July 2023

The heartbeat and pulse of the MHCC continues to lie in our ability to connect businesses and leaders, serving our membership and Hispanic community. As we move into our Independence Day celebrations and start the second half of 2023, we're making the most of our opportunities!

We're about to launch a new program called ADELANTE MI. In the spirit and vision of increasing the vitality of the Hispanic community across Michigan through a generous 12-month grant awarded by NEI (New Economy Initiative), we're about to embark on an opportunity to support the underserved Latino small business owners of Lincoln Park (Wayne County). Our efforts will include providing resources, training, and business opportunities to benefit the economic development of these entrepreneurs. Please let me know if you'd like to learn more or are interested in collaborating with the MHCC.

On July 28th, we launch our 2nd Round of Elevate Together Cash Grant opportunities through a 2-week 'Call for Application.' This initiative supports our mission to promote the economic growth of our members and Hispanic community throughout the state of Michigan by providing financial resources, mentorship, and business networking opportunities to Hispanic and Black-owned microbusinesses operating for at least 9-months. MHCC recently accounted for 35% of the total # of applications received in the 1st Round across 10 Hispanic Chambers throughout the U.S., and we hope to exceed that percentage in August!

Team Member Transitions at MHCC - Change is inevitable, and I have an important, bittersweet transition to announce.

After making huge strides in revamping the MHCC's marketing and communications strategy and creating a ripple effect through new memberships and levels of engagement, Raquel Adam, Business Development and Communications Director, has made the decision to step down from her role on July 31st to focus on her family full-time, as she soon welcomes her newest family member. Raquel has poured her heart into serving the organization's mission, members, and community and has had a tremendous impact on all who know her. Please join me in thanking Raquel for her numerous contributions to the MHCC Familia and wishing her all the best. Tu huella siempre estará.

Transitioning into the role this month and succeeding Raquel is Patricia Nava. A bilingual entrepreneur originally from Mexico, Patricia has lived in Michigan for over twenty years. If you are a regular at MHCC events, chances are you have already met her, as she has been an active member of our Chamber since January 2023 and is also a volunteer. Patricia has more than ten years of experience supporting and developing Hispanic and non-Hispanic programs through her volunteering roles in the non-profit world. We are thrilled to have Patricia join our team and are confident her skills and background will be incredible assets for our organization. Please join me in welcoming Patricia to our organization. You can reach out to her at pnava@mhcc.org.

Wishing you a wonderful and safe 4th of July as you celebrate with family and friends!

Networking is essential for personal and professional growth. It allows individuals to gain access to knowledge and resources, and forge valuable connections. People can find opportunities, seek guidance, and stay updated through networking, leading to career advancements and personal development. Here are some tips on how to level up your networking skills:

• Find like-minded individuals: Instead of approaching networking events with the mindset of "networking," find people whose company is genuinely enjoyable and whom you genuinely like and want to stay connected with. 
• Focus on purpose, not transaction: Rather than stressing over what you can gain or give during networking events, focus on being sincere. When you do so, others will sense it, naturally desiring to help and assist.
• Prepare discussion topics: These topics can revolve around thoughts on a speaker's presentation or personal experiences related to the event location. The key is to identify common interests that spark engaging discussions.
• Become the speaker: Shy individuals might find it easier to attend networking events if they give a speech. Everyone recognizes them once they step off the stage, making it easier for others to start conversations. 

Ready to put these tips into action? Join us at our upcoming Tercer Jueves Networking event on July 20th, where you'll get the chance to meet like-minded individuals who want to put their foot forward and elevate their businesses. At our Tercer Jueves event, not only will you get the opportunity to network with people from diverse backgrounds and different organizations, but you'll also have the chance to have some fun and explore the M1 Concourse.

Can't make it to our Tercer Jueves event? We will also be hosting our 32nd Annual Golf Outing, where you can network alongside potential business partners while enjoying a friendly game of golf. We will also have a networking reception to allow you to connect with these partners even further. So prepare your topics, focus on purpose, and meet like-minded individuals at our upcoming events!

First Round of Elevate Together Grant Recipients

Vector Electric, Inc.

Spectacle Society, LLC

The W Buchanan Group LLC

I Am A Genius

Nuvo Cabinets & Countertops

The Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is proud to annouce the first round of Elevate Together grant recipients! 

Elevate Together powered by Round It Up America is a nonprofit initiative designed to address systemic discrimination and historical racial disparities in business growth and profitability in Black and Hispanic communities. Through a partnership with the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the National Urban League’s Entrepreneurship Centers, and the ODP Corporation, the initiative helps support Hispanic and Black small businesses with five or less employees. ⁣We'd like to thank all of these organizations for giving us the opportunity to give back to the community and provide funding for these well-deserved businesses. 

We are proud to announce that we received 157 applications this year, a 1327% increase compared to applications received in 2022. We are very grateful to our selection committee for their time and efforts spent into reviewing each and every application.

Once again, thank you to all of the small businesses who took the time to apply. If you weren't selected this time, then be sure to mark your calendars for Round 2 of the Elevate Together Grant, which will commence on July 28th.

Stay tuned for further updates and opportunities to support small businesses in our communities.⁣

New Economy Initiative Grant

This is HUGE news for our Chamber and we are overjoyed to share it with you! The MHCC, through its 501(c)3 foundation, the Michigan Hispanic Fund, was granted $100K by the New Economy Initiative organization. We plan to utilize the grant for the launch of a groundbreaking program called Adelante Michigan, which focuses on equipping underserved Hispanic-owned micro businesses in Lincoln Park.⁣

⁣Adelante Michigan delivers services to close the entrepreneurial gaps, focuses on direct outreach to communities where English is a second language, and targets specific sectors of the underrepresented Hispano/Latino entrepreneurial community. It provides the same access and opportunity to education, networks, technical assistance training, capital, and entrepreneurial skills/competencies resources as other non-Latino communities. This effort supports the needs of underserved small businesses that face bilingual challenges, seeking to close the economic gap, create jobs specific to the needs of the community, promote generational wealth, and drive greater equity toward the socially and economically disadvantaged. This program is open to Hispanic micro-businesses located in Lincoln Park, Wayne County and is set to launch in July 2023. 

We are deeply grateful for the invaluable support and partnership of NEI, a steadfast advocate for our mission. We also want to thank the Detroit Free Press for sharing this wonderful news with our community, spreading its significance far and wide. We are excited about the positive impact we can make together. Read the article below!

Invitamos cordialmente a la comunidad de emprendedores de Lincoln Park a que se conecten con nosotros si están interesados en descubrir más sobre el programa Adelante. Estamos encantados de compartir los detalles, beneficios y oportunidades disponibles a través de esta iniciativa de empoderamiento. Para más información, contacta lgeftos@mhcc.org.

Visit to LIFT's Headquarters

Latinos en Michigan New Studio! – Melvindale

Pictured Above: Mark Moreno, Jesse González, Roberto Nicolás Cónsul de México en Detroit, and Liliana Ospina

Pictured Above: Mark Moreno, Roberto Nicolás Cónsul de México en Detroit, Liliana Ospina, Rev. Patricia Gandarill, Alcalde Weeler Marsee, and Jesse González

SDBA's "Connection and Collaboration Mixer"

Mark Moreno and Laura Geftos had the pleasure of attending The Southwest Detroit Business Association's "Connection and Collaboration Mixer," an exceptional event where we had the opportunity to network with fellow business owners and partners in the area. We enjoyed a lovely evening with refreshments, drinks, and wonderful music!

Photo courtesy of The Southwest Detroit Business Association's Facebook page.

ALPFA Michigan - The Power of your Networking Community

Mark Moreno and Laura Geftos attended ALPFA Michigan's Women of ALPA - The Power of your Networking Community event on June 8th. The evening proved to be an enlightening experience as we had the opportunity to listen to esteemed panelists who shared their expertise on how to maximize the potential of networking and harness it to our advantage. MHCC Board Member, Maria Marin was invited to be the keynote speaker. It was an exceptional occasion that left us feeling inspired and empowered.

J.P. Morgan & Chase - Business Evolution Networking Panel Event

MHCC Board Member, Jeff Wyatt, was invited to be a speaker at J.P. Morgan Chase Business Evolution networking panel event. We are proud to support our board members on all of their endeavors. This opportunity not only highlights Jeff's expertise but also serves as a testament to the caliber of professionals within our organization.

Meet Robert Champion, President of InnoFlex Solutions LLC. Join us as Robert gives us an exclusive glimpse into his remarkable entrepreneurial journey and his decision to become an integral part of the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Through active engagement with the Chamber, Robert has been able to forge valuable connections, access valuable resources, and contribute to the vibrant business community.

With a specific focus on the Food and Beverage Group of Consumer Food Manufacturing Companies (CFMC) and Equipment Suppliers, InnoFlex Solutions offers invaluable expertise to enhance manufacturing processes and optimize operations. Their services encompass a broad range of solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of clients in the industry.

For those who wish to learn more about InnoFlex Solutions and their comprehensive consulting services, we encourage you to reach out to Robert Champion directly at robert.champion@innoflexsolutions.com.

The MHCC is committed to inclusivity, understanding that businesses and individuals have distinctive demands. To provide for all, we offer a range of membership options for everyone from large companies to professionals, students and individuals. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can benefit from our Chamber's resources and network, regardless of their size or background.

One of our favorite business networking events of the year, the July Tercer Jueves, sponsored by Stellantis, promises to be the most fun and unique networking event of your summer. 

The Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Veteran Owned Business Roundtable (VOBRT), and the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) once again unite efforts to provide you with a great opportunity to meet potential business partners and clients in the epicenter of all things automotive in Metro Detroit, the M1 Concourse.

Plus, enjoy music by DJ Cisco. Satisfy your appetite with delicious food from Imperial Food Truck and Empacho, local small business who will surpass your expectations! With our Thrill Ride Package, you’ll enjoy an exhilarating thrill ride around the M1 Concourse racetrack with a professional driver. Purchase an individual ticket to enjoy entrance to the event, food, and two drinks! 

• Individual Ticket: $35 - Includes admission, food, and 2 drinks.
• Thrill Ride Package: $135 - Includes admission, food, 2 drinks, and a thrill ride with a Pro Driver in this exhilarating racetrack.

Join EMPACHO and other Small Businesses in the Diversity Expo as more than 5 Chambers of Commerce join forces to support Diverse Businesses.

Get ready for the ultimate golfing experience at our 32nd Annual Golf Outing! This isn't your ordinary golf outing – it's a high-energy adventure designed to create unforgettable moments and forge connections that will propel your business to new heights. As you tee off, get ready to experience the thrill of competing alongside potential partners, making every swing an opportunity to build lasting relationships.

The 32nd Annual Golf Outing isn't just about golf – it's a platform that shines the spotlight on our incredible members and sponsors. Get ready to showcase your brand in a big way, with exposure to influential individuals and decision-makers from various industries. It's an unrivaled opportunity to make a lasting impression and take your business to new heights of success. Get your golf clubs ready, practice your swing, and prepare for a day of pure enjoyment.

We look forward to seeing you at the USHCC largest event of the year, the 2023 USHCC National Conference, to be held September 24-26, 2023, at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando.

This year’s co-host for the USHCC Annual Conference will be the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando (HCCMO), led by a great servant leader in their President and CEO, Gaby Ortigoni. We are excited to have you join us at the Sunshine State as Gaby and a great host committee will roll out the red carpet to welcome us to Orlando.

As an MHCC member you receive a 20% discount to join the conference and take advantage of the great business networking and educational opportunities it offers.

The code is: CHAMBER20NC23 

Please note this code will only be valid until Friday, August 25, 2023.