In 1992, Jose Perez, Sergio Arnaiz, Clark Vargas 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. In 2005, the FCHCC instituted a Trustee Program for larger corporations and organizations interested in significant and substantial support of Hispanic in business, who are shaping our local, state, and national economies.
All business professionals, both Hispanic and non-Hispanic, are welcome to become involved with our Chamber as we work to foster an understanding of Hispanic heritage through:
- Networking events
- Educational workshops
- Promotional opportunities for businesses
- “Achieving the Dream” Scholarship Program
The FCHCC also has a 501c (3) non-profit named Community Development, Inc., for the contributions received in support of our education initiatives including the “Achieving the Dream Scholarship” Program.