About Us

Our Mission

The mission of HCCCP is to assist, support, promote and advocate on behalf of Hispanic businesses in Central Pennsylvania (Dauphin, Cumberland, Lancaster, York and Perry counties).  HCCCP seeks to encourage the growth and development of businesses owned and operated by entrepreneurs of Hispanic descent and to help these businesses to achieve their goals.

Our Goals

• To identify businesses owned, operated and managed by individuals of Hispanic descent;
• To provide a forum for Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs to gather and share ideas, plans and best practices;
• To create and serve as a support network for Hispanic businesses and others interested in the advancement of Hispanic business owners in Central Pennsylvania;
• To increase business and economic opportunities for Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs in the area;
• To enhance the access of Hispanic businesses to customers throughout the Central PA region and beyond, and to enhance the access of customers to member businesses;
• To provide training opportunities for Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs to develop the skills necessary for improvement and growth;
• To act as a link between member businesses and other local, regional and national chambers of commerce;
• To advocate on behalf of Hispanic businesses and to propose and advance policy solutions that will contribute to the development and growth of Hispanic businesses;
• To serve as the voice of the Hispanic business community of Central Pennsylvania;
• To establish a solid foundation and framework for the future growth of Hispanic business in the region; and
• To identify, train and encourage future Hispanic entrepreneurs to achieve and succeed in business.

History

In November 2006, a group of committed Hispanic community leaders and business owners met and discussed the opportunities and challenges for the growing number of Hispanic business owners in the Central Pennsylvania area.   It was agreed upon that this area needed an organization that would address the concerns of these business owners, provide business resources and opportunities and meet other advocacy and support needs.   The outcome of the those meetings was the idea to create the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Pennsylvania to serve the Hispanic business community in Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, Lancaster and York counties.  Over the next few months the plans were cultivated and on May 4, 2007 the dream had materialized and area businesses, colleagues, political supporters and the community were invited to the inaugural meeting event and unveiling of the first Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Pennsylvania (HCCCP).   

The founding members of the HCCCP were Paul Navarro, Paulo Oliveira, Maria Marroquin, Gustavo Rico, Ben Parra, Fidelia Friedman, Ed Lanza, Dan Santos, Ana Gomez.

Over the past few years, the Chamber has worked to gain the support of the local business community and focused on enhancing member services.  The Chamber develops programs and promote economic issues relevant to our members and the business community in Central Pennsylvania.

2010 – 2011 Board Members

Executive Committee

President, Paul J. Navarro, P.E.,  Navarro & Wright Consulting Engineers, Inc.

Vice-President, Maria Marroquin, Herby’s El Mexicano Restaurant

Secretary,  Julio Peña, Exact Communication

Treasurer,  Michael Barrett, Barrett Co.   

Board of Directors

Eveyln Chatel, Freedom Auto Group

Edward Lanza, Eckert Seamans

Carlos Mendoza, Laser Imaging Systems, Inc.

Paulo Oliveira, PNC Bank

Benjamin Parra, Community Health Development Fund  

Jose Urdaneta, Urdaneta Photography