Our History

A Brief History of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce

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. 

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 Founders

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

The Hispano Chamber 4th Anniversary Celebration

PLACE EVENT