Who We Are
We strive to establish and encourage better Hispanic-owned and operated businesses by looking for opportunities to foster an understanding of Hispanic heritage on the First Coast.
We encourage all business professionals, both Hispanic and non-Hispanic, to get involved with the programs we offer. As an organization, we present all Hispanics/Latinos. We offer our members and guests monthly networking events and workshops as well as our annual signature events. FCHCC also offers promotional opportunities for you and your business. And, if you’re looking for a way to give back, we welcome you to volunteer to any of our committees!
Our Mission & Vision
Our Mission is to positively impact the regional economy by creating value, promoting and facilitating the success of Hispanic-owned businesses and by engaging the community at large.
Our Vision is to be recognized as the premier Hispanic Chamber of Northeast Florida for building successful partnerships that encourage business growth.
How We Accomplish our Mission & Vision
- Maintaining our Hispanic heritage through educational endeavors
- Promoting business opportunities through networking events and workshops
- Advancing the welfare and growth of Hispanic businesses by encouraging a unification across our distinct Hispanic cultures
- Supporting and recognizing Hispanic achievement throughout Florida’s First Coast.
Our History
In 1992, Jose Perez, Clark Vargas, Sergio Arnaiz and Jorge Hernandez, all business owners, undertook the task of unifying the Hispanic business community. They began meeting because of the decision by the city to leave out Hispanics in the purchasing set aside program.
Later, after the city held hearings regarding this matter, other business owners came to join the cause and they formed the Hispanic American Business Association (HABA).
They immediately began to advocate for Hispanic business and to promote the region’s rich Hispanic culture and heritage. The organization was renamed the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC) in early 2003. The FCHCC has grown to include individual, corporate, and nonprofit members.
FCHCC Board Members
Monica Hernandez, President & CEO
Wilfredo (Willie) Gonzalez, Chair of the Board
Sandra (Sandy) Martin, Vice Chair
Sabrina Marcos Smith, Director-at-Large
Michelle Kaplafka, Secretary
Nelson Hernandez, Director-at-Large
Beatrice Chandler, Director-at-Large
Leon Carrero, Director-at-Large
FCHCC Ambassadors →
FCHCC Board of Trustees →
FCHCC Support Team →
Past Presidents
We are thankful for our presidents who are amazing leaders. All of them have set the standards high for the FCHCC to continue growing and impacting the First Coast Hispanic Community. The list below shows each past president and the term years they served FCHCC.
| Monica Hernandez 2019 – present | Medardo Monzón 2012 | George Reteguiz 2000 |
| Cesar J. Grijota 2017 – 2018 | Ed Perez 2011 | Sergio Arnaiz (deceased) 1998 – 1999 |
| Maribel Hernandez 2015 – 2016 | Betzy Santiago 2010 | Jose Perez 1997 |
| Andrew Russell 8/2014 – 12/2014 | Giselle Carson 2008 – 2009 | Clark Vargas 1996 |
| Leon Carrero 4/2014 – 7/2014 | Leon Carrero 2005 – 2008 | Jorge Hernandez 7/1992 – 6/1996 |
| William Mora 2013 – 4/2014 | Clark Vargas 2001 – 2004 (deceased) |
