Friday, December 18, 2009

Hispanic Queens Chambers of Commerce Celebrated its Annual Gala

On December 11, the Hispanic Queens Chambers of Commerce (HQCC) celebrated its eighth annual gala. This event took place in the luxurious Terrace on the Park attracting business owners, students, community activists, and elected officials, such as Assemblyman Jose Peralta. The frigid temperature didn’t stop women from wearing beautiful dresses, or people from venturing out in the cold to attend this important event. As the evening commenced, the representatives from the HQCC greeted people at the door, welcoming them while also posing for pictures that would later serve as a reminder of the wonderful night.

Networking events like this have been occurring with more frequency in the Latino Community. The annual gala of the Hispanic Federation, the first annual gala Scholarship for the Future organized by Juventud Ecuatoriana, and the first Colombian Fashion Show, are just a few of the other recent events that demonstrate how the Latino community has been organizing itself, and has joining forces with the purpose of helping each other.

“If one does not get together, first, we don’t know what our problems are, and second, we are not able to help each other,” said Fernando Tapia, the owner of Best Way Management Corp.,[1] a commercial & business Loan Company. Tapia, who has attended the HQCC gala before, spoke highly of the event while at the same time admitting that he had not networked that night as much as he wanted to, mainly because he’d brought along six guests, all of who were planning to apply for membership in the following weeks.

Milton Florez, a criminal defense attorney and a former prosecutor, was very satisfied with the networking opportunities he and his colleagues from Milton H. Florez, Esq. Law Firm[2] had that night. “I am a new member of the HQCC and this is the first time that I attend this gala,” Mr. Florez said. He went on to say, “I will definitely recommend other people to become members of this chamber, the $150 price that you pay for the ticket is worth it, and the memories that you make here are unforgettable.”

Rafael Mendoza, founder of Paris Touch,[3] a medical staffing agency, had similar sentiments. “My wife and I recently began attending networking events and we are having so much fun,” Mr. Mendoza said, and then he added, “I’m applying next week for membership and I think business owners should do the same. This is definitely a great opportunity to have fun, network and meet professionals who can be of great value in your future endeavors.”

But beyond the networking opportunities, it also seems clear that the HQCC’s missions are attracting new members. The HQCC provides scholarships to Queen’s students who are seeking to attain undergraduate and graduate degrees. Although there was only one scholarship for $2000 offered this year, the HQCC is hopeful that more will be awarded next year as the national economy improves.

The HQCC’s gala event along with the scholarship that was given away was just another example of how more Latinos have been working together, uniting with one voice, to stand up for what they deserve. Through organizations like the HQCC, that voice is finally being heard.
Fausto Sicha

[1] Best Way Management Corp. Commercial and Business Loans. 34-56 Fulton St. Brooklyn, NY 11208. Telf. 917.796.6254.
[2] Milton H. Florez, Esq. Attorney at Law. 40-06 Warrant St. Elmhurst, NY 11373. www.florezlaw.com. Telf. 718.685.0073
[3] Paris Touch. 87-12 80th St. Woodhaven, NY 11421. www.theparistouch.com. Telf. 718.775.5942

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