THE MCALLEN HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MISSION

The McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce promotes economic development and assists businesses to access the Hispanic market through networking, promoting education and nurturing leadership.

HISTORY

In 1997, a group of businessmen and women began what today is an award-winning Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in the Rio Grande Valley. This small group felt that very small and minority-owned businesses could use a hands-up. Thus began the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The first official meeting was held in September 1997, with a temporary board of directors elected the following month. Today, your MHCC has a working Board of Directors, more than 400 members (and that number is constantly growing), and a supporting group of corporations that serve as Partners to the MHCC to ensure that the program of work is carried out to best serve the needs of the Rio Grande Valley business community.

Each month, the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosts or co-hosts events ranging from networking mixers to business seminars, from cultural events and recognition activities, from mentoring programs to advocacy, and so much more. Sponsors of the events are welcomed and highlight at each event and assist in bringing much-needed information and assistance to the small and minority-owned businesses in the area.

The McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is totally funded by you the members, Corporate Partners and sponsors of the diverse events. No City or County funding is provided to the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to carry out any of its mission, activities and events.

The McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce houses a satellite office of the Small Business Administration and the UTPA Small Business Development Center. If you are looking to expand your business or open a business, you can have a one-on-one conversation and guidance from these experts – and, it’s free of charge.

The MHCC welcomes each and every one of you. As a member, you can take advantage of many opportunities to learn, grow, and share. Each year, elections are held and you can participate in the growth of the MHCC by placing your name as a candidate for a particular position. You can serve on any of the committees that the MHCC has to ensure that the members benefit from every opportunity that is placed before them.

As you visit our website and attend or sponsor our events, the MHCC welcomes your comments and suggestions. In that way, the MHCC can continue to be reflective of the needs and opportunities that our Valley community sees as being of importance to progress. As the saying goes in Spanish, “¡Si se Puede!”, but only with your help.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

Goal I: To be the premier source of our member’s success by offering
networking and business opportunities

OBJECTIVES:
• Provide opportunities for MHCC members to meet, exchange information and develop business relationships in informal and formal settings

• Allow MHCC members and Corporate and/or event sponsors an opportunity to showcase their services/products/ personnel to people from throughout the world

• Increase Chamber Membership by 25%

• Give added value and promotion of MHCC members through the MHCC website

GOAL II: To add value to our members through economic development, international trade opportunities and governmental affairs

OBJECTIVES:
• Provide a series of seminars that will get the member and non-member businesses certified by HUB, etc. to be able to expand their opportunities to do business with federal and major business entities

• Work with organizations and entities worldwide to provide access to capital and business opportunities outside the U.S.

• Serve as the conduit for MHCC members and the community to have access to information, community leaders and legislators to ensure that laws and other governmental acts are in the best interest of the business community and Hispanics in this region

• To provide Hispanic professionals and business owners the opportunity to serve on local, state, national and international boards and organizations

GOAL III: To assist minority- and women-owned small businesses in this region with their growth and development

OBJECTIVES:
• Provide minority- and women-owned businesses with the appropriate tools to develop and grow their businesses, to include seminars, certification opportunities, financial and loan possibilities, business contracting workshops, information, etc.

• Promote (with publicity and recognition) the minority- and women-owned businesses in this region to organizations/entities/programs outside the RGV

• Focus on business areas with possible financial needs

GOAL IV: To support and promote cultural and business events and issues which are intrinsic to the Hispanic market

OBJECTIVES:
• Provide a broader spectrum of events to the entire family that will lead to more business and individual travelers to decide to have their events or extend their visits in this region

• Promote cultural events that highlight the rich cultural heritage and diversity of this area

• Sponsor and establish heritage events, groups and activities to ensure that the cultural, health and women’s interests are satisfied

GOAL V: To support and promote events and activities dealing with education, health and women

OBJECTIVES:

• Provide venues and opportunities for women, youth and families to learn about issues and services, receive assistance, and grow economically, socially and personally