Get to Know the Chamber's Newest Employee: David Hernandez, Hispanic Business Outreach and Service Representative

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is excited to welcome David Hernandez, the new Hispanic Business Outreach and Service Representative for the Chamber. In this newly created position, done in partnership with the Economic Business Collaborative's Small Business Development Center, Hernandez will assist the Chamber with improving engagement with, and services to, the Hispanic business community.

Hernandez will also assist the Economic Development Collaborative as their Small Business Development Center Client Services representative.

Here's some additional information about David:

Tell us a bit about your background and why you were interested in this position at the Chamber:

Growing up in L.A. County, the Hispanic community showed me the importance of local involvement and investing in the people. My background is in sales management, specifically business sales to the Hispanic market, and also military and first responders in Los Angeles and Orange County.

My first experience with the Chamber of Commerce began as a student while attending school in L.A County. I have always had an interest in organizations like the Chamber of Commerce that help businesses and the local community acquire knowledge of economic growth and networking.

Why do you feel it’s important for the Chamber to have a Hispanic Business Outreach and Service Representative.

As the local Hispanic business community grows, their economic impact will benefit all in the community. As a representative for Hispanic businesses, I recognize that building relationships and bonds with the Hispanic community is vital to help developmental growth of the entire Santa Maria Valley community.

What are you most excited about in this position?

What I’m most excited about is giving back to the community. Building relationships and empowering the Hispanic business community with knowledge, tools and resources will not only help these businesses reach their full potential, but it will also inspire and enable future generations of business in the community.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family and friends. I also find it very rewarding to give back the community and am a member of organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), which helps the military and veteran community.

What is your favorite thing about living in Santa Maria?

The cohesiveness and cultural diversity coming together to celebrate what the Central Coast and has to offer is one of my favorite characteristics of this community, and one of my favorite things about living in Santa Maria.

The Chamber is excited to welcome David Hernandez to their staff. You can contact David via email at david@santamaria.com.