Dec’ 2014
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Program 1. Flag Salute by Paterson P.A. L. Junior Policy Academy Pledge of Allegiance. 2. Welcome Dignitaries by: Master of Ceremonies Maximo Sanchez. 3. Introduction President & CEO - Diana Lynch. 4. Introduction Executive Board & Committee Leader Directors. 5. Events Blessing By: Pastor Harrison Sanchez. 6. Honoree - Judge Carmen Velasquez & Mrs. Ingrid Guzman. 7. Horizon Blue Cross & Blue Shield Introduction. 8. Video Presentation. 9. Closing Remark- President & CEO - Diana Lynch.
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Welcome Welcome to the Hispanic American Chambers of Commerce Annual Gala Dinner
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he Hispanic American Chambers of Commerce is honored and pleased to host its Annual Gala Dinner and welcome the distinguished guests participating in this momentous event. We thank you wholeheartedly for your continued support to the Hispanic American Chambers of Commerce Inc. Tonight we celebrate another year of mayor accomplishments as we continue to succeed in addressing the needs of the Hispanic business community throughout New Jersey. As a President and CEO of the Hispanic American Chambers of Commerce Inc, I am proud to serve the Hispanic business community and I will continue to work hard for the better of our state, partners and members.
We have an opportunity to create a new economy movement that is based on our values and bring economic power back into the hands of the people and community. Every day there are new cooperatives and communityowned businesses being created, expansions in the shareable and gifting economy, collaborative consumption, and more socially responsible entrepreneurs, -everyday people know that the economy is out of whack and we are fixing it one business and one neighborhood at a time. We are strengthening the foundations of international relationships, thereby opening doors in order to enhance the economy in the State of New Jersey. Today we have signed protocols of mutual cooperation with
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the Chambers of Commerce of Quebec, Canada; Colombia, Mexico and the Dominican Republic, and soon also with Peru, in order to boost trade and investment, and in so doing, eliminate barriers to their development. We need to mention that we have relocated to a brand new offices located in the third most populous city in New Jersey, also known as silk city, as it used to be the top producer of silk in the late nineteenth century. The success of the Hispanic American Chambers of Commerce is based on all of us working to insure through input, feedback, participation and financial support that our mission is accomplished. “To represent and advocate for Hispanic businesses in New Jersey in a cohesive and collective manner, to assist new entrepreneurs, to vitalize existing businesses and to work toward assuring the growth and success of Hispanic businesses and the communities they serve” It is noteworthy that in our calendar of events and activities for the year approaching
we will be conducting the “International Trade Business Expo 2015”.,which will take place for three days of intense trade agenda and business exchange in the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey, because for us the transformation of issues on the global agenda, accelerated adjustment and deepening economic globalization have brought about new opportunities for economic development and have set new and complex challenges for all nations. We are very optimistic and confident that The Hispanic American Chambers of Commerce will reflect your spirit, talents, enthusiasm, and personal dedication to make 2015 another great success story!
ch D i an a L y n
PRESIDENT & CEO THE HISPANIC AMERICAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
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y r o t s i H
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he Hispanic American Chambers of Commerce Inc., was founded in 1986 to encourage and stimulate commerce, as well as assist in the development of businesses in the pursuit of success. Provide a trustworthy source where business minded individuals can obtain reliable information based on the reputation and standing of trade matters offered by merchants. Boost and advocate the cooperation and friendly exchange, along with the opportunity to network and build strategic partnerships amongst other business men and women. Furthermore, work hand-in-hand with the Hispanic American private sectors, in a way that will mutually benefit us, not only as minorities, but as American business owners contributing towards our prosperity and continuously growing economy. We strive to assist our members businesses in a manner that will lead to a better future for our entire communities. Through communication and unity, in purpose, we hope to improve the business climate for our members and provide a means of exhibiting cultural pride. With this in mind, we urge our members, citizens, local leaders and other civic organizations to join us in our quest to unite the community in the entire state of New Jersey, including national and internationally, to create network mutually and ingeniously that will continue to benefit the American Economy. During the years the Hispanic-American Chambers of Commerce was first established, we have been able to accomplish several activities of interest and of importance to the members and communities alike; training seminars, webinars, workshops, expos and fairs, which offer Chamber members an opportunity to pursue up to date information, instruction and materials on how to better operate their businesses on a daily basis and improve financial outlook. 7
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Executive Board Executive Board Members
DIANA LYNCH PRESIDENT
RAMON CONTRERAS VICE-PRESIDENT
JOSE COLON VICE-PRESIDENT
GINA MANSER TREASURER
SONIA ROSADO SECRETARY
MAXIMO SANCHEZ SERGEANT OF ARMS
JUAN MAS MEMBER
MARTA CEDILLO MEMBER
KRISTOPHER GARCIA MEMBER
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Committee Leaders Directors
CARLOS PEREZ CULTURAL & ART
YANIRA GUZMAN EVENT & ACTIVITIES
MIKE COLLADO MEDIA & PRODUCTION
FRANCISCO ISLA MEMBERSHIP
CAROL CUADRADO LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
ENERIO MONTESINOS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
KILDER FUENTES HISPANIC AFFAIRS
GALIA CHATE-YOUNG BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS ALLIANCES
JORGE FLEYTAS RECREATION & SPORT
Directors RUBEN SANJUAN PUBLIC RELATIONS
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Honored Carmen Velasquez, A First Latina State Supreme Court
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he Hispanic American Chambers of Commerce of the State of New Jersey, is honored to welcome a public figure of Ecuadorian origin, who has succeeded in bringing her legal career to a higher judicial forum in the US. Reaching such an elevated position demands a high degree of integrity, determination and sense of justice, coupled with a deep understanding and top-notch intellectual formation; to be sensitive yet strong, to have high principles and values, an immaculate reputation and service history which speaks for itself; the career of Judge Velasquez is living proof of these qualities. Carmen Velasquez has dedicated all her life to the welfare of the community; she overcame all odds and with hard work and determination, raised a family and pursued a great career. Her achievements belong to all Latino families. She knows the challenges of poverty, language barriers and discrimination that too many Latinos face in our communities ... She has been a tireless fighter for the rights of immigrants. Judge Velasquez was born in Guayaquil and came to the U.S. when she was a teenager. She studied public administration at John Jay College in New York and law at Temple University in Philadelphia. Velasquez received her B.A. degree from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 1984 and her J.D. degree from the Temple University School of Law in 1987. She also spent the summer of 1985 at the University of Athens Law School. In the summer of 1986, she worked as an intern for the Appellate Division (1st Department) Assigned Counsel Plan. She has received various awards from the city’s Latino community, and she cited her mother as her guide and source of inspiration. As a civil judge, she has made 18,707 judicial decisions, settled 9,246 cases and ruled in 2,500 trials.
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Honored Ingrid Guzman, a woman of strong faith and determination
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ngrid Guzman is currently President and Corporate Executive Officer at Human Bridges Inc. an internationally based firm in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan. The company successfully creates and manages special VIP events, conventions, international projects and initiatives, as well as special projects, among the private and public sectors, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). For more than two decades, she has been a committed teacher in the District of Columbia Public Schools System as a Foreign Language teacher. She is an Alumni of Howard University where she obtained her degree in Latin-American Literature and served as a professor and presenter. She attended George Washington University, Trinity College, and the University of the District of Columbia. Ms. Guzman also has a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to community, both locally and abroad. Her strong leadership qualities, insights, and sense of compassion have resulted in the creation of many service organizations and initiatives, such as: The U.S.S. Sequoia Presidential Yacht – Event Planner, liaison Counselor of the Embassy of Dominican Republic in Washington, DC Counselor for Dominican Mission to the Organization of American States (OAS) Latin American Liaison for African Non-Profit Organizations Ambassador of Kuwait & Puerto Plata Programs Liaison for Cancer Centers- Dominican Republic-Community leaders Liaison for Model United Nations Education System of Washington, D.C & Santo Domingo Coordinator of the Presidential -Golf Invitational Tournament in Casa De Campo, Dominican Republic. Additionally, Mrs. Guzman serves as a member of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, the International Parliament Foundation, the Dominican Association of Baltimore, to name a few. Her strong faith and steadfast spirit of determination allow our honoree, Mrs. Ingrid Guzman to also stand before you today as a Cancer survivor. A first generation immigrant from Santiago, Dominican Republic and a proud mother of three sons, Jorge, David and Gaby.
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SPECIAL THANKS Dr. Hector Castillo Alma Bank Institute of Science & Tech Association West New York PNC Bank Agostino Feola- Paterson P.A.L. Lance Maiden- Coldwell Banker Dra. Damaris SolomonWells Fargo Bank Nationwide Equity Solrac Graphic Design
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Health Insurance Horizon-Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey & Hispanic American Chambers of Commerce.
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orizon has offered quality health insurance products and services to New Jersey families and businesses since 1932. Horizon is not-for-profit Company and is the state’s largest health insurance Company, serving nearly 3.7 million members. We are committed to ensure our families; friends and neighbors have access to quality and affordable health care. The introduction of the Health Insurance Marketplace and expansions in Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act offers much promise for racial and ethnic minorities to gain access to quality, affordable healthcare. However, barriers to enrollment and care such as language and health literacy add a level of difficulty to an already complex process. With the second annual period upon us, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ continues to lead through education to increase awareness and access to health care to the Hispanic community by hosting educational events and providing onsite enrollment assistance to consumers in all 21 New Jersey Counties. Targeted efforts such as this have proved necessary to ensure the Hispanic population is aware of and receive the proper education in order to receive health care access for which they are eligible. 15
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