Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce, Coachella Valley Open For Business 45102 Smurr Street, Indio, Ca.

Maricela Garcia PhD./ La Prensa Hispana

Hispanic Image Marketing Network, Inc. has facilitated the opening of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Coachella Valley. “After a two year study by Workforce Technologies, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, covering the entire Coachella Valley is a reality,” said CEO of Hispanic Image Marketing Network, Al Vasquez. “The Hispanic market will soon be a two BILLION dollar untapped resource in the Coachella Valley and businesses are still scratching their head asking if it’s true.” “Yes, it is true and combined with Imperial Valley, we represent the 7th largest Hispanic market in the United States. We need a chamber dedicated and directed to all Hispanics, Mexicans, Columbians, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Guatemaltecos, persons’ with businesses from El Salvador, everybody and all those businesses who are serious about reaching the Hispanic market.” Al Vasquez, who has served on Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s transition team from the start, has been outspoken about addressing the ever growing Hispanic market. “We need to do it now, professionally with diligence and foresight”. He added, “with the players we have on our team, we will make it happen!” Vasquez learned about business working with the Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration in Washington D.C. and was also the National Executive Director of LULAC, the (League of United Latin American Citizens) for four years. “It is something that gets in your blood” he said.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Coachella Valley will be operating out of the Hispanic Image Marketing Network, Inc., Indio office at 45102 Smurr Street where they have been for the past year. Prior, they were located on Requa Street for many years associated with La Prensa Hispana Newspaper. Ana Rascon Vasquez, community leader has taken on the role of Chamber President and will provide ample space for a newspaper column every week to highlight local businesses associated with the Hispanic Chamber.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has already accepted the sponsorship of several ongoing major events including the upcoming 5th Annual International Hispanic Film Festival in October. There are only eight events of this kind in the entire United States and the only event of its kind in the Coachella and Imperial Valley. Also, the 10th Annual International “Sol Azteca” Awards to be held February 18th, 2006 at the Esmeralda Resort in Indian Wells. The “Sol Azteca” awards ceremony receives extensive international recognition. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be holding several workshops at their facility which is set up with a stage area and will bring in speakers from universities, business and government. A grand opening celebration will be announced to the public. In the meantime, applications are being taken for membership which includes FREE ads for new members and will provide your flyer insert service with La Prensa Hispana. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce offers many free benefits for members. Information can be obtained by calling 760-342-2565.

The application for membership is included with this article. All members joining within the next 20 days will be considered Founding Members of a Chamber already in the forefront of major Hispanic events.

Senator Jim Battin and Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia will be Founding Members as well as the Maya Art Institute, Brookhurst University, Workforce Technologies, Instituto de Psynetica, Dr. Jorge Hugo Garcia, Maricela Garcia, PhD., the television program Abriendo Puertas en la Comunidad, the International Hispanic Film Festival, the International Hispanic Awards, La Prensa Hispana Newspaper, Voz Hispana Magazine and many others.