Buenos Dias! Good Morning! When we received, our 2013 membership survey results, we had a high percentage of members that asked to meet early. They are ready to make connections and do business before ever stepping foot into the office. We listened and next Tuesday, February 4th, we launch our Monthly Buenos Dias Meet Ups. The first one will be held at our Chamber office at 8:00 a.m. Each month it will be hosted at different member locations throughout our entire region. We are serious about making business happen for our members, and want to ensure that we provide the membership opportunities that you value most. We know networking is at the top of the list. Don't worry, we'll still have our evening mixers, now called our Business Exchanges. Whether you're an early bird or an evening owl, we have a time for you to make connections to grow and promote your business!
Our 42nd Annual Business Awards and Gala is next Friday, February 7th! We have our emcees in place, Cristina Mendonsa, News 10 and Elias Conde, Adelante Media Group are ready to help guide you through a night of recognition, celebration and dancing! If you haven't purchased your tickets yet, make sure you do! This is a night that you won't want to miss! Purchase your tickets today!
Alice Perez
President & CEO
"Your Success is Our Success."
Featured Member of the Month: Regional Transit
Did you know the Sac RT has a ridership of 32 million people per year! How many times did you ride the Bus or Light Rail this year? Sacramento Regional Transit has been a force of changing the face of Sacramento public transportation since 1973. Through their leadership and SHCC involvement as a Latino Partner, Sac RT has helped provide business with outlets to increase their business through the procurement opportunities.
The Sacramento Regional Transit District operates 67 bus routes and 38.6 miles of light rail covering a 418 square-mile service area. Annual ridership has steadily increased on both the bus and light rail systems from 14 million passengers in 1987 to over 32 million passengers in 2010. RT's entire bus and light rail system is accessible to the disabled community. With an organization this size, and so many moving parts, they have made offering small businesses RT Bids a top priority. Have you been to one of the RT Workshops that teach business how to become certified and receive bids? We have more planned for 2014, and businesses that attend get results.
Sac RT's involvement goes beyond just the Latino Partner contribution, but their leadership team plays an active role within the community. Dee Brookshire is the Chief Financial Officer for RT and is responsible for all finance; accounting; cash management; grant funding; and treasury functions of the District. She is also the Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Sacramento Business Service Center. With her knowledge and expertise, Dee adds valuable knowledge for the procurement opportunities for the SHCC members.
Dee has more than twenty years of experience in public agency and private sector finance at the senior and executive level. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Finance and Economics from California State University Sacramento; a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Nevada Reno, as well as the professional certification of Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) from the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). We are proud of our Leading Latina.
Sac Regional transit has helped the SHCC maintain it standing as a leading business organization by creating a year round partnership. The workshops that the SHCC partners with RT offer great training to businesses that are ready to take their business to the next level. Because of their year dedication to the Hispanic Business Community, Sac RT is named Corporate Partner of the Year for the 42nd Annual Business Recognition and Award Gala on Feb. 7th.
Friday, February 7th, 2014; 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
University Ballroom, Sacramento State, 6000 J Street
Don't miss out on our Annual Black-tie Event! We will honor our business awardees, have community leaders compete in "Latin Dancing with the Stars," and celebrate our members at the 42nd Annual Business Awards and Recognition Gala. Participate in our exciting Live Auction lead by David Sobon Auctions that raises funds for the Mayor Joe Serna, Jr. Scholarship Program, and dance the night away with our fabulous band, "Dinorah and Crosswinds." Sponsorship Opportunities are available. Tickets are $150/pp for members, $175/pp for non-members, and Table of 10 are $1,500. Purchase your tickets here
Join us in congratulating the 2014 Business Award Winners:
Small Business of the Year: Big S Design, Silvia Leyva
Young Professional of the Year: Sofia Gutierrez, Halldin Public Relations
Ambassador of the Year: Ricardo Aguilera, Edward Jones Investments
Corporate Advocate of the Year: Regional Transit
Multi-Sector Trade Mission to Mexico
February 10-11, 2014 - Chihuahua City
February 13-14, 2014 - Mexico City
This coming February, join the Center for International Trade Development in Sacramento and the Hispanic Chambers of Commerce in Sacramento, Alameda County, and San Jose on a trade mission to Mexico.
This two-fold mission is designed to build trade relationships and to enhance the ability of California's small- and medium-sized businesses to prosper in Mexico.
Our first stop is Chihuahua City, capital of the largest state of Mexico. Chihuahua City is strategically located approximately 230 miles from the world's largest market allowing easy access to the principal cities in Mexico through its connecting routes to the US. The City has 7 industrial parks, with over 80 industrial plants. With a population of over 800,000, of which 60% are under the age of 30, Chihuahua City has been cited as one of the best cities to conduct business. Below is an example of the opportunities that will be available to you: One-on-one Matchmaking meetings, Site visits with potential buyers looking for California suppliers, Business networking events, and On-site interpreters to assist with matchmaking meetings
Our second and last stop is Mexico City, the center for industry sectors, tourism, corporations, government, and more. Participants continuing beyond Chihuahua to Mexico City will have the opportunity to meet with key: Governmental leaders, Mexican chambers, Corporations, and Financial institutions.
We encourage you to take advantage of this trade mission to build lasting relationships with Mexico that will only further increase the success of your business.
Tuesday, February 4th, 2014; 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - 1491 River Park Drive. Ste 101
Not all networking happens after 5 p.m.! Join the Buenos Dias Meet-Up group and jump start your day making connections to promote and grow your business. Over coffee and chat, you'll be ahead of your competition by networking before even hitting the office! Be sure to have your 90-second elevator speech ready to connect with other like minded professionals. On the second Tuesday of each month, we'll come together for these morning meet-ups to share ideas, make referrals, and generate business. Space is limited, please RSVP. Want to host a Buenos Dias Meet Up for SHCC Members and guests? Connect with Veronica Delgado veronica@sachcc.org for more information. Must be a SHCC member to host meet-up. Register here!
Member Orientation
Thursday, February 13th, 2014; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - 1491 River Park Drive. Ste 101
Fees/Admission: Free
We want our members to know about all the opportunities available to make your business a success! Come learn about the benefits and services the SHCC has to offer you, meet other members, and network! Whether you are brand new, or need a refresher this is a great session for you to attend! Connect with Veronica Delgado for more information. Register here!
Join us for our monthly Business Exchanges and you may have a chance to be in the spotlight. Do you have your 90 second elevator speech ready to share with SHCC members and guests? If you don't, you may want to start practicing it. Not only are the monthly Exchanges a great opportunity to network and share your business details and goals, but one lucky person is going to get the chance to take the microphone and give their 90 second commercial to the entire crowd. Will you be ready if your name is called? Bring plenty of cards, or be ready to bump iPhones to exchange information because this is the place where business relationships begin! Want to showcase your business? Purchase a Spotlight Table for $75 to share your products and services directly with our members and guests. Call our office to secure yours today! Register here!
Elected Official Roundtable with County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan
Friday, February 21st, 2014; 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - 1491 River Park Drive. Ste 101
Fees/Admission: Free
Learn what the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors is doing to help small businesses succeed. We encourage you to send your questions in advance to info@sachcc.org. This is a great opportunity for you to hear first-hand from Supervisor MacGlashan. Register here!
Member Events
CAHCC: Covered California's Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP)
Thursday, January 30th, 2014/English & Friday, January 31st, 2014/Spanish
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Zazon Guadalajara Grill - 2386 Fruitridge Rd.
In partnership with the North Franklin Business District in Sacramento, the CHCC will be presenting on Covered California's Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) in English and in Spanish! The SHOP program is designed for businesses of 50 employees or less. This event is open to all who are interested. Questions? North Franklin Business District 916.455.2124; California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce 916.444.2221.
CAHCC: Neuro Engineering Institute Conference
January 28th - 31st, 2014
The Omni Hotel - 251 South Olive Street, Los Angeles
The Neuro Engineering Institute will be having their International Business Success Blueprint Conference this month. This event will focus on providing entrepreneurs, small business owners and leadership teams of middle market companies with the tools, resources and structure to build out their operations so they succeed and thrive!Here here to learn more!
SACRAMENTO KINGS: Latino Heritage Night
March, Saturday 1st, 2014; 7:00 p.m.
Sleep Train Arena, Sacramento
Join the SHCC and Sacramento Kings for Latino Night 2014! Bring the family for a fun evening of celebrating the diverse Latino cultures in our region. Fun games and cultural spotlights will be available, as well as signature scarves featuring "Los Kings" just for the occasion. Discounted packages and special opportunities for SHCC members. Visit the Kings Hotdeal.
