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Tucson Hispanic Chamber picks new chairperson, board

New leaders will focus on more chamber services

The board of directors of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has elected Monica Contreras as its new chairperson.

The chamber has also selected its new board of directors for 2005-2006. The board’s immediate focus will be to hire a new president for the
THCC.

“I am honored to lead during a pivotal time for the Hispanic chamber in greater Tucson,” says Contreras, director of public affairs for Cox Communications Southern Arizona. “Our organization has worked hard to become a key player in charting the course for Tucson’s successful economic future. The coming years will bring many opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses in Tucson, and we will be there to facilitate their success.”

At Cox Communications, Contreras is responsible for government, community and media relations for the company. She was recently identified as one of Tucson’s Up & Comers by Inside Tucson Business and received a 40 Under 40 Award from Tucson Business Edge. Contreras is an active board member of Planned Parenthood of Southern Arizona and a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The THCC has grown its membership 41 percent in the last year. Under Contreras’ leadership, the chamber will continue its focus on growth, but more importantly, on creating added benefits for its current members.

According to Contreras, the chamber will offer two new business workshops during 2006, one for startup businesses and one for companies wishing to reach the Latino market.

In addition, the chamber will continue adding opportunities for networking and business education for its members, and will explore prospects for working with other chambers to create stronger advocacy resources statewide for its members.

The newly elected board of directors will serve one-year terms. The new board is: Monica Contreras, Cox Communications, chair;Edmund Marquez, All Star Auto Exchange, first vice chair; Steve Nunez, KEVT La Raza, second vice chair; Taunya Villicana, Affinity Financial, treasurer; Marti Vargas, Compass Healthcare, secretary.

“The entire Tucson community will greatly benefit from the insight, experience and knowledge of these exceptional individuals,” Contreras says.

The Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has two monthly networking events.  One is the Monthly Membership Luncheon. This networking event is on the third Thursday of the month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and its location varies. The event features a guest speaker to discuss current issues or events that are impacting the Latino business community. Guests are always welcome, and the cost is $10 for members and $12 for non-members.

The Monthly Membership Mixer is another regular THCC event.  This networking event is always on the first Thursday of the month from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at different locations. This is an informal and casual networking event to do business and blow off a little steam.

For information on networking events, please refer to the calendar of events  at www.hispanicchambertucson.org or contact the THCC office at (520) 620-0005.