Hispanic Business Owners gathered at the 30th Annual CHCC Convention

The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) hosted its 30th Annual State Convention on August 19-22, 2009. This year’s convention took place at the U.S. Grant Hotel in San Diego, California. The CHCC is the fastest growing regional organization in California.

The goal of this convention was to address issues of relevance to more than 720,000 Hispanics businesses and over 65 local Hispanic chambers in California. Some of this year’s speakers included Jim Steeg, COO San Diego Chargers, Moctesuma Esparza, Chairman and CEO Maya Entertainments Group Inc, California Latino Water Coalition (CLWC) Chairperson -actor and comedian- Paul Rodriguez, and Chairman of the CHCC Ken Macias.

“As Hispanic business ownership continues to rise, it is important that we work together to have our voice heard from the boardrooms of corporate America to the halls of government. This convention serves a valuable role in making that happen,” said Joel Ayala, President and CEO of the CHCC.

The convention featured business procurement/matchmaking sessions with companies such as Hyundai, Sate Farm, PG&E, Sempra, AT&T and more. Some of the corporate sponsors of the convention were Wells Fargo, Verizon, Aetna, Walmart and South West Airlines.

The four day convention was a great opportunity for relationship building with chambers, businesses and corporate partners. With a number of events and workshops catered specifically to the concerns of Hispanic business-owners new entrepreneurs had the chance to learn from successful business veterans. As a young business owner, I felt honored to be part of this experience. Next year’s convention will take place in Los Angeles, California.