Hola America News
Latino Trade Network kicks off as a new resource for business owners By Kassidy Arena, Iowa Public Radio Last summer, six entrepreneurs met together to figure out how to better support one another and others like them. Amner Martinez, Yeymi Tobar, Jaime Leiva, Rocio Hermosillo Tarin, Chris Noth, Kenji Nakata decided one way to do that would be to create a new networking resource for Latino-owned businesses, business owners and entrepreneurs. They named it the Latino Trade Network. After the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce hosted the Black and Brown Business Summit last April, Martinez approached the chamber to partner on the endeavor. It agreed to help sponsor and organize the kick off event that took place at La Cuscatleca South last Thursday January 27. “It’s time for us to unite in that sense, and start sharing resources, start sharing knowledge that will help everyone grow even more and also become a place where we can be a little bit more influential in different areas,” co-founder Jaime Leiva said. He said he believes the Latino business community can empower each other by sharing resources and experiences, including new businesses and well established ones. Tom Florian, the director of membership and growth at the
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, added he is looking forward to seeing another aspect. “The mentorship is a key piece as we continue to build the networking and the connections among these could be brand new entrepreneurs, small businesses that have just opened and to have a network designed to provide mentors right away to help them grow and succeed,” Florian said. Leiva and the other co-founders plan to follow the kickoff event with monthly or quarterly meetings to continue strengthening relationships within Latino communities, business communities and where they overlap. He said he hasn’t seen many continued networking opportunities for Latino business owners. “Currently, the options are very limited. I can’t think of anything of this scale where people can meet. I know in the past, groups [and] different organizations have done events for Latino networking. But more recently, those are really not in existence,” he said, noting COVID-19 has caused some endeavors to stall. He also thanked the Chamber for making the event happen. Florian said the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has been focused on being intentional and inclusive when providing opportunities to business owners.
Attendees of the Latino Trade Network Happy Hour at La Cuscatleca South. Photo by Tar Macias / Hola Iowa
February 3, 2022
15
AROUND IOWA
Evento Mainframe Studios Primer Viernes Estudio Abierto El evento First Friday Open Studio (Primer Viernes Estudio Abierto) celebrará el Mes de la Historia Afroamericana. La alineación muestra la nueva ubicación de ArtForce lowa y una exhibición de trabajos de artistas BIPOC seleccionados por ArtForce lowa. Como siempre, los eventos de estudio abierto del primer viernes son gratuitos y abiertos al público. ¡Únete a la diversión! Mainframe Studios está ubicado en 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines.
Mainframe Studios First Friday Open Studio event First Friday Open Studio event will celebrate Black History Month. The line up showcases ArtForce lowa’s new location and an exhibition of work from BIPOC Artists curated by ArtForce lowa. As always, the First Friday open studio events are free and open to the public. Come join the fun! Mainframe Studios are located at 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines. Photo by Tar Macias / Hola Iowa
DES MOINES
