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The Hispano Chamber of Commerce

A place where people thrive

Our Vision

To improve lives through commerce, community & culture.

OUR Mission

To promote economic development, to enhance economic opportunities, and to provide business and workforce education with an emphasis on the Hispanic and small business community in Albuquerque and New Mexico.

Our WHY

We believe in contributing to a greater cause.

The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce (Hispano Chamber) was established in 1975, by 14 members of the Hispanic business community, as a private nonprofit 501(c) 6 organization. The Hispano Chamber is an organization focused on improving education and economic development opportunities in Albuquerque and throughout the state of New Mexico–and one of the largest Hispanic chambers of Commerce in the United States with a history of stimulating economic development. The Hispano Chamber is a multi–service organization dedicated to preserving Hispanic culture, promoting opportunities for economic growth and supporting all small businesses through membership, events, networking, educational programs, job training, job creation, and convention and tourism promotion.

As a major player in the downtown revitalization initiative and development of the South Fourth Street corridor, in the Spring of 2001, the Hispano Chamber opened its doors to a two–story, 12,934-square-foot building. Dedicated by President George W. Bush in August 2001, the purpose of the building is to accommodate Chamber offices, workforce training and technology center, and commercial offices. 

Albuquerque Hispano Chamber with the Barelas Job Opportunities Center

The facility houses a state–of–the–art technology training center, a one–stop career center supported by the Workforce Investment Act as well as a branch of the Small Business Administration (SBA), complementing the Barelas Job Opportunity Center (BJOC). In the summer of 2006, the South Valley Small Business Development Center moved into the building and provides valuable assistance to our small business members and businesses in the South Valley. After two years of very successful operation, the complex began experiencing growing pains. Simply stated, the demand for services far exceeded the facilities.

After an intense period of studying and planning, the decision was made to expand our facility to accommodate the need of our community and members. The fundraising efforts began and with several grant awards, corporate donations, and individual donations, construction began in April 2009, and was completed in February 2010. Our expansion consisted of an additional 8,982 sq. ft. of office and training space. The expansion was approximately $3.2 million in construction, including equipping the facility with furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Each member of our board as well as each member of our staff made personal donations in support of our mission. Our fundraising efforts were successful in funding 100% of our project.

Today our facility consists of 21,916 sq. ft. There is one computer training lab, one classroom, and numerous training rooms available to our members and partners. Our campus–like setting is conducive to learning and is liked and welcomed by all our neighbors. 

The Chamber has been in existence for 46 years. We were formed to serve primarily Hispanic-owned businesses. Currently, we serve approximately 1,000 business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals committed to scaling small businesses and empowering individuals through economic growth and wealth creation–approximately 40% of our members are NOT Hispanic–owned businesses and 60% are Hispanic–owned businesses. While being a historically Hispanic–focused association, we are inclusive and proud consider ourselves the Small Business Chamber of New Mexico with many large companies as members. Most major banks belong to the Chamber and many large corporations, including several out–of–state companies.

Our Founders

Manuel Ferran

Robert N. Garcia

George Lovato

Louis G. Martinez

Salvador Nunez

Julian Padilla Jr.

Ed L. Romero

Ben F. Roybal

Margarito Romero

Albert Sanchez

Erma Easterling Sanchez

Jess W. Tafoya

Arthur C. Trujillo

Tony J. Zamora

Our Herencia
  • Ray Alarcon and Family
  • Linda and Robert Alvarado
  • Ray and Loretta Armenta & Family
  • John and Kathleen Avila & Family
  • The Baca Family, Bueno Foods
  • Chris and Jeanette Baca, YDI & YES Housing Inc.
  • Andrew L. Baca Family, ABBA Technologies
  • Erik and Annamarie Baca
  • Steven Becerra Family, The Becerra Group
  • Sergio Bermudez Family, El Mezquite
  • Rudy and Lois Beserra & Family
  • Thomas R. Briones and Stephanie A. Briones
  • David Casaus and Sandra Leyba & Family
  • Ernie and Geri C’de Baca & Family
  • Steven B. Chavez Family
  • Mariano and Sally Chavez & Family
  • Paul and Angela Chavez & Family
  • John and Carolyn Córdova
  • John and Annette Cruz & Family
  • Speaker Seth Damon, Navajo Nation Council
  • Sam Leal Fouad, UNM School of Management
  • Erin Hawley-Gandara, Viviana Gandara, Elevar
  • Frank Garcia, Perikin Enterprises
  • Julian Garcia, Garcia Automotive Group
  • D.J. Heckes & Family, EXHIB-IT!
  • Michelle Hernandez & Family
  • Luis and Chavela Herrera Family
  • Brian and Karla Hubbell Family
  • Robbie Jacques & Family, North Bar Industries
  • The Lopez Family, COMPA Industries
  • Carlo and Pauline Lucero Family
  • Paul and Mary Lucero & Family
  • Arthur and Janice Lucero, MVD Express
  • Edward and Virginia Lujan
  • Tony G. Madrid
  • Paul and Emma Maestas
  • Mathew and Lisa Martinez & Family
  • Mary Gallegos-Martinez & Family
  • Derek, Dr. Lita, Melonie Mathews
  • Sherman and Cathy McCorkle
  • Bill M. Miera & Family, Fiore Industries Inc.
  • Nancy Lee, Zamora Montoya
  • John and Elizabeth Murphy
  • Dr. Hilary A. Noskin & Family
  • Marc Powell and Pamela Weese Powell
  • Louis and Diana Rael & Family
  • Ed Rivera and the Rivera Family
  • Robert and Thelma Rodriguez & Family
  • Ambassador Ed and Cayetanna Romero & Family
  • Alex O. Romero & Family and Rita M. Garcia
  • Nestor J. Romero & Family
  • Robert B. and Evette M. Sachs & Sons
  • Marty and Teresa Saiz & Family
  • John P. and Terri Salazar & Family
  • Dr. Salim and Mrs. Sossy Walji
  • Donald and Loraine Sanchez & Family
  • Leonard R. and Anne Sanchez & Family
  • Daniel and Andrea Sandoval & Family
  • Steve Schroeder & Family
  • Joan Tafoya & Family
  • Anthony and Patsy Tenorio & Family
  • Anthony D. Trujillo Family
  • Tony and Ann Trujillo & Family
  • Jack T. Vigil, Harmonix Technologies
  • Way Out West, Inc.
  • Linda and Steven Wedeen
La Escalera
The Staircase honoring 45 years of Commerce, Community, & Culture

A staircase celebrating 45 years of supporting our small businesses and community and recognizing the Hispano Chamber’s service since our inception in 1975. The Dedication Wall will proudly display our participating members and partners.

Please contribute to the “La Escalera” program.

Your $250 contribution will be displayed with a customized brick plate with your name, or the name of your business, for all our visitors to see. It will also allow us to continue to support our programs and initiatives that help scale our small businesses.

Thank you to our wonderful community and membership:

ABQ Journal – Rick and Debbie Johnson
Achievement Gallery – Achievement Gallery
Adelante Development Center Inc. –
Mike Kivitz 
Adorabella Beauty Academy – Tina Tapia
Albuquerque Hispano – Cecilia Marquez
Albuquerque Hispano – Bea Davalos & Family
Albuquerque Hispano – Mark and Connie Lee​
Albuquerque Hispano – Ernie and Geri C’de Baca​
Baldwin Accounting & Consulting LLC – Lee Baldwin
Bank of ABQ – Francie Monteith 
Bar J Companies – Shannon Jacques
Clearinghouse CDFI – Alanna Smith
El Paraiso Homecare – Grace Aragon

Home Instead Senior Care – Mary Martinez 
Intel Corporation – Raquel Chavez-Leon
Jaramillo Accounting Group – Audrey Jaramillo
La Mexicana Hot Tamale – Anthony Hernandez
Maestas & Ward Commercial Real Estate – Debbie Harms
Modrall Sperling – Michelle Hernadez 
Modrall Sperling – Michelle Hernadez
NewSpace NM – Casey Anglada DeRaad 
NM Runners Pro Arena Soccer – Andres Trujillo
North Bar Industries – Brandon, Sophia and Vincente Jacques
North Bar Industries – Robbie, Kelly, Anthony and Cody Jacques​
PC Place Inc. – Sonia/Stephen Armijo
Perikin Enterprises – Frank Garcia 
PLC Enterprises – Patricia Chavez

Sem-Sol, LLC – Danielle Postel
Verus Research – Henry L. (Hank) Andrews Jr.
​Villa de Capo Ristorante – Giovanna Capos
Villa de Capo Ristorante – In Loving Memory Anna Venaglia
Villa de Capo Ristorante – In Loving Memory Dan Mourning
Villa de Capo Ristorante – Giovanna Capos
XTO Energy – Deanna Archuleta
Individuals:
Alex O. Romero and Rita M. Garcia​
Alicia Jaramillo
Brad Ferran
Cathy Gonzales
Hector Reyes
Jeffrey Candelaria
Jim Garcia
Manuel Casias
Minerva Jurado
Phil Castillo
Rob, Ali, Grady and Quin C’de Baca
Seth and Maggie C’de Baca

Our Foundation

What is the Hispano Chamber Foundation?

The Hispano Chamber Foundation is a 501(c) (3) entity and has no employees. The Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes which support, benefit, or carry out the purposes of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. The Foundation has developed two specific areas of interest to the business community.

Official Airlines of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber

southwest airlines logo

Education Excellence Scholarships

Empowering New Mexico’s future leaders. The future of New Mexico is determined by today’s students. Hispano Chamber’s Education Excellence Awards program empowers our future leaders by providing an average of 100 students annually with college access, financial aid awareness, and scholarships.

Hispano Chamber Endowment Fund

The Hispano Chamber has taken steps to secure the Chamber’s economic future by establishing an endowment fund within the Albuquerque Community Foundation. The Endowment Fund provides the opportunity to make an investment in our economic development programs for long-term benefits and to achieve greater economic sustainability. We wanted to create a permanent mechanism to keep our programs self-sufficient economically, and to maintain a sustainable economy for today and tomorrow. The Endowment will help create economic sustainability and self-sufficiency in Albuquerque by supporting job training and creation, by investing in our members, and by promoting the start-up, growth, and attraction of businesses for a more vital and balanced economy.

To contribute to the Endowment Fund, please contact: Connie Lee, CFO, at connie@ahcnm.org or call: 505-842-9003.

Our Guiding Principals

Guiding Principles We Believe in Contributing to a Greater Cause

We believe when opportunity knocks, you should answer the door.
We believe your success is our success.
We believe in the entrepreneurial dream.
We believe in winning together.
We believe in connecting the right people to the right people.
We believe passionate people make things happen.
We believe that small business is critical to growing our economy.
We believe in BIG smiles and friendly handshakes.
We believe in having fun!
We believe that children are the future.
We believe that an educated workforce is vital and knowledge is POWER!
We believe it’s important to know who you are and where you came from.
We believe that Albuquerque is red and green, fry bread, biscochitos, turquoise, mariachis, the Mesa, the Bosque and the Sandias.
We believe that most people are one connection away from achieving their dreams.