Still exhilarated on the heels of the completion of our new headquarters, the HCCW hosted what is billed as the most successful convention in USHCC history, a record breaker on numerous levels.

The HCCW was uniquely privileged to welcome USHCC senior staff, conventioneers, distinguished guests, honored dignitaries, interested visitors and corporate supporters from the area and from across the United States, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Hispanic business growth and development was assisted with the plenary sessions and workshops. Hispanic business owners were motivated and inspired with the fabulous array of speakers featured during the breakfasts and luncheons. The SBA Matchmaking and the Small Business & Workforce Development Pavilion enjoyed marked success. Our future business leaders gained valuable knowledge and were inspired as participants in the Youth Entrepreneurship BizFest Training.

We proudly acknowledged the well-deserved recognition received by HCCW members, Brian Ganos, President, Sonag Company and Jackie Poulakos, President, Performance Clean who were honored as Region 4 Hispanic Businessman & Businesswoman of the year. Jackie Poulakos proceeded to earn the National USHCC Businesswoman of the Year honors.

The leadership demonstrated by our own George Franco earned him the distinction of being elected ‘05/’06 USHCC Board Chairman. Adding to our pride and delight, the HCCW was selected for the 10th consecutive year as Region 4 Large Chamber of the Year.

Receptions abounded with Mayor Tom Barrett, County Executive Scott Walker and Governor Jim Doyle rolling out the red carpet in genuine welcome. A light drizzle did not dampen the spirits of those attending the HCCW off-site LatinPalooza extravaganza- the superb food, toe-tapping entertainment and the jaw-dropping fireworks all thrilled and impressed the attendees.

The Expo included a record number of exhibitors who eagerly promoted their products, services and opportunities to convention registrants and to the general public. NextMedia Operating Inc. launched 104.7-FM La GranD, Milwaukee’s first-ever Spanish language FM radio station. Another first occurring during the convention was the Salute to Hispanic Heritage Parade. The HCCW Board of Directors riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles, elected officials and honored guests riding in Braeger Automotive convertibles, fabulous floats, marching bands, ethnic music, Looney Tunes characters and the Milwaukee Brewers sausages delighted both young and the young-at-heart. The grand finale of four jam-packed days of engaging and powerful networking and activity was yet to come.

Ten years ago when we stepped into the “elevator� in pursuit of national honors, the “elevator� stopped at each floor and for ten consecutive years the HCCW earned regional honors. This year as we reached the 10th floor, we not only earned regional honors but also captured the long-pursued NATIONAL honor as the finest LARGE HISPANIC CHAMBER in the country. We are sending the elevator back down for another deserving chamber, somewhere in this great country, to begin their pursuit of this prestigious honor.

I will be forever grateful to our local corporations for their unprecedented level of commitment, the unwavering support of Mayor Tom Barrett, County Executive Scott Walker and Governor Jim Doyle and our first-rate VISIT Milwaukee Bureau. Kudos to a dedicated HCCW Board of Directors, our determined loaned executive Deb Kreitlow, our hard working staff and small army of loyal and tireless volunteers. We also acknowledge our chamber membership for participating in the educational venues as well as for celebrating our successes.

Together we moved ahead with confidence, celebrated upward mobility, raised visibility and thrust the national spotlight on Milwaukee. BRAVO! BRAVO!

Adelante Juntos,

Maria Monreal-Cameron
President and CEO