Letter from the Board Chair

LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIRWOMAN

Dear Chamber Members, Supporters and Stakeholders,

It is my privilege and pleasure to serve as Chair of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana (HCCL). We are all well aware of the global economic crisis due to COVID-19 and the profound impact it has had on the people and communities we serve. We are living in unprecedented times that require unprecedented actions.

In response to the crisis, the HCCL, in partnership with the Hispanic Young Professionals Committee (HYPLA) and the HCCL Foundation (HCCLF), has been busier than ever, responding to the crisis in extraordinary ways. The Chamber has shifted its live events to a virtual platform in order to continue bringing important content and to keep businesses connected, talking to us all in very different ways, webinars, conference calls, radio. You name it, the HCCL is doing it: finding ways to bring us all together.

We want to let our members know that the HCCL is here to support the Louisiana Hispanic business community. Our mission is to provide support to our members in both good times and bad. We have made a commitment to respond quickly to the challenges that will arise so that we can assist all our members across the State of Louisiana.

As I look ahead, I anticipate seeing great things for the HCCL working together with corporations, businesses, non-profit organizations, community leaders and governmental bodies providing innovative and progressive solutions to move us into the future. The HCCL continues its mission to create and facilitate a business climate within the Hispanic community to promote economic development and growth in Louisiana, working remotely and helping others navigate through uncertainty on a scale most have never experienced before. With your help sponsoring an event, attending a program or inviting other businesses to participate, we can accomplish all of our goals. We must focus to get through this crisis together by supporting each other, our local communities, and by keeping ourselves and each other safe.

On behalf of the HCCL, I would like to personally express our hearty thanks to all our loyal members, sponsors and stakeholders for their continued support and commitment with the HCCL mission. To the HCCL President, Mayra Pineda, for her leadership and representation of the Chamber. I would also like to extend our appreciation to our board members for their dedicated efforts in actively seeking to achieve our goals. Finally, I would like to thank the HYPLA Committee and our partner, the HCCL Foundation. Your leadership, determination and work will make all the difference for the future of the Louisiana Hispanic business community and the community at large.

Until we meet again, please stay strong and safe.

Martha L. Castillo HCCL Board Chair, 2020-2021