The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce selected Mr. Roy Perez as their Chairman.  Hispanic Lifestyle spoke with Mr. Perez in which he talked about his professional background and his company, RMP Strategies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmSe6DuCc68

Notes and Links for Hispanic Lifestyle Episode #169.  The program is theme is Challenges and Opportunities.

We talk public policy and issues, and of course take time out for food.  We discuss challenges and opportunities, in this edition of Hispanic Lifestyle.

Tequila Museo Mayahuel

http://www.tequilamuseo.com/

Before we get into our annual coverage of the legislative issues affecting Latinos, we had a chance to profile a restaurant that caught our attention for two reasons. First they had only been open for a month and second they are just a couple of blocks away from California’s state capitol.

Our guide during this visit was Luis Navarro who describe the new restaurant’s recipe for success.

Inspired by the various regions of Mexico, Chef Alacon prepared the restaurant’s signature Sample Platter for us to taste.

The items ranged from Panucho’s representing the region of Yucatan to Roasted Pablano pepper strips from Mexico City.

2011 California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Legislative Conference

Hispanic Lifestyle made our way over to the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce annual Legislative conference. We began our visit by speaking their chairman Ken Macias about why the organization holds this forum for their members.

Jeffrey M. Barker

Deputy Executive Director

for Communication, Policy and Public Outreach

http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/home.aspx

Next we spoke with Jeffrey Barker, Deputy Executive Director with the California High-Speed Rail Authority about the background and status of the project.

(The Objective)

Given the state’s financial challenges, Mr. Barker spoke about the projects forecasted economic impact.

Redistricting Partners

http://redistrictingpartners.com

A key topic of discussion at the conference was the redistricting of California’s boundaries. Speaking to the issue was Paul Mitchell who’s company works with local governments on their redistricting plans.

(The Process)

Mr. Mitchell went on to describe how politics and political parties enter into the redistricting process.

The Redistricting Commissions

http://wedrawthelines.ca.gov

* * *

Priscilla Lopez

Orange County/Inland Empire Regional SBDC Network

Priscilla Lopez, Regional Director for the Orange County/Inland Empire Regional SBDC Network spoke about why she was attending the legislative conference.

(Issues)

I asked Ms. Lopez if the SBDC’s are working with the California High-Speed Rail Authority to identify procurement opportunities for Small Businesses.

 Segment

State Senator Dutton

California State Senator Bob Dutton http://cssrc.us/web/31

California State Senator Bob Dutton spoke to conference attendees about regulations that are challenging the business community.

We had a chance to speak rank and file members of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce about the issues that are most important to them.

Rosa M. Escutia - Community Relations Manager, PG&E

Larissa Ordaz, LBA – Latin Business Association http://www.lbausa.com/

Able I. Sierra, CEO  - Antelope Valley Chamber Of Commerce

http://www.avhcc.org

Rosa Hernandez -

Special Assistant to the Director, CAL FIRE

Final Segment

Paul Gladfelty

http://www.theapexgroup.net

We closed out the day by speaking the Mr. Paul Gladfelty  of the Apex group who took us through process of getting the voices of Latino businesses heard at state Capitol.

The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) will be hosting its 17th Annual Legislative Conference this year at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento, CA on May 17, 2011. 

The CHCC’s Annual Legislative Conference provides a forum for participants to engage in the legislative process as well as an opportunity to stay on top of the issues that affect every Hispanic business in the state.  Participants of the conference will be able to make a difference in the state’s focus and concentrate on priority issues facing small business.

The Conference exposes participants to multiple learning experiences, networking opportunities and tips for local grassroots involvement.  Participants will be able to hear perspectives from a variety of respected officials and they will also have the opportunity to participate in Capitol visits.  During these visits, participants can discuss with key policy makers, issues that are pertinent to the growth of Hispanic businesses in California.

The 17th Annual CHCC Legislative Conference will close with a Legislative Reception. This reception provides attendees an opportunity to meet and socialize with legislators, legislative staff, state agency representative Hispanic business owners and community leaders from throughout the state.  For more information on the CHCC’s 17th Annual Legislative Conference, please call (800) 299-6033 or visit www.cahcc.com.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhKNCwokSCI

Chambers Urges Business to Comment on

Redrawing of State’s Political Districts

The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) is encouraging the Latino business community to get involved in the Citizens Redistricting Commission hearings preceding the redrawing of the state’s political district boundaries.

California's State Capitol

If adopted, the redrawn maps will be in place for the 2012 election cycle with the potential to have a huge impact on the fate of candidates for the next decade.

The commission has planned three rounds of statewide hearings to obtain community input before it releases draft maps of political districts on June 10.

The most important decision the commission will make will be prioritizing the sometimes competing requirements set out in state and federal law for how the districts should be drawn. The community’s testimony will help inform the commission’s decisions.

Hearing Process

The first round of hearings covers Assembly, Senate, Congressional and Board of Equalization districts. The second round of hearings will take place between June 16 and July 1.

A revised set of maps is to be released on July 7, and the final proposed maps will be released on July 28.

The commission must vote on the maps no later than August 15 and make the maps available for public review for 14 days before the final vote.

Schedule

The first four hearings were held April 9, 10, 13, and 26 in Redding, Marysville, San Luis Obispo and Hanford. The remaining meetings for April are:

• April 27 – Merced;

• April 27 – Long Beach;

• April 28 – Los Angeles;

• April 29 – San Gabriel Valley; and

• April 30 – San Fernando.

More Information

Additional dates and locations, a fact sheet and tips on preparing testimony are available at www.cahcc.com and go to government Relations/redistricting.

Introducing the California Hispanic

Chambers of Commerce on Hispanic Lifestyle.

Latino businesses are vital to the recovery of California’s economy. Hispanic Lifestyle is a television program that profiles positive images of the Latino community, is committed to producing inspiring stories of entrepreneurs.

For several years we have worked closely with the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and have interviewed many of their members.  With this posting we are re-introducing our business section and featuring an update from CAHCC’s Chairman, Ken Macias about the organization’s activities.

About the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce

The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) has a network of over 65 Hispanic chambers and business associations throughout the State of California.  Through its network of Hispanic chambers and business association, the CHCC represents the interest of over 700,000 Hispanic business owners in California.  The CHCC is the premier and largest regional ethnic business organization in the nation that promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and California’s Emerging Businesses.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivEX_pRK-Oo

Dates of Interest

California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce 17th Annual Legislative Conference

The Annual Legislative Conference provides a forum for participants to engage in the legislative process as well as an opportunity to stay on top of the issues that affect every Hispanic business in the state. Participants of the conference will be able to make a difference in the state’s focus and concentrate on priority issues facing small business.

The Conference exposes participants to multiple learning experiences, networking opportunities and tips for local grassroots involvement. Participants

will be able to hear perspectives from a variety of respected officials as well as have an opportunity to participate in Capitol visits and discuss with key policy makers, issues that are pertinent to the growth of Hispanic businesses in California.

The 17th Annual CHCC Legislative Conference will close with a Legislative Reception. This reception provides attendees an opportunity to meet and socialize with legislators, legislative staff, state agency representative Hispanic business owners and community leaders from throughout the state.

The CHCC’s 17th Annual Legislative Conference is scheduled  for Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sacramento, California.

The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce 32nd Annual Statewide Convention
The CHCC State Convention brings together some of the most influential Hispanic business owners, Hispanic leaders and government officials in California and the nation. The CHCC Annual State Convention is the premier business event for California’s emerging business community. It offers participants the opportunity to learn the latest trends in business development, network with outstanding business professionals, and gain insights into growing and maintaining a successful business. Throughout the convention, participants have the opportunity to celebrate  the educational, political, and economic success of the Hispanic community.

Convention participants will be exposed to some of the most dynamic, enterprising and informative speakers discussing current issues pertinent to the economic growth and development of California business and our communities. The event will also feature procurement and matchmaking sessions designed to bring business owners together with corporate and government procurement representatives.

The CHCC’s 32nd Annual Statewide Convention is scheduled  for August 10th – 12th, 2011 San Jose, CA.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBOAfwtGXR0

The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC), will host its 31st Annual State Convention on August 11-13 2010.  This year’s convention will take place at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles, CA.

The CHCC serves as the leading Hispanic statewide business and professional organization promoting the interests of more than 720,000 Hispanic businesses and over 65 local Hispanic chambers in California. The goal of the CHCC’s Annual Convention is to elevate discussion and participation among Hispanic business owners, corporate business leaders, community leaders, and government officials to address issues of relevance to the Hispanic business community.

The CHCC State Convention is the premier minority/ethnic business convention in California, offering participants the opportunity to learn the latest trends in business development, network with outstanding business professionals, and gain insights into growing and maintaining a successful business. Throughout the convention, participants have the opportunity to celebrate the educational, political, and economic success of the Hispanic community.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2010
8:00AM             CHCC Golf Outing
Location:      Malibu Country Club
Shuttle:        Departs at 6:30am
Tee-off:         8:00am

9:00AM              CHCC International Trade Symposium
Location:      TBD

3:00PM              Convention Registration Open
Location:      South Galleria

5:30PM              CHCC Opening/Welcome Reception
Location:      Emerald Room
Sponsors:     Aetna & Comerica Bank
Speakers:     Hon. Antonio Villaraigosa, Mayor of Los Angeles**

THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2010
7:30AM               Convention Registration Open
Location:      South Galleria

Continental Breakfast
Location:      Tiffany Room

8:30AM                General Session
“Setting the Record Straight…Why Latinos are the Key to California’s
Economic Survival”
Location:      Crystal Ballroom
Moderator:    Ruben Jauregui, President & CEO – Latinos for Corporate
Inclusion
Speakers:     Dr. David Hayes-Bautista, Professor of Medicine and Director
of the Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture at the
School of Medicine, UCLA
Dr. Marcelle Chauvet, Professor of Economics & Latin American
Studies at UC Riverside

10:00AM              U.S. Senatorial Candidate (Senator Barbara Boxer or Carly Fiorina)**

10:30AM              Workshop & Seminar Sessions

MATCHMAKING SESSIONS

Business Networking Lounge Open (Expo)

12:00PM              Latina Recognition Luncheon
Location:      Crystal Ballroom
Sponsors:     Wells Fargo & Southwest Airlines
Speakers:     Chef La La (Laura Diaz), Celebrity Chef
Miriam Rivera, former Legal Counsel Google**

1:30PM               Business Networking Lounge Open (Expo)

2:30PM               Workshop & Seminar Sessions

4:30PM               CHCC Town Hall
Location:        TBA
Speakers:       Hon. Jerry Brown, Attorney General & Candidate for Governor**
Meg Whitman, Former CEO of eBay & Candidate for Governor

6:00PM               Chairman’s Reception
Location:        Gold Room
Sponsors:       Citi & TBA
Speakers:       TBA

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2010

7:30AM               Convention Registration Open
Location:      South Galleria

Continental Breakfast
Location:      Tiffany Room

8:30AM               General Session
“Building a Sustainable Economic Future”
Location:       Crystal Ballroom
Sponsors:      State Farm & Visa
Moderator:     Hon. Bonnie Garcia, Chairwoman Unemployment Insurance
Appeals Board & Former Assemblymember – 80th District.
Speakers:     Hon. Robert Hertzberg, Vice Chairman CA Forward & Former
Speaker of the California State Assembly
Joel Ayala, Director – Governor’s Office of Economic
Development (GoED)
Jose Cisneros, Treasurer – City and County of San Francisco

10:00AM             U.S. Senatorial Candidate (Senator Barbara Boxer or Carly Fiorina)**

10:30AM             Workshop & Seminar Sessions

12:00PM             Hispanic Business Luncheon
Location:        Crystal Ballroom
Sponsors:       Southern California Edison & TBA
MC:                Ruben Jauregui, President & CEO – Latinos for Corporate
Inclusion
Speakers:       Pedro J. Pizarro, Executive Vice President – Southern
California Edison
Javier Palomarez, President & CEO – U.S. Hispanic Chamber
Chamber of Commerce
Hon. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California **

1:30PM               Business Networking Lounge Open (Expo)

2:00PM               CHCC Annual  Membership Meeting
Location:    Emerald Room

6:30PM               CHCC Pre-Gala Reception
Location:    Tiffany Room

7:30PM               CHCC 31st Annual Awards Gala
Location:     Crystal Ballroom
Sponsors:    TBA
MC:             Shayla Rivera, Comedienne
Speakers:    Hon. Abel Maldonado, Lieutenant Governor of California**

Contact information:

1-800-299-6033

http://www.cahcc.com/

Millennium Biltmore Hotel

(213) 624 1011
506 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90071
United States
Map and Directions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osxFW1hdwWc

In this segment from Hispanic Lifestyle program number 144, the California State University Board of Trustee member talks about Latinos and Education.

About Melinda Guzman

Melinda Guzman

Melinda Guzman is a partner of the law firm of Goldsberry Freeman Guzman & Ditora, LLP. Ms. Guzman is a former partner of Diepenbrock, Wulff, Plant & Hannegan, LLP, where she became the first Latina to be named partner in a majority owned firm in Sacramento and in most of Northern California. Ms. Guzman’s practice focuses on tort, labor, insurance, and commercial matters. She has significant experience representing private and non-profit corporations, foundations, several media interests (radio, television and print media), venture capital firms (in acquisitions, financing, and collections), employment matters, insurance, and other business areas.

Ms. Guzman was appointed by Governor Gray Davis to serve as a member of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges and served until November 2003. Ms. Guzman is also General Counsel of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Chairwoman of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and a Past President of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Ms. Guzman serves on the Board of Directors of Pac-West Telecomm, Inc., one of the largest competitive local exchange carriers headquartered in California. She also serves as Chair of the Nehemiah Corporation of America, one of the nation’s largest down payment assistance programs for new home buyers, and as a member of the Board of Trustees for the U.C. Davis Foundation. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Make A Wish Foundation and the Davis Community Television Board of Directors from 1990 to 1995, and served as its President in 1995. Ms. Guzman provides on-air talent for DCTV productions, including Davis Dialogue, and has provided commentary for DCTV’s campaign coverage. She has also served on the Comstock’s Club and KVIE Channel 6 Board of Directors where she chaired the Community Advisory Board and serves as talent for special on-air productions.

Ms. Guzman is also a member of the Sacramento County Bar Association; State Bar of California (Member: California Minority Counsel Program; Former Member: Executive Committee, Law Practice Management Section); La Raza National Lawyers Association (Vice President, 1989); and Women Lawyers of Sacramento (former Board member).

Show notes and script. Program #148 ” Access to our Capitol

Program # 148 Tease

Welcome to Hispanic Lifestyle, I’m your host Richard Sandoval and in this edition:

Hispanic Lifestyle returns to Sacramento for part 2 of our series how business  . . . meets legislation.

Access to our Capitol is covered is the focus of this edition of Hispanic Lifestyle

Javier Mier

Hispanic Lifestyle had a chance to speak with The Chairman of the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Javier Mier. A business owner himself, Javier is also the President of Mier Benefit Group.

Javier talks about the status and activities of the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The economy has hit businesses hard, we asked Javier how the Chamber, a non-profit organization has weather this economic crisis.

Access to capital is a major challenge for small businesses and Javier explains how the chambers is assisting their members and small businesses.

Javier talks about the skills he brought to the Orange County Hispanic Chamber.

Javier shares his thoughts on working with the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

http://www.hcoc.org/site/

Ginny Velasquez – TeamPersona

We move on to speaking with Ginny Velasquez of Teampersona a temporary staffing agency. Ginny gives Hispanic Lifestyle an overview of the company she founded.

Ginny explains the process of procurement for Latino small businesses

We asked Ginny, should a business become become minority certified.

We finish our conversation by discussing her involvement with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Contra Costa County

http://www.h5c.org/

James Guitierez

We next meet James Guitierez is the President of Progreso Financiero and explains this  new kind of financial services company.

He goes on to explain how Progreso Financiero began and its growth over the years.

Providing his perspective on Latinos and financial institutions, James talks about making an impact in the community.

James had just finished speaking to the attendees of the legislative conference and share with Hispanic lifestyle his message to the audience.

Jesus Vargas – VSCE

Jesús Vargas is co-founder of VSCE a small that business that assists both public and private firms with project management services for construction projects. In this segment Jesús talks about his activities with community based organizations.

We asked Jesús as a member of the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce legislative community he talks the information he shares with members

Also member of the San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, he goes on to talks about their issues and activities.

Jesús provides insights on the steps San Joaquin has taken to strengthened itself.

Jose Solorio

Our cameras move on to meet with California State Assembly member Jose Solorio. The legislator talks about the issues facing the district he represents.

Assembly member Solorio spoke about his current legislative work.

Solorio talks about his efforts to overcome the uncertainty in California’s Economic Crisis

The Assembly member ends our conversation talking about his future plans.

http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a69/

Ken Macias

We end our visit to California’s state capitol by visiting with Chairman Ken Macias of the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The Chairman reflects on the positives of the Legislative Conference.

Mr. Macias places the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in the activities in perspective.

Chairman Macias explains more thoroughly why the Chamber decided to oppose the Arizona’s SB1070 bill.

http://www.cahcc.com/

Hispanic Lifestyle program number 5145, Business and Legislation. This post includes show notes and the script text.

SEGMENT: PROGRAM TEASE

Welcome to Hispanic Lifestyle, I’m your host Richard Sandoval and in this edition:

Hispanic Lifestyle heads to Sacramento to speak with elected officials,  business owners and professionals

The state of California is discussed in this edition of Hispanic  Lifestyle

Intro

The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce held their held the annual Legislative Conference in states Capitol and Hispanic Lifestyle was there to capture insights of the policies and issues that impact our viewers – our coverage begins with…

http://www.cahcc.com/

Mr. James Duran, President

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Silicone Valley

James Duran, President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Silicone Valley, and is also a business owner of a High Tech Human Relations firm. — Mr. Duran Chair Legislative activities for the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce gave Hispanic Lifestyle an overview of the legislative conference.

James provides us with an example of how businesses are  affected by legislative action in Sacramento.

One of the main events during the Legislative  Conference are face-to-face meetings with legislators -  James explains the organizations goal.

James believes that participating in organizations like the chamber is about gaining more visibility and explains here how this concept is at the heart of his advocacy.

http://www.hccsv.com/

Carlos Solorzano

We next spoke with Carlos Solorzano, President/CEO at Nicaraguan American Chamber of Commerce Northern California. — We asked Mr. Solorzano about the organization’s mission.

Mr. Solorzano gives us his perspective on the Arizona Bill – SB 1070

Multi Vision Latina is a company owned by Mr. Solorzano’s and he explains its function.

http://www.nicamerccnc.com/1.html

Abel Maldonado

Lieutenant Governor of California

Our cameras moved to Abel Maldonado, the recently appointed Lieutenant Governor of California. Previously he was a State Senator, Assembly member and gained prominence in the private sector as a Strawberry Farmer. — We asked the Lt. Governor his thoughts issues affecting on Latino Businesses in state.

The Lt. Governor share his perspective on why California is in such a crisis.

http://www.ltg.ca.gov/

Mr. Ed Basaldua

Ms. Mayra Bautista

President and Treasurer, Contra Costa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Our show moves on as meet with members of Contra Costa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The organization has been in existence for over 20 years, and their CEO Ed Basaldua tells us how they have stayed viable for many years.

We asked what are some ways Businesses can thrive in this tough economy.

Ed explains key elements that Business owners need to know during these tough economic times

Mayra cites her immigrant father and his humble beginnings as the inspiration for her entrepreneurial spirit – here she explains why she also advocates for these values.

http://www.h5c.org/

Manny Perez

Assembly member, representing California’s 80th District

Assembly member V. Manny Perez represents California’s 80th District. Mr. Perez explains his attendance at the Legislative Conference.

http://www.asmdc.org/members/a80/

Mr. Hugo Merida

We next spoke with Hugo Merida President/CEO of The Los Angeles Metropolitan Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. The organization has over 700 members and has operated since 2000. Hugo talks with Hispanic Lifestyle about the chambers activities.

With connections and regular missions to other countries, Hugo elaborates on the details of this global relationship.

A major challenge in this economy is the declining purchasing power of consumers – Hugo explains how his Chamber is addressing this issue.

Hugo shares with Hispanic Lifestyle details about his business and their operations.

(TEXT interlude) – California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Press Conference on Arizona Bill 1070

http://www.businessinlosangeles.com/

Mr. Gaddi Vasquez

Hispanic Lifestyle spoke with Gaddy Vasquez – Vice President for Public Affairs with Southern California Edison. Mr. Vasquez began our conversation explaining his position and its responsibilities.

The Latino Business community is evolving and Gaddy cites a noticeable growth in small Business ownership – and provides this insight.

Gaddy is the son of migrant farm workers and he explains how his family motivated him to pursue his goals.

www.SCE.com