Dear members and friends,

¡Saludos and Happy New Year!

Before we get into it, this is the last chance to purchase tickets for our 2019 Business Awards Holiday Gala at the Belvedere Hotel in downtown Baltimore! The gala will take place on January 24th from 7-11 p.m. and will include hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer all night long, and a delicious three-course dinner. THE GALA SOLD OUT LAST YEAR, and we expect the same this time around!

We are looking forward to the best year yet in 2019 as we continue to move forward with improving our member programs, expanding in Maryland through our chapters, and continuing to grow our professional staff. Most importantly, we reflect on 2018 as a fantastic year for the chamber marked by recognitions, growth, and strengthening of partnerships, and it is all because of YOUR support and YOUR commitment to our mission. Thank you for being part of our family!

I want to thank 2 very special members of our executive committee for serving honorably, passionately, and with élan. Ms. Corey Grunert has been MDHCC’s Secretary and Marketing Committee Chair for the last 3 years and responsible for the execution and implementation of our marketing strategy. Mr. Juan Barbarán has been a part of the board for over 5 years. As Vice Chairman and Chair of Partnerships and Memberships for the last 3 years, Juan was instrumental in the recruitment, mentoring, and member experience of our members. I also would like to thank Mr. David Diefenbach who has been part of our chamber for 2 years as Chair of the Events Committee, playing an extraordinary role in leading our events strategy and making sure all MDHCC member events were first class.

All three have been powerful forces who have propelled our chamber to new heights. They all sacrificed thousands of hours volunteering for our chamber and we could not have moved forward as we have without their tireless commitment. THANK YOU for being wonderful stewards of our chamber and for giving a part of yourselves so that our mission can lift others.

I also want to congratulate all our Business Excellence Awards finalists and winners for being such outstanding models of perseverance, community leadership, and success. You make all of us very proud and remind us of why we do what we do at the Chamber.

And speaking of Chamber, with growth comes change and evolution. Our chamber needs a constant influx of leaders who are willing to guide our organization to new heights and continued improvement. If you are ready for the challenge and want to make a palpable difference in our community and our State, then send us an email with your resume and cover letter at info@mdhcc.org. We are currently recruiting committee members and board directors.

Please have a safe and prosperous February and see you at our first networking breakfast in March.

Onward!

Jorge Eduardo Castillo
Chairman & President
Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce