NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - September 18, 2019 -The Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NAHCC) announced the official beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month this week, and its month-long business and education community calendar. The official kick-off ceremony was held Sunday, September 15 at Rivergate Mall, followed by the chamber's signature LIDERES: Speaking Freely breakfast roundtable at Belmont University yesterday (9/17) from 7:30 am to 9:30 at The Frist Lecture Hall at Inman Center.
NAHCC's month long program calendar highlights include content regarding Hispanic population growth, purchasing power and economic impact. In addition, a continuing mentorship initiative by Hispanic business leaders with students from Simon Youth Academies , NAHCC's 5th Annual Family & Community Festival at Rivergate Mall, and several business roundtables, networking events and strategic partnerships will be announced through the month-long chamber program.
Since 2005, the NAHCC undertakes the largest most comprehensive recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15 through October 15.
NAHCC's month long program calendar include events and programs covering the most recent numbers on Hispanic population growth, purchasing power and economic impact, networking, an intimate CEO Conversation on Diversity round-table session on Sept 25.
NAHCC delegation will represent our state at the U.S Hispanic chamber of commerce 40th National Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico from Sep 29-Oct 1.
A Hispanic business owner/youth mentor initiative with high-school students from the Simon Youth Foundation Academies, which will host a conference and session with NAHCC members on October 2. Several business networking and workshops are scheduled through October 15.
On Friday, October 11, the NAHCC will Celebrate Hispanic Films at the 50th Nashville Film Festival on the date of the world premiere of Manuel: A Documentary, about the life of celebrated Mexican born local entrepreneur, designer to the stars, Manuel Cuevas.
"The most recent U.S Census numbers released for National Hispanic heritage month are encouraging, placing our populations at 59.9 million" said Yuri Cunza, President & CEO of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "Hispanic businesses are growing at 3 times the rate of all U.S. companies, and we are 1.5 times more likely than the general population to start a business, ---representing by now more than 20 percent of all U.S. entrepreneurs. Hispanics are, and have been, job creators, starting and operating small businesses in a global economy they contribute to the economic empowerment of our communities adding an estimated $700 billion in revenue to the national economy. At the end of the day, this is what makes our country strong" said Cunza.
To close the month-long festivities, on Tuesday October 15, the NAHCC will host its 15th Excellence in Business and Community Awards, an annual recognition of the Hispanic entrepreneurship spirit and how it impacts our local and state economy. The ceremony also recognizes Corporate and Community partners who make the work of the chamber and it mission possible. The event featuring guest speakers, awards, live music, and culinary sampling of the top 15 foods the Americas gave to the world, will be hosted at the Waller Conference Center on the 27th floor of the Nashville City Center in Nashville.
In addition the NAHCC will announce the election of new and returning board members. Interest from members in good standing to serve for a two (2) year term are still being accepted by our nominating committee. A slate of nominees will be presented to the membership as part of the election process according to the organization's bylaws.
*Hispanic Heritage Month is a nation-wide celebration of the many contributions to our nation, by those who trace their roots to Spanish speaking countries. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on Sept. 15 and ending on Oct. 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
2019 CELEBRATE Hispanic Heritage Month is a program of the NAHCC Foundation in partnership with the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and is made possible with the support of the following key corporate sponsors and community partners: Google Fiber, Belmont University, Regions, Advance Financial, Piedmont Gas, Comcast/ NBC Universal, BNA\Nashville International Airport, Messer, Delta/AeroMexico, McGranite Nashville, Rivergate Mall, Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp., Cornerstone Financial Credit Union, First TN Bank, Waller, Republic Bank, Kroger, AT&T, Postmates, Y&K Consulting, Nashville SC, Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, SY Foundation Academies, JP Photography, FedEx, Nashville Entrepreneur Center, Casa Segovia-Paz Foods, Nashville Noticias, El Crucero de Tennessee, La Noticia Newspaper, Stereo Nashville, Nashville Film Festival, La Mision ConArte and NAHCC Foundation.
During Hispanic Heritage Month the NAHCC recognizes the professional, civic, cultural and business contributions of members & non-members who have demonstrated commitment and leadership to the advancement of our organization, the Hispanic community, and city. Nominations are accepted through October 5th. Please email: programs@nashvillehispanicchamber.com
To learn more about the NAHCC please visit www.nashvillehispanicchamber.com