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Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce “Humble beginnings, huge vision” 30 years ago, on September 21, 1989 I called the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and spoke with Guadalupe “Lupe” Garcia Chairman of the Board and asked him to send me complete information on how to become a member of the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and how to start a new one in Southwest Florida. A few days later I received a letter dated September 22, 1989 from “Lupe” Garcia and some materials on how to organize a Chamber and on November 7, 1989 I received a complete manual containing information of some of the more essential elements that should be include when organizing a Chamber. Our first organizational meeting to sign the articles of incorporation was held at Mike Rodriguez’s grocery store on Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers on Nov. 07, 1989. Ruben D Salazar, President Chico Rivera, Vice-president Aleyda Ramirez, Secretary Michael Freeze, Treasurer Hector Campo, Vocal Roberto Bravo, Vocal

The first meeting of the new chamber was held Nov. 20, 1989 in Salazar’s small, second story real estate office in Cape Coral. I can remember new names: Guido Minaya and Duilio Minaya, Marianela Scarsellato, Martha Hill, Miguel Angel Villalobos, Victor Valdez, Germain Tarquino and many others summing up more than 25 people.

On December 1, 1989 we received a welcoming letter addressed to Ruben D Salazar, president and admitting us to the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce along with a Certificate of membership and their current USHCC publication. HISPANIC CONFIDENCE New Chamber of commerce seeks community support News-Press Jan 7, 1990 – By Sandra G. Del Villar “The new chamber has an estimated operating budget of $10,000 per year. Some of its primary goals are to encourage area Hispanics to take part in the 1990 census, establish a Hispanic data bank on businesses and population, finance bilingual education activities and sponsor guest speakers for entrepreneurs. “We Hispanics are a valuable commodity here. We’ve got to stand up and be counted,” Rivera said. Rivera, who also serves on the Lee County Disadvantaged Business council for minorities, said, “There was a fear that we would become an extension of other chamber,” adding that this feeling may be keeping down membership. “There should not be any fear,” said Ruben D Salazar, chamber executive vice president and owner of Las Americas Realty, Inc. in Cape Coral, adding that the chamber should invite non-Hispanic businesses to join. “Why not? It they have a desire to help us and they do what we want to do, then let them help,” Salazar said. “Without question, we will work with minorities and the Hispanic chamber,” said Steve Tirey, president of the Chamber of southwest Florida, who added that, “minorities are going to b e seen as an important aspect of our community,” Despite past chamber failures –including a chamber co-founded in the mid-1980ss by Cape Coral resident Rafael Ortiz – Rivera is optimistic that now is the time. “They (the chamber) just couldn’t get it together,” Ortiz said, adding, “Someday I sincerely hope that we, the Hispanics, can get together.” Rivera said many new members are from a new generation of younger professionals –many of whom are second or third generation Hispanics. “There are many of us here who need to unite in business,” said Salazar. “It provides an opportunity for owners of area business to get to know each other.”

On November 5, 1990, one year later, we received a letter from the USHCC signed by Jose F. Nino and addressed to Julius Chico Rivera, president congratulating us for being selected as “Chamber of the Year” for Region VI. Rivera was invited to have lunch with Vice President Dan Quayle at the convention in Albuquerque, N.M., although the chamber did not have the funds to send him. “That’s one of the problems in being a new chamber,” he laughed. By May 1991 our GOVERNING BODY was: President: Guido A. Minaya Exe. Vice President: Martha Hill Admin. Vice President: Richard R. Ricciani Treasurer: Armando Casanove Secretary: Marianela Scarsellato

1991 EXECUTIVE BOARD: Board Member: J. “Chico” Rivera Board Member: Ruben D. Salazar Board Member: Norma Ruiz Board Member: Julio Avael Board Member: Joe Garcia