History (Recorded in files)

1988— The Lower Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (LVHCC) was founded by Jose Morales a Sunnyside small business owner to help support the increasing number of  Latino/Hispanic businesses being set up by Mexican immigrants to provide goods and services for the increasing immigrant population.  The   LVHCC   had   the   first   community   Cinco de Mayo in downtown Sunnyside outside of the church sponsored events.

1992— The  Hispanic Chamber of Commerce  (HCC) was founded and incorporated by Luz Bazan Gutierrez, with the assistance of Minerva Villareal  who was President of the Washington State Chamber (Seattle metro chamber).   At that first meeting, Daniel Enriquez, a small business owner was   appointed   the President.  Luz Bazan Gutierrez,   a   realtor   and   Director   of   WAME,   was appointed   Secretary    and   volunteer coordinator for the organization.   

1994—Daniel Enriquez was elected President of the Hispanic Chamber of Greater Yakima.

1996—Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Yakima was organized.  Juan Aguilar was the appointed   the President. Due to lack of support and funding the organization was dissolved.

1997— The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Yakima County (HCC)   was incorporated by Luz Bazan Gutierrez and members of the former group.   Leopoldo   (Polo)   Aguilera was elected President d for a two year term. The new HCC  came about to provide better coordination and support for  all  Hispanic  Chambers  of  Commerce  in Yakima County.  (13 years with same phone number and address, which is very important in helping microbusinesses.)

Highlights:

1992— HCC   becomes   a   member   of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC). This HCC has the longest continuous membership of any other HCC in Washington State.  

1992—HCC joins a coalition of community organizations to coordinate the first Cinco de Mayo Celebration & Heritage Dinner and Azteca Awards to recognize Latino leadership in the region. 

1992--HCC co-sponsored the first Fiestas Patrias cultural celebration at the Athanum Park in Union Gap and held again in 1993.

1993—HCC in partnership with Pioneer Bank hosts a Fiestas Patrias cultural celebration at the Capitol Theatre.

1994—Pete Garza, owner of Garza Construction, selected as the Businessman of the Year for Region I by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) and honored at the national conference banquet in San Francisco.

1994— Conducted a community forum to gauge interest in forming a revolving loan fund. The demand for services by limited English speaking Latino entrepreneurs   set the stage for the set up of a revolving loan. A partnership with WAME and the establishment of a local bank consortium is set up to help review prospective loans from   entrepreneurs.  Business trainings are coordinated to provide access to microloans for low income & moderate income entrepreneurs and businesses.   The model proved to be a success and it is now called RCDR Small Business Lending.  www.rcdr.biz 

1994--HCC helps coordinate the 3rd Annual Fiestas Patrias celebration at Chesterly   Park in Yakima.

1997—Mayor Glenn Buchanan of the City of Yakima  designates the HCC  to serve as “Ambassadors” to Morelia, Michoacan to help  establish a Sister City between Yakima and Morelia. (Discussion had started since 1992 with City of Yakima and represenatives of the City of Morelia)

1999— HCC incorporates the Yakima Morelia Sister City Association in April and gets resolution passed by the Yakima City Council support the organization in June, after seven years  of  diplomacy by HCC Presidents Dan Enriquez, Juan Aguilar and Polo Aguilera and Luz Bazan Gutierrez as Secretary and staff support  and Mayors Burndt, Buchanan & John Pucinelli. A press conference is held with primary coordinators Polo Aguilera, Luz Bazan Gutierrez, Ed Ramirez and Buchanan and newly appointed  Mayor Pucinelli.  HCC Board Chair  Polo Aguilera   is appointed to take the leadership upon the end of his tenure.   

1994--HCC receives a $1,000 grant from the City of Yakima general budget to support the efforts of the local Latino business and the Sister City Association to work  for two way trade.

1994—HCC supports and starts participating in the Sunfair Parade.

1995—HCC participated in the discussion to show that mobile taco vendors were similar to espresso stands and that by singled out by the smaller cities in Yakima County could be perceived as discrimination.

2000—HCC members Ruben Hernandez and Jesus Baldovinos appointed to the Tri-Valley Private Industry Council  by the Yakima County Commissioners, two of five Latinos/Hispanics recommended by the HCC Board of Directors citing the need to add Latino representation to the workforce council.

2000—HCC does a needs assessment survey of Latino/Hispanic businesses in Yakima County. The results of   businesses surveyed show a need for Spanish trainings, computer trainings and access to capital.

2001— HCC   organizes the 1^st Annual Cinco de Mayo in Downtown Yakima after previous failed efforts. The event proves to be a success in bring more people into downtown Yakima.   It has   become the longest running successful entertainment venue for downtown Yakima and has gained the support from the entire community.

2002--HCC donates $1,000 to the Morelia Sister City Association to purchase a fire truck from the City of Yakima to donate it to the City of Morelia for use by their  firefighters  as had been done by the Portland Oregon Sister City association.

2003— HCC partners with the Consul of Mexico and other
organization to have  a  Fiestas Patrias cultural events in September at the Sundome.

2005—HCC hosted Fiesta Navidena and honored Latino Leadership in the Yakima Valley.

2006— HCC begins a partnership similar to the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce  to begin to receive the recognition and financial support from the City of Yakima  in helping identify and support Latino/Hispanic businesses within the  Renewal Community and continue to support the efforts in increasing the sales tax base for the downtown area.