WSHCC Takes Proactive Approach
to Hispanic Business Development
 The
development of economic opportunity for Washington's Hispanic
population presents a unique set of challenges including
language, culture, prejudice and the traditionally disadvantaged
role of the Hispanic in American society.
The Washington State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce ("WSHCC")
has adopted a mission "dedicated to the advancement
of the Hispanic business community in the state of Washington
through economic, political and educational initiatives."
To realize this mission, WSHCC has instituted a variety
of programs seeking to develop and maintain Hispanic-owned
businesses (both new and existing), advocate for governmental
action favorable to the Hispanic business community and
create programs to facilitate participation of Hispanic
youth in business.
As with most business organizations, especially chambers
of commerce, special emphasis is put on networking. Each
month, a "meet and greet networking breakfast"
is held where participants are encouraged to market their
goods and services to their colleagues. The WSHCC website
provides abundant links to other chambers of commerce
(e.g. the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce),
Hispanic business groups and business resources (e.g.
the SBA).
WSHCC's commitment to youth is illustrated by its scholarship
committee, known as Futuro Hispano Scholarships, which
has awarded scholarships to many well-deserving high school
and college students. Also, the WSHCC website provides
an excellent listing of other scholarship-related resources
for Hispanic students.
WSHCC maintains an employment page on its website, where
job opportunities may be sought or posted. This page also
connects to other Hispanic employment resources.
Audrey Riviera-Godwin, Secretary and Acting Executive
Director, noted the challenges facing WSHCC: "One
of the biggest challenges facing the chamber is getting
to the Hispanic business community to see us as a resource
for access to programs and other businesses that would
help them grow their businesses. The chamber has been
in a state of reorganization for the last couple of years,
getting a clearer vision of who our constituents are and
how best we can serve them. We now have to work really
hard to prove that we best serve Hispanics in business
with the resources in terms of access to government programs,
capital, education and legislators.
"Our relationship with other Hispanic resources
in the area are really in their infancy. We are trying
to create mutually beneficial relationships with other
organizations because we all are filling different needs
for the community. That will enable us to be seen as a
resource for a variety of information without having to
provide all of the services. There are many good organizations
trying to serve our community, so we believe that by using
our website and our monthly meetings as a means of promoting
each other, we serve our constituency well."
In keeping with its proactive approach, the WSHCC has
recently adopted a number of new programs, including (1)
entering into a Strategic Alliance Memorandum signed in
July with the Seattle office of the SBA (see accompanying
article), (2) creation of the Hispanic Women's Network
and (3) quarterly seminars for small business owners.
WSHCC's members consist of small to medium sized businesses,
family-owned business, large corporations, government
agencies, professional associations and individuals across
the state. It is governed by an all volunteer board of
directors composed of ten members hailing from the ranks
of business owners to civic and community leaders. The
best way to learn more about the chamber is to get involved
in one of the standing committees: Board Development,
Business and Community Development, Communications, Membership,
and Program and Fund Development.
For more information call Audrey Riviera-Godwin at:
(206)
441-8894 or e-mail execDirector@wshcc.com.
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