As the 2008 Chair of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, I am looking forward to guiding an organization whose mission is to provide leadership and support the economic development of the Hispanic business community of Metro Orlando.  2007 was a great year for the Hispanic Chamber we achieved and surpassed many goals we set out to accomplish. All this could not have been possible if it weren’t for the staff of the Hispanic Chamber.  Thank you to Ramon and his staff Gaby, Ed, Luz, Jeff, Yuitxa, Laura and Iancarlo!  To my Board of Directors, I look forward to working with all of you to continue the success of the Chamber.   There are also a few other people I would like to thank - people who believed in me and my aspirations. My husband, Ulysses, who gives me the support I need and the opportunity to accomplish what I set out to do.  My good friend, May Nohra, the person responsible for starting me on this path.  Rich Morrison and Maureen Kersmarki - they have given me the opportunity to develop as a professional and to contribute to the well-being of the Central Florida community. The previous Hispanic Chamber Chairs before me who guided the Chamber to what it is today.  And to the strong, business women from whom I have learned so much through their example and leadership. So, what would I like to see during my term of office? In the past couple of years, we have seen new additions to the Chambers programs – such as Festival de Sabores and MCO/More Connections Orlando or Mas Conexiones Orlando.   We will continue to add a few new programs this year as well.    The Chamber has always produced a political hob nob.  But this year we are taking things one step further.  This year you will see the Chamber become more politically active and aware by involving the Hispanic business community in learning more about policy and issues that affect us all.   Capitol Connection is a joint program with other Central Florida chambers and will take place this March 18 and 19th in Tallahassee.  This program will provide a unique opportunity for Hispanic Chamber members to interact with the state’s political leaders.   The 2008 Political Hob Nob will take place on August 4th -- an opportunity for Chamber members to learn first hand the candidates’ platform.  Members will have the chance to speak to the candidates running for office.  And with Florida figuring so prominently in the past two presidential elections and which it will continue to do, this is our chance to show how involved Hispanics are in the election process.  And if you’re not – get involved!  Register and go out and vote!

We are also planning a Mission Trip to Mexico this summer giving us a chance to serve as a bridge between our two regions and providing a business opportunity for our members on a global basis.  Last year the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando, a program that is near and dear to my heart, awarded $75,000 to 30 Hispanic students in need of financial assistance to finish their college education.  This year, I’m going to task the incoming Chair – Betty Martinez Lowery – to award $100,000 in scholarships.  Can they do it?  You bet they can! We will also continue with Festival de Sabores, MCO/More Connections Orlando, the second Hispanic Business Police Academy, and many Business after Hours, committee meetings and more.  This year we will celebrate the 15th annual Hispanic Business and Consumer Expo taking place April 18th through the 20th.  This year’s expo will have over 287,000 square feet that’s an increase of 50% of space from last year and will house approximately 550 participating organizations. The 11th Annual Don Quijote Awards will be held on Saturday, December 6th and it promises to be even more fabulous.   The Chamber will also continue to focus on membership growth.  All our members are very important to us and we are here to help them succeed.  Our strategic goals will continue to focus on keeping the Chamber financially stable and secure by providing members with opportunities to network with each other, attracting new sponsors while maintaining existing relationships with sponsors and providing the best possible service we can to our members and our sponsors.   We will also continue to promote programs, events, resources and activities aimed at improving the economic development of Hispanics in the region.  We will continue to position the Chamber as the undisputable voice of the Hispanic business community in Central Florida.  Thank you, gracias and Buena Suerte and I look forward to working with each and every one of you. Aileen Cubillos HCCMO Chair 2008-2009