Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Organization

The Mission of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is to maximize the success of our members’ businesses through networking, advocacy and education.

How it all began. . . The History of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

In 1972 a small group of business owners, a Catholic priest, and a Sacramento City Councilman met to discuss California’s changing population, its economy and the impact of each on the local Hispanic community.  That meeting culminated in the formulation of the Mexican American Chamber of Commerce.

The Mexican American Chamber of Commerce was formed to address educational and economic opportunities in California and in the United States.  In the 1960’s and early 1970’s colleges and universities designed affirmative action programs and programs to create opportunities for minorities.  Similar programs began to surface in the political employment arenas. By the early 1970’s, Californians were beginning to promote equal access and opportunities for minority groups in all aspects of the public and private sector.

Discussion regarding educational and economic empowerment also surfaced in Sacramento.  The Chamber’s early organizers included Father Dan Casey.  At that time Father Casey was working in the Department of Mexican American Affairs for the Diocese of Sacramento.  In the beginning Father Casey and a group of business owners wanted to start a Mexican American bank. and that the outgrowth of that idea was the formation of the chamber.  Father Casey stated, “It was the difference between Brown power and Green power.” Regular meetings to organize the chamber began in 1972. The Chamber was confirmed as a non-profit the following year.  “It went fast after that.  People started putting on seminars on how to get loans, how to do bookkeeping, etc.”, Father Casey recalled.

In 1972, the Mexican American Chamber of Commerce articulated its goals:

• Promote business, industry, commerce and culture within the minority community

• Increase better understanding between Spanish speaking businesses and the community at large.

• Encourage the development of resources from the City of Sacramento, County of Sacramento and the surrounding trade areas, which will promote and enhance the welfare and building of the local economic community.

The new Chamber experienced its growing pains.  In the early years the Chamber office was located in space donated by a member of the Board of Directors.  The chamber was reflected by the personality of the current president.  Spouses of Board members played key roles in office management.  One of the Early powerbrokers was John Gallardo Taylor, owner of an electronic manufacturing firm, who was unanimously elected as the first president.  Albert Herrera, an electronic equipment dealer, served as vice president.  Salvador Mercado, who owned a nightclub served as treasurer, Lorenzo Gomez, president of Markess Export Company, served as secretary.  Other early board members included Sacramento City Councilman Manuel Ferrales, state workers Joseph Flores and John B. Garcia, and restaurant owners Manuel Lozano and Salvador Perez, Jr.

The chamber grew slowly and unsteadily with a core group of between 25 to 100 members.  Chamber events included fundraising dinner dances, seminars and community gatherings.  The media often times largely ignored such functions, but the Chamber found its allies in the Hispanic media.  Media such as newspapers headed by Rudy Cuellar and Pepe Buenavista.   In its second decade the Chamber began to expand its membership and its horizons.  In 1984-85, the Chamber’s name was changed to the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SHCC) to reflect the growing population of a diverse Mexicano/Latino community.  In the early 1980’s, the Chamber began to increase its international activities.  The Chamber developed a sister city relationship with the City of Chihuahua, Mexico, and spearheaded efforts in establishing an exchange program for Hispanic doctors with Mexico.  Through the efforts of former president Jesus Fernandez, Jr. the Chamber also began to host the North American Free Trade Agreement Conference (later known as the North American Trade Agreement Conference).  The SHCC established statewide, national and international prominence through its involvement in international trade, NAFTA, and trade missions to Canada and Mexico.

The Chamber developed local programs, adopted a local elementary school, initiated programs to benefit children in the cultural arts, such as support for the Sacramento Ballet, developed mentor programs for at-risk students, created its annual Jalapeño Classic Golf Tournament and initiated its scholarship program.  Today, the scholarship program, renamed The Mayor Joe Serna Jr. Scholarship Program, distributes over 40-55 scholarships to deserving students in the Sacramento area.

The SHCC sponsored seminars on issues facing local businesses, and the Chamber’ advocacy committee has actively sponsored legislation which affects small businesses and other employers; held monthly legislative luncheons featuring statewide assembly and senate representatives as guest speakers; and promoted procurement opportunities for the membership.  Finally, the Chamber continues to serve as a voice at the state and regional levels promoting economic issues, which face its members and the business community at large.

The growth and stability of the chamber became the strength of the chamber during the 1990’s.  The chamber installed sophisticated business, accounting and technology systems to manage the business of the chamber.  The chamber hired full-time and experienced Executive Directors and leased office space.  The competition for Board seats was an indication of the stature of the Chamber as highly competent and successful individuals wanted the opportunity to serve the Chamber on a volunteer basis.  The focus on enhancing member services and activities became the focus during the latter part of the 1990’s.   

The SHCC has revised its bylaws whereby Chamber operations are managed by the President/CEO; and is governed by a nineteen (19)-member Board of Directors headed by its elected Chairman of the Board. The Chamber appoints and has on retainer a General Counsel.  The directors include prominent members of Sacramento’s business community including corporate members and small business owners.

In 2001 the first elected Chairman of the Board was Marco A. Rodriguez and the first appointed President/CEO was Dennis Trinidad.

The past success and future success of the Chamber is directly related to the commitment and dedication of past and current board members, members, volunteers and friends of the Chamber.

 

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