|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
________________________________
|
Photos from the August Business Luncheon
Visit our website here to see all our photo galleries!
|
________________________
Key Data Sites for Hispanics
Visit fchcc.com for a list of links to data and resources! You can also email us at fchcc@fchcc.com if you have any recommended links you'd like us to post or data you would like to be made available to members.
|
|
___________________________________________________________
|
|
President's Message
|
|
l to r; William Ramos, Rick Schiapacasse, Dr. Fernando Rivera, Andrea Reyes, Maribel Hernandez, Raul Rosas, Cesar Grijota, Chad Dominicis, Madelene Skinner, & Dr. Maira Martelo
|
Hola,
August was a very productive month with a successful August Business Luncheon sponsored by Univision 18 Jacksonville. We had an excellent panel of experts who spoke about the fiscal crisis in Puerto Rico and how it is impacting us here in northeast Florida. Attendees were also treated to a special message from President Obama on recent action taken by Congress. Links to presentations and the President's message are available on our website under key data sites.
The Board, staff and volunteers are extremely busy planning an amazing Hispanic Heritage Gala and Scholarship Awards for you on September 22nd at The Club Continental. Tickets are almost sold out so be sure to get yours now. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Those that know me know that I love a party but I love a "party with a cause" even more. At this gala we will honor the recipients of this year's scholarships and raise funds for future scholarships. We will be awarding $2,500 scholarships to 13 outstanding students. There will be a silent auction directly benefiting the scholarship program. Please help with donations for the silent auction as proceeds will fund next year's scholarships. We look forward to seeing you there dressed for the occasion and ready to party Havana style!
This past month has also been productive for community leaders including a gathering of Hispanic leaders to strategize on how to unite forces to support the growth in the community. This historic meeting was convened by member Dr. Rene Pulido and Jose Paredes, eMed Multispeciality Group. FCHCC was also at the table when we met with Sheriff John Rutherford, candidate for Congressional, to discuss community issues that impact our members and understand his priorities as we go to the polls to vote.
If you have not renewed your FCHCC membership or want to join, click here for more information.
Warmest regards,
Maribel Hernandez
Maribel Hernandez, MBA, ACB, ALB
|
___________________________________________________________
|
Congratulations to the 2016 Achieving the Dream Scholarship Recipients
The FCHCC is proud to announce this year's
Achieving the Dream Scholarship recipients!
Jaime Avila
Vanessa Jimenez-Read
Briana Lopez
Kathie Alejandra Orozco
Gabrielle Perez
Moises Pichardo
Thalia Rey
Maira Rojas
Cesar Sanchez
Danielle Torres
Gabriel Valdes
Scarlett Vicente
Manuel Vilaro
Be sure to mark your calendars for the Hispanic Heritage Gala and Achieving the Dream Scholarship Awards September 22nd when we will honor these outstanding students! See the flyer below for more details.
|
___________________________________________________________
|
Welcome New and Renewing Members
The FCHCC is proud to announce our new and renewing members:
Small Business 2
TruTech
Small Business 1
New York Life Insurance
PQH Group, Inc.
Student Members
Hanny Mena Smith
We could not achieve our mission without our members... THANK YOU very much for your partnership! To review member benefits and/or to become a member, please visit our website for more information.
|
___________________________________________________________
|
Committee Happenings
Special Events Sub-committee
Mark your calendars and purchase tickets to the Hispanic Heritage Gala
and
Achieving the Dream Scholarship Awards! presented by
Mark your calendars! On Thursday, September 22, 2016 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. the FCHCC will transform Club Continental in Orange Park into "Old Havana". We have an exciting night planned with a variety of events such as: Dominoes, Dancing, Rum Tasting, Cigar Rolling, Photo Booth, DJ, and a Live Band Performance by Ritmo y Sabor. Tickets are going fast so order today.
There will be a silent auction directly benefiting the scholarship program. Please help with donations for the silent auction as proceeds will fund next year's scholarships.
We will also recognize our Achieving the Dream Scholarship recipients during this event. This event is sponsored by eMed Multispecialty Group. Get your tickets by clicking here! See the flyer below for more information! Tickets can also be purchased at the eMed facilities located at: 2624 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207.
***** After Party Event *****
September 22, 2016
10 PM - 2 AM
1237 Park Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073
Click here for directions!
There will be music, drink specials and appetizers by order. 15% of the proceeds will be donated to the scholarship fund.
___________________________________________________________
Media/Public Relations Committee The First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC) is seeking a Communications and Media Relations Intern. The intern will be responsible for assisting the Media and Public Relations committee with brand recognition and awareness for FCHCC with both members and non-members while maintaining good relations with all media outlets. The intern will report to the Chair of Media and Public Relations. Please Note: This is an unpaid internship. For more information, click here!___________________________________________________________  Call for Committee Volunteers If you are interested in helping to make a difference, consider volunteering your time and talent for any of our committees or sub-committees. You can submit your application from our website by clicking here! |
___________________________________________________________
|
JAXPORT Small Business Profile: Rafael Caldera, Arkest LLC
  In the competitive world of government contracting, a small business that secures multiple projects from any one agency must be doing something right. Jacksonville-based firm Arkest LLC recently began its third project at JAXPORT - site preparation, drainage, and new paving on a two-acre site at Blount Island Marine Terminal. Arkest was founded in Miami in 2002 as a residential and commercial construction company. By 2005, the company was specializing in design/build commercial projects. In 2008, company founder Rafael Caldera visited Jacksonville and fell in love with the city. Recognizing a huge potential for growth, he relocated Arkest to Northeast Florida.
"In 2012, we began concentrating on work with government agencies, including the City of Jacksonville, JEA, JTA, and JAXPORT," said Caldera, who has a degree in architecture and holds state licenses in mechanical, plumbing, roofing, and general contracting. "I would rank JAXPORT among the top three companies that we work with - they are incredibly professional."
Arkest began working for JAXPORT in 2012 when the company performed some design and build work at Talleyrand Marine Terminal. Its second project in 2014 was replacing a Blount Island gutter and downspout system. "JAXPORT is fortunate to have partners like Rafael assisting us in maintaining our infrastructure, and he has historically gone the extra mile to satisfy all stakeholders," said Lynn Westbrook, Port Engineer at JAXPORT. "He is sensitive to not impede our operational tempo, which makes Arkest a preferred contractor, and he is also particularly concerned with providing an exceptional end product at a fair price." Arkest has four full-time employees in Jacksonville, and the company also has satellite offices in Rockville, Md., and Aventura, Fla. In addition to making a difference through the quality of his company's work, Caldera believes strongly in giving back to the community in which he lives. He chairs the Downtown Development Review Board and the Mayor's Hispanic American Advisory Board, and was former Chair of Corporate Social Responsibility of the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He also participates in the ACE Mentoring Program, whose mission is to engage, excite, and enlighten high school students to pursue careers in architecture, engineering, and construction.
Original article in JAXPORT's magazine, summer edition 2016 written by Laura Jane Pittman.
|
___________________________________________________________
|
|
 Member Spotlight: Toni Higgs, Jacksonville University
Toni Higgs serves on the board and is the Treasurer for the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She is also the Director of the Career Resource Center at Jacksonville University (JU). For more than 10 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has named Jacksonville University one of "America's Best Colleges" in the south. A premier private institution founded in 1934, JU offers more than 70 majors and programs, including degrees in business, nursing, marine science, and mathematics, as well as more specialized fields like aviation, speech pathology, film and animation, and sports management. About half of the University's student body comes from out of state, and now more effort is being put into expanding JU's international footprint. Our vibrant international community of current JU students includes representation from Canada, China, Columbia, Brazil, Jamaica, Japan, South Korea, Zambia, Germany, and many more. JU has also added an Office of International Affairs, and CK Kwai is at the helm of this recent endeavor as chief international officer. Boosting international programs and outreach to meet market demand for global-savvy graduates is an integral part of JU's vision for the future. JU continues to implement global components through multiple layers, including international student interaction on campus and study abroad opportunities, as well as remaining sensitive to the needs and talents of the nearly 400 currently enrolled students and 40 JU employees who identify as Hispanic. Starting in Spring 2017, JU will open access for students to complete coursework at five worldwide study centers-Australia, Costa Rica, Spain, Germany, and Italy-with each campus highlighting specific program offerings and majors. Of course, international outreach and geodiversity, while critical to JU's success, do not exempt the University from pouring into its surrounding community. As a significant economic driver in the state of Florida, and certainly in Duval County and Arlington, JU remains committed to impacting job creation and business growth in a positive way. According to a 2014 economic impact study, JU was credited for creating $222 million in job growth and business activities, which in turn affected nearly 350 industries across northeast Florida. To learn more about JU, visit their website here.
|
___________________________________________________________
|
2016 Hispanic Heritage Night: Jacksonville Armada vs. Rayo Oklahoma City
FCHCC members and friends, receive a discount on tickets to the game Jacksonville Armada vs. Rayo Oklahoma City on September 24th. See the flyer below for more information and click it to get your tickets!
 |
___________________________________________________________
|
|
Florida Blue Foundation 2017 Sapphire Awards
Florida Blue Foundation has extended the closing deadline date for the following grant applications:
- Improve Consumer Health
- Advance Innovation and Promote Solutions in the Health Care System
The Sapphire Awards were designed in 2005 by the Florida Blue Foundation to recognize and promote excellence and innovation in community health leadership and programming in Florida. Honorees will be announced during the Sapphire Awards Luncheon scheduled for April 20, 2017.
Award-winning organizations, programs and individuals will have demonstrated leadership, success, high merit and impact improving access to health-related services for, or the health-related outcomes of, Florida's at-risk populations and communities. The Sapphire Awards' recognition is meant to promote greater and more lasting support for improved services and systems that can be sustained over time. For more information about the Sapphire Awards, click here!
|
___________________________________________________________
|
 In the News
Stories about FCHCC's Members and Partners
|
___________________________________________________________
|
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Jacksonville Zoo
 Click the flyer for more information! |
___________________________________________________________
|
The Media and Public Relations Committee welcome our members to be a guest writer on our blog! It is our goal to provide the most useful, innovative, and resourceful information for our members and community-at-large. If you own a local business or would like to write about your business experience, we'd love for you to share it on the FCHCC blog. Email fchcc@fchcc.com to get started!
|
___________________________________________________________
|
FCHCC Featured Member Discounts
For FCHCC Members ONLY: Receive a 50% discount with your membership card. Contact Pedro Ramirez at pedroramirez1958@yahoo.com for more information.
Get discounted tickets to Armada's Season tickets to see matches at Community First Park. For more information, contact Orlando Ruiz, Ticket Sales Account Executive at 904-516-3764 or email oruiz@armadafc.com.
Outdoorsman Adventure
Outdoorsman Adventure is offering all FCHCC members a $75 off discount on a 10×10 Booth! The regular price is $450.00. Members pay $375.00.
Chic Booth
Chic Booth is proud to offer a $100 discount to all FCHCC members when they book our photo booth services. *Minimum rental: 2 hours services. La Ciudad En Sus Manos' online Spanish Business Directory is "FULLY OPTIMIZED IN SPANISH KEY WORDS and is Mobile Friendly". We are offering all FCHCC members a free listing and Free SEO service for 60 days.
Florida Blue
Receive a FREE gift when you visit the centers at Jacksonville River City Marketplace or the St. John's Town Center.
Jacksonville Armada FC
Get discounted tickets to Armada's Season tickets to see matches at Community First Park. FCHCC members and friends. For more information, contact Orlando Ruiz, Ticket Sales Account Executive at 904-516-3764 or email oruiz@armadafc.com.
Tres Leches Eatery
Tres Leches would like to offer a complimentary "FREE" Sangria with purchase of any dinner menu item Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings from 6 PM to 10 PM. Must be 21 years of age, one Sangria per person and good for each guest of member also. Contact Eddie Sweda at 904-551-4375 or 954-336-2513 with any questions.
Enterprise Holdings
National Car Rental® is offering FCHCC members and friends a 5% discount off of the lowest published price through our Enterprise brand and a 10% discount with our National brand through our Emerald Club.
Child ID Program
CL!XGet a discount for a single image Headshot CD that includes a full resolution image with a copyright release that also includes free basic touch ups on the image for $35.00.
The Florida RX Card - Free Statewide Program
Savings with this drug card can be up to 30-75% off retail price for most brand & generic FDA-approved medications.
member discount to our website!
(You do not have to be a member to offer a discount to FCHCC members.)
********************************
FCHCC Members: use your membership card when you take advantage of any of the discounts above. 
|
___________________________________________________________
|
Current Job Opportunities
Everbank Jobs Portal
Employer: Everbank
JAXPORT Jobs Portal
Employer: JAXPORT
JEA Jobs Portal
Employer: JEA
Publix Jobs Portal
Employer: Publix
UNF Jobs Portal
Employer: UNF
AT&T Florida Jobs Portal
Employer: AT&T
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront Jobs Portal
Employer: Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
Communications and Media Relations Intern (non-paid position) Employer: FCHCC BBVA Compass Bank Jobs Portal Employer: BBVA Compass Bank BB&T Bank Jobs Portal Also, click here to be added to BB&T's database where you will be alerted of any upcoming jobs as they become available!Employer: BB&T Bank Florida Blue Jobs Portal
Employer: Florida Blue
To view all the above positions and to apply,
please visit our website by clicking here.
*******************************
Submit your Available Job Listings to
Appear on FCHCC's Website
Is your company hiring?
If you're an active corporate member, you can send your available job postings to us from our website! Click here!
|
___________________________________________________________
|
|
FCHCC Partners
The FCHCC recognizes the leadership and support of these leading organizations!
Strategic Partner
|
___________________________________________________________
|
|
Joining FCHCC as a New Member or Renewing your Membership?
We have several payment methods for your convenience. If you would like to mail in a check or money order, please mail your payment to:
First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 57972
Jacksonville FL 32241
FCHCC also accepts credit card payments for new memberships and renewals. You can join the FCHCC or renew your membership with any of these credit cards. To use this method, click any of the links below:
 To join the FCHCC with your credit card, click here. If you're renewing your membership with your credit card, click here! |
___________________________________________________________
|
|
Monthly eNewsletter publishes the first week of every month!
Editor-in-Chief: Maribel Hernandez, FCHCC President and CEO
Editor: Madelene Skinner: Chair, Media and Public Relations
Designer / Creative Director: Kim McDougal, Interactive Communications Coordinator
_____________________________________________
The First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC) strives to establish and encourage better business practices among Hispanic-owned and operated businesses in northeast Florida and south Georgia. All business professionals, both Hispanic and non-Hispanic, are welcome to become involved with our Chamber. The FCHCC also strives to foster understanding of Hispanic heritage through educational endeavors, business opportunities and social interaction.
_____________________________________________
To learn more about the FCHCC, please visit us on the web at www.fchcc.com, send us e-mail at: fchcc@fchcc.com, or call us at 904.346.1118.
|
|
|
|
|
|
