids is a local campaign, backed by community and business leaders, that supports the extension of the half-penny sales tax to fund construction, renovation, and technology upgrades for Orange County Public Schools (OCPS). If voters do not pass the extension, the initial half-penny tax will expire in December of 2015 leaving OCPS unfunded for necessary repairs and improvements. The initial measure, enacted in 2002 with 60 percent of the vote, aimed to renovate 136 Orange County schools. If the half-penny tax to fund school improvements expires, 39 of the 136 schools included in the original list will be left unfunded, plus an additional 20 schools added to the list will also be left unfunded. Several factors contributed to the shortfall for renovating the original 136: the economic downturn; implementation of the Class Size Amendment and rising construction costs. Implementation of the Class Size Amendment alone represents approximately $600 million in unanticipated expenditures. By December 2015, the economic downturn is projected to result in approximately $600 million less than originally estimated. OCPS is the 10th largest public school system in the nation and the 4th largest in Florida, serving over 187,000 students, 36% (over 67,000) of whom are Hispanics. OCPS has achieved an 87% graduation rate among traditional high schools. As it relates to our Hispanic students, in academic year 2010-11 the graduation rate was 68.6%. By the end of the academic year 2012-13, our Hispanic students’ graduation rate rose to 74.55%. This important indicator of success has brought nationwide recognition to our school district recently. Orange County has been named one of two finalists among large urban school districts in the nation for the elite Broad Prize. The Broad Prize is one of the highest honors bestowed to large urban school districts and recognizes outstanding learning gains in minority populations aside several other criteria. Extending the half-penny tax is crucial to ensure OCPS has the necessary funding for technology needs, major repairs and improvements to our schools which in turn adequately prepare our Orange County students to compete in the global workplace. Supporting our schools is not only a quality of life issue but also an economic development one. The highly educated young professionals and families that our region aims to attract value communities with high performing and well maintained schools. This August 26th, please help maintain Orange County’s overall advantage and vote YES to extend the half-penny sales tax.
7•30•14
5:30pm - 8:00pm
DOUBLETREE by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld 10100 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
Meet and greet our community’s public officials and current candidates. Here you will have the opportunity to get answers to questions you may have, become an educated voter, and vote in our Straw Poll and see which candidate stands ahead.
HCCMO Member $15.00 Non-Member $20.00 For tickets call 407-428-5870 MARITZA MARTINEZ
Associate Vice President Community Relations @UCF UCF
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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
SALES PERSONALITY RUSH
KEEP YOUR SALES TEAM HAPPY!
H
ave you ever had the courage to ask your sales team why they work for you? Do you assume why they work for you, or do you know why they work for you? If you know you are paying your employees way below what you should be paying them, why do some stay with you? Could it be that they don’t feel good enough to ever find another job that pays better? Maybe some of them! But probably money is not all that your employees want out of you and your company. Maybe your employees work hard so that they can become someone significant within your organization. And if you have identified some of those team members, how are you rewarding them? How are you keeping them motivated to continue? What’s in it for them? Since many companies can’t pay as good as they should, they promise the world to their employees so they can look forward to something special. Some of them promise the truth, and many do not. Which one are you?
Do they want a dream or a reality?
Instead of promising things and a dream to your employees that you have no control of, how about rewarding them right now? If you need your employees to speed up and finish the task in hand, why not offer them an incentive? For example: Finish the work by tomorrow and you and your wife will have a dinner for two at your favorite restaurant, on me! How about: If you work a couple of extra hours this week in order to finish the job by Friday, I’ll pay your gas money for a month straight. Maybe a simple gift card will do. If you report to someone, avoid asking your boss if you can do this for your team. Go ahead and do it yourself! You might be telling yourself that just because they get paid, they should be working faster and harder than ever. Well, here is the bad news for you. Many of them, maybe even all of them, are bored! Even if they are spectacular at what they do, if life is repetitive inside your building, they will get bored. The good news is that you can change
how they feel about their job by rewarding and giving them something to look forward to NOW, instead of a promise or a dream that has no certainty of ever happening. And if they don’t like it, they should quit right? Well they don’t want to quit! You know why? Because they believe in the promise and the vision that you offer them. It so happens you are taking way too long to deliver it.
Get creative with it!
I needed some of my team members to increase their phone calls. I offered 2 dollars per contact and phone number of people they where willing to call and offer our product to. They got busy right away! A while back I represented a company that offered me a paid vacation to Los Angeles if my team and I achieved a certain level of sales in a month. How hard do you think I worked for it? Very hard! Did I get it? Oh yeah baby! And guess what? They offered me a huge bonus check, a trip and hotel stay for both my wife and I at the Atlantis in The Bahamas, if I doubled my sales the month after that. Does that get you excited and willing to put a lot more hours to make it happen? You tell me! The company’s dream? To achieve a billion dollars! Their promise? A long and lasting career. Do they wait to reward me until that happens? NO. They do it now!
Start today!
Do you want your employees to be excited about working for you? Do you want them to work faster, deliver better and develop themselves on their own so they can make you a bunch of money? Make a list of great gifts that you can afford. Start small even if you are broke. Invest in your team, start challenging your employees and reward them when they accomplish the goal. And leave your promises MILLO and dreams for when they actually ALDEA happen. The Sales Personality Echo Interaction Group @milloaldea
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
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TAXES
IDENTITY THEFT AND TAX HOW DOES IT AFFECT YOU?
You gather your tax documents and are anxious to meet with your tax preparer. After arriving at their office they begin to prepare your personal tax return and you patiently wait for the preparer to inform you of the refund you will be receiving. The return is complete and submitted to the IRS. You wait and wait for your expected refund that never arrives. After contacting the IRS to obtain the status of your refund, you find out that someone has already filed a tax return using your identity and has obtained the refund due to you. Identity theft is one of the most frustrating and intrusive forms of fraud that can happen to an individual. Here are some interesting statistics related to IRS fraud and identity theft: • During 2012 the Treasury Department reported more than 1.2 million cases of tax identity theft. • Between 2011 and 2013 the IRS caught 14.6 million suspicious returns and protected over $50 billion in fraudulent refunds. • Even if you pass away, your family is still not safe. It is estimated that on average, the identity of 2.5 million deceased Americans are stolen every year and many of these lead to IRS tax fraud. The author of this article was involved with a case related IRS fraud and identity theft where the criminals (who have since been brought to justice) were able to divert fraudulent tax refunds to their personal accounts of approximately $1M in total. They had
requested a total of $3M in refunds and were identified by the IRS after approximately $1M had been issued to them. As you can see, identity theft and IRS fraud are very real and can happen to anyone. What can you do to protect yourself from becoming a victim of the types of identity theft and fraud mentioned in this article? What resources are available to you in the unfortunate event that your identity has in fact been stolen and used to commit IRS fraud? Situations to be mindful of and steps you can take in order to protect yourself now: 1. If you receive an email or are contacted via social media from the IRS requesting personal or financial information, do not respond. The IRS does not send emails stating that you are being audited and does not communicate details pertaining to your individual tax return, including tax refunds, in this manner. 2. Identity thieves can access your personal information by several means including the following:
Stealing your wallet or purse Posing as someone who needs information about you through a phone call or email Looking through your trash for personal information Accessing information you provide to an unsecured Internet site. 3. If your SSN is stolen, another individual may use it to get a job. That person’s employer may report income earned by them to the IRS using your SSN, thus making it appear you did not report all of your income on your tax return. When this occurs, you should contact the IRS to show the income is not yours. After the IRS authenticates who you are, your tax record will be updated to reflect only your information. The IRS will use this information to minimize future occurrences. 4. IRS impersonation schemes flourish during tax season and can take the form of email, websites, even tweets. Scammers may also use a phone or fax to reach their victims. If you receive a paper letter or notice via mail claiming to be the IRS but you suspect it is a scam, check the IRS phishing page at IRS.gov/phishing to determine if it is a legitimate IRS notice or letter. If it is a legitimate IRS notice or letter, reply if needed. If the caller or party that sent the paper letter is not legitimate, contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax
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FRAUD: Administration (TIGTA) at 1-800366-4484. You may also fax the notice/letter you received plus any related or supporting information to TIGTA. These suggestions are derived directly from the IRS website. There are at least nine additional steps that you can take to protect your identity. Please visit www.irs.gov/uac/ Identity-Protection-Tips for additional suggestions. What to do if you if your identity is stolen and it affects your tax filing? If you receive a notice from the IRS (a legitimate notice), make sure that you respond immediately. If you believe someone may have used your SSN fraudulently, please notify the IRS immediately by responding to the name and number printed on the notice or letter. In addition to contacting the IRS, you will need to complete IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, Form 14039. This form can be found at www.irs.gov. You will also need to take additional steps to protect your credit. Immediately flag your credit reports by calling one of the national credit reporting companies like Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. Finally, order your credit reports and create an identity theft report by filing a complaint with the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint or 1-877-438-4338; TTY: 1-866-653-4261 Given the volume of IRS fraud that is linked to identity theft, it is possible that you have taken all of the correct steps, such as calling the IRS and providing them the documentation requested, but have not achieved a resolution after several months. If this is your situation please contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit, toll-free, at 1-800-908-4490 or the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 1-800-829-4059. To obtain more information on the Taxpayer Advocate Service you can also visit them at www.irs.gov/Advocate. A delay in receiving a tax refund can be frustrating and having your IRS status affected due to identity theft can cause additional unnecessary stress. Never think that this cannot happen to you. All too often, it happens when you least expect it.
PETER A. HILERA
Tax Services, Partner Vestal & Wiler, CPAs
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
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The Main StreetSTREET GARDENER THE MAIN Gardener
International Trade
International Trade just got easier for small businesses in our region! The National Entrepreneur Center of Orlando now includes the Central Florida International Trade Office (CFITO). Funded through a partnership between Orange County Government and JPMorgan Chase, this office provides assistance to local businesses interested in pursuing international trade. While many organizations throughout Central Florida provide trade assistance, it can be difficult and confusing to locate the organization or service that is right for you. The US Export Assistance Center provides a variety of services for established companies who are “export ready.” The UCF Small Business Development Center— in conjunction with Enterprise Florida—offers a low-cost export marketing plan for established companies who are considering export as part of their business strategy. Also located at the National Entrepreneur Center are the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and The Asian-American Chamber of Commerce which provide visiting delegations with a variety of connections to our region and hospitality unmatched by other regions. Importing companies historically have fewer options for assistance. However, importer’s critical role in Central Florida’s dynamic international trade economy is being recognized. Port Canaveral is increasing container cargo capabilities, and already provides dock refrigeration to cater to importers and exporters. Inquiries are also underway to gather information on our region’s free trade zone and to identify which opportunities an active-free trade zone might provide importers throughout our region. With an outstanding airport, two seaports, the widening of the Panama Canal, and the new free trade agreements, Central Florida’s position allows for another outstanding hub for International Trade in the State of Florida. Since Orlando is already established as a leading international travel destination, it is logical for Central Florida to leverage that experience and brand recognition into the business of international cargo. The CFITO provides a way to connect small businesses that have the capacity and persistence to engage in international trade. It is not for the struggling startup, but it makes sense for a business looking to expand. A local import/export database is being compiled to identify local import and export businesses, which will provide connections and identify potential partnerships. Importers and exporters attended the first “Friends of International Trade” event held last month! I even attended an international “food tasting” conducted at the NEC for a delegation of food purchasers from China. Lots of good things continue to happen in just the first few months of this endeavor. If you would like to attend an event, get listed in the trade database, or just learn more about international trade, you can connect with the CFITO by email at Elizabeth@cfito.org. Until Next Time…
JERRY ROSS
Executive Director National Entrepreneur Center
@JerryRossOnline
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HCCMO UPDATE We are half way through the year and summer has officially begun! As many of you take this time for well-deserved family vacations, we at the Chamber are staying committed Working. For you! Our summer began with a successful bilateral commercial trade mission to the island of Puerto Rico in an effort to bridge business and commerce between the two regions. For four days delegates met with over 100 local businesses, including government representatives, and attended to more than 70 business meetings. This bilateral trade mission served as a learning curve for all, we were presented with economical and infrastructure facts about the island, and had the opportunity to relationship build not only for our chamber delegates but also for those who attended the “Doing Business with Central Florida Seminar”. Our delegates presented their companies, products and services to a diverse group of businesses in Puerto Rico. Amidst of all the negative publicity that the island has received in the past several months due to an economic drought, there are plenty of business opportunities. Local business owners and government officials want you to know that Puerto Rico is open for business. Puerto Rico is ripe for business and HCCMO members can benefit from establishing long lasting partnerships with successful companies in La Isla del Encanto where growth and opportunities abound. Once again we find ourselves in an election year where Hispanics are predicted to be the decisive factor in various critical races. The HCCMO Political Hob Nob, an event held every election year by the Chamber, gives candidates and community members the chance to engage with one another and participate at a grassroots level in the political process. Candidates will have the opportunity to take center stage and showcase their mission and vision for the community, asking voters for our support. The voters will then participate in a Straw Poll with the results announced towards the end of the program. We ask all of you to be involved, get engaged and make your vote count. Join us this year at our Political Hob Nob, Wednesday, July 30th, at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld. Call or email us for more information. Your success is our success!
DIANA BOLIVAR
President HCCMO @HCCMO
Because life is more than just a party!
Tupperware Brands is a proud supporter of HCCMO For more than 65 years, we have touched lives through our world-famous parties— offering products, solutions, and business opportunities that empower women to make things better for themselves and their families. For more information, visit tupperwarebrands.com
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
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GALLERY
BAH: Crews and Pesquera, P.A. & Pesquera, Cerrud & Birmingham
Bilateral Trade Mission to Puerto Rico
Hispanic Business & Consumer Expo
Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food at CityWalk, Universal Orlando
Bilateral Trade Mission to Puerto Rico
2014 Hispanic Business Conference
BAH: Florida Living Quarters
Civic Advocacy Series
Michael Ertel, Mary Jane Arrington & Bill Cowles Presented by Orlando Health
Supplier Diversity Seminars
Presented by Wyndham Worldwide
BAH: Pay Koncept Merchant Services
Professional Development Series The Role of Leadership
Doing Business with Puerto Rico
WORKING! FOR YOU. 32 | VISIĂ“N
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
April - June 2014
Hispanic Business & Consumer Expo
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony GFS Warehouse
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Global Wealth
BAH: Vascular Vein Center 2014
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Tactical Management
HCCMO Board Members Tour Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Titan Products of Puerto Rico Corp.
Hispanic Business & Consumer Expo
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Orlando Eye Specialists P.A.
Civic Advocacy Series with Lt. Gov Carlos Lopez-Cantera
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Floradel, Inc
Professional Development Series with Anneta Wilson
Presented by Orlando Health
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
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LET’S FACE THE FACTS BERTO RO C
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CLUB
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BREAKING
RECORDS
ROBERTO CLEMENTE
LORENA OCHOA
NAIRO QUINTANA
SCOTT GOMEZ
RAFAEL NADAL
ORLANDO CITY SOCCER CLUB
Puerto Rican, Roberto Clemente, was the first Hispanic to be inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame. (1973)
Lorena Ochoa is a Mexican professional golfer who played on the U.S.-based LPGA Tour from 2003 to 2010, and was the top-ranked female golfer in the world for over three years.
Nairo Alexander Quintana Rojas is a Colombian racing cyclist who recently won the 2014 Giro d’Italia. He is known for his ability to launch sustained and repeated attacks on ascents of steep gradient.
Scott Gomez scored 70 points in 2000 to win the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year, and also won the Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in 2000.
For the fifth consecutive time, Spain’s Rafael Nadal retained the French Open title in June 2014, making it the ninth title in his career.
Orlando City Soccer Club will join the Major League Soccer as its 21st team and begin to play in 2015. Currently there’s five hispanics playing for the team.
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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
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