TIFTON, Ga. – The Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) and Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) partnered up here in Tifton for a business networking group to help small business owners learn and grow for their future. The networking event kicked off with three guest speakers, offering valuable insights on how to start or grow a business and providing key advice for success. Their goal was to serve as a support system for the Hispanic community, providing resources and encouragement for entrepreneurs at various stages. “And, one of the things we wanted to do is bring the Hispanic business community together. Not only are we in the Hispanic community, but there’s a lot of American-owned businesses that are looking to expand into the Hispanic community. So, we’re that bridge, so we have that conversation. We have the conversation for the community of Hispanic business owners where some are just starting out, some have been in business for a couple years and want to scale their business,” said Bill Vega, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce." Representatives from ACE banking, a non-profit organization, attended the networking event to discuss loan opportunities available to help business owners. However, the true highlight was the networking aspect. With over 10 industries represented, attendees had the chance to exchange knowledge and learn from each other. “It’s just really great to see how many Hispanic business owners are diversifying into different businesses. I find that interesting as someone who works in the creative field. Being able to work with different types of businesses with different styles, designs, and websites,” said Jesse Aguirre, small business owner." The day concluded with a free lunch, where attendees had the opportunity to connect and share their stories with fellow business owners. Gabe Hutton reporting. Copyright 2025 CBS 44 News South Georgia. All rights reserved.

Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jumarie Flores Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce media@ghcc.org | 470-721-4457 Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Announces Launch of 2025 Cultivating Hispanic Leadership Institute Atlanta, GA – January 17, 2024 – The Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC), in partnership with the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development at the University of Georgia, is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Class of the Cultivating Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI). This six-month leadership development program is designed to empower Hispanic professionals and create lasting impact in their businesses, organizations, and communities. This year’s 2025 CHLI class includes an impressive roster of leaders representing diverse industries and organizations: Albert Murillo , Chief Procurement Officer, Atlanta Housing Authority Alejandra Pelaez , CEO UP Advertising (Woodstock, Ga) Angedith Poggi , (Atlanta, Ga) Ariel Toledo , Dekalb County Police (Dunwoody, Ga) Dr. Armando Castillo , CEO, Millenium Group (Gainesville, Ga) Bryan Abel Salazar , Continous (REV) Real Education Values (Augusta, Georgia) Camilo Marin , CEO, Cal Heating & Air (Duluth,Ga) Carmen Lorenzo Perez , Georgia Power Company (Sandy Spring, Ga) Cesar Olguin , Co-Owner CIC Floors, (Duluth, Ga) Daniel Perdomo , CEO 5 Point Eléctrica (Lilburn, Ga) Fatima Chavez , City of Forest Park (Forest Park, Ga) Gabriela Gonzalez Lamberson , COO, GHCC (Atlanta, Ga) Joseph Cortes , CEO, Georgia Brewers Association Juan Cueto , CEO, Humane Society of Northeast Georgia (Braselton, Ga) Juan Tobon , CEO, New Edge Solution (Suwanee,Ga) Luis Fernandez , CEO Mojitos Bistro (Peachtree Corners, Ga) Luz Del Alba Villa , Vystar Credit Union (Dacula, Ga) Maria Alejandra Bastidas , Executive director, Latina Leads (Suwanne, Ga) Mariana Gomez , CEO, Rackseeker (Woodstock, Ga) Marianela Nanninga , CEO, ToDo Robotics LLC (Alpharetta, Ga) Marie Bertot , Georgia Power Company (Roswell, Ga) Marietta Murton , MDM Arts (Douglasville, Ga) Mario Zuluaga , CEO, Mazdi (Atlanta, Ga) Mauricio Guzmán , CEO, Cronos Contractors (Alpharetta, Ga) Monica Pirela , CEO, Notivision, (Warner Robins, Ga) Norma Mendoza , Cherokee Family Violence Center (Canton, Ga) Rebecca Garner , Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED (Sandy Spring, Ga) Wilkin Lara Mateo , Southern Company Gas (Riverdale, Ga) William Valladares , Georgia Family Connection “Leadership is about more than a title; it’s about courage, vision, and a deep commitment to serve. Through CHLI, we are empowering a generation of business, corporate, and community leaders who will not only transform their businesses, but also ignite change in their communities and beyond,” said Veronica Maldonado-Torres, President and CEO of the GHCC. “The Class of 2025 stands on the threshold of limitless possibilities, ready to lead with purpose, passion, and perseverance. I am incredibly excited about the caliber and impact of this class” 2025 CHLI Schedule: Session I: January 31 - February 1, 2025, Opening Retreat Weekend Session II: March 6, 2025 Session III: April 2, 2025 Session IV: May 8, 2025 Session V: June 6, 2025 Session VI: July 10, 2025 “When an organization invests in leadership development, it empowers individuals with the essential skills and knowledge to actively engage in civic affairs and lead with purpose, ultimately building stronger, more resilient communities,” said Beverly Johnson, director of the UGA J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development. “We are immensely proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce through the Cultivating Hispanic Leadership Institute. Together, we celebrate their unwavering commitment to nurturing lifelong leaders.” “At Same House, we believe in the power of diversity to drive change. Supporting the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Cultivating Hispanic Leadership Institute is key to empowering future leaders and fostering opportunities for all. Leadership is about creating a future where everyone can thrive,” said Rodney Bullard, CEO, Same House. Participants in the 2025 CHLI program will benefit from expert-led training sessions focusing on organizational, business, and community leadership skills. Graduates of the program will join a robust network of alumni who serve as mentors to aspiring leaders within the GHCC and beyond, ensuring a ripple effect of positive impact throughout the Hispanic community. To sponsor the CHLI 2025 program please contact sponsorships@ghcc.org ___________________________________________________________ About the Cultivating Hispanic Leadership Institute The Cultivating Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) is a partnership between the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) and the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development. CHLI is committed to empowering Hispanic professionals with leadership training and connecting them to a broader network of leaders dedicated to community growth and excellence. About the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC): The Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has served for 40 years, a nationally recognized chamber of commerce dedicated to advancing the economic, social, and political interests of Georgia’s Hispanic business community. GHCC serves as the primary voice for Hispanic business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals, advocating for policies that enhance opportunities and support the growth of Hispanic-owned businesses. About the UGA Fanning Leadership Development Institute: The Fanning Leadership Development Institute at the University of Georgia provides world-class leadership training to individuals seeking to enhance their leadership abilities. The Institute is committed to shaping effective leaders who will make an impact in both their professional and personal lives.

Press Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jumarie Flores Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce media@ghcc.org | 470-721-4457 DeKalb County presents Groundbreaking Investment to Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Business Growth Atlanta, GA – DeKalb County presented the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Hispanic Business Center (HBC) 501(c)3 with a $100,000 grant investment further strengthening its ability to provide essential business services and resources to Hispanic businesses and residents within the county. This investment underscores DeKalb County’s commitment to fostering economic development and ensuring entrepreneurs have the tools and opportunities to thrive. The GHCC’s Hispanic Business Center, successfully launched the first session of its 7-week business accelerator program ACELERA (Accelerate). ACELERA is a transformative program designed to accelerate the growth and success of local owned businesses in the early stages of operation. This comprehensive program encompasses a combination of in-person and virtual seminars, bite-sized learning capsules, and personalized business consultations for each business. ACELERA covers five critical areas vital for business enhancement: Business model and value proposition, Marketing and Sales, Finance, Operations, and Management. Included in this first ACELERA program cohort are 30 DeKalb County businesses ranging from professional services to hospitality, construction, technology and other key industries driving the county’s and the State of Georgia’s economy forward. GHCC extends its sincere gratitude to DeKalb County’s newly elected CEO, Lorraine Cochran-Johnson for her commitment to support small business education, access and training. Business owners now have the opportunity to take part in this transformative program, designed to equip them with the tools and resources necessary to elevate and expand their businesses and ensure long-term economic sustainability for emerging enterprises. GHCC President & CEO, Veronica Maldonado-Torres , highlighted the transformative impact of this initiative, stating: "When businesses have access to the right education, tools, and connections, they don’t just strengthen their success rate—they create jobs, drive economic activity, and contribute to the long-term prosperity of all communities -we thank Dekalb county and look forward to the success this will generate." DeKalb County CEO, Lorraine Cochran-Johnson , reaffirmed her commitment to fostering Hispanic business growth in the county, stating: " DeKalb County values the Hispanic community's economic impact and growth trajectory Through this program and our partnership with GHCC, we are fostering an inclusive, and thriving business ecosystem in Dekalb ." Meanwhile, GHCC Hispanic Business Center Director, Norma Zuniga-Cardoza, emphasized the importance of this investment in Hispanic business development, stating: " The ACELERA co-hort of 30 was gleaned from a submission of 120 companies. We expect great impact, growth and success stories that shape the business voice of Dekalb ." For more information about the GHCC HBC’s ACELERA program and other program and initiatives, visit ghcc.org. About the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC): The Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has served for 40 years, a nationally recognized chamber of commerce dedicated to advancing the economic, social, and political interests of Georgia’s Hispanic business community. GHCC serves as the primary voice for Hispanic business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals, advocating for policies that enhance opportunities and support the growth of Hispanic-owned businesses.

🎙️ Tune in to a special episode of Business RadioX spotlighting the 40th Anniversary of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce! Our President & CEO, Verónica Maldonado-Torres, joins host Kali Boatright, President & CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, to discuss GHCC's journey, impact, and vision for the future. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! 📲 Listen to the full episode here:

Press Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE