In 2009 we celebrated our 10th yearanniversary. 10 years ago a group of dedicat-ed Hispanic business owners and communityleaders realized the enormous economicimpact and potential of the growing Hispaniccommunity in Tulsa. At that time the GreaterTulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce(GTHCC) was incorporated in the State ofOklahoma, creating Oklahoma’s firstHispanic Chamber of Commerce. Since itsinception, the GTHCC has worked towardbringing the issues and concerns of the Tulsaregion's Hispanic owned businesses to theforefront of the local, regional, and state eco-nomic agenda.

The founders of the GTHCC have beendedicated to establishing credibility in one ofthe fastest growing economic sectors inTulsa: the east side.

This hard work has been recognized bothat a national and local level. In 2009 theGTHCC was awarded the Best HispanicChamber in the Region, by the US HispanicChamber of Commerce.

Also in 2009, the Boy Scouts of Americapresented the Whitney M. Young, Jr. award tothe GTHCC for its service to the youth.

During 2009, the GTHCC’s programshelped grow the chamber’s membership andparticipation.

Monthly networking luncheons

As one of our cornerstone monthly activi-ties, our luncheons provide one of Tulsa'sbest networking opportunities.

In 2009 the GTHCC had extraordinaryguest speakers, among them Keith Ballard,Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent, andRepublican Rep. John Sullivan.

The GTHCC also hosted the only MayoralForum that gathered all the candidates forTulsa Mayor: Tom Adelson, Democrat;Dewey Bartlett Jr., Republican, and inde-pendents Mark Perkins and LawrenceKirkpatrick.

10th Annual Excelencia Awards

May 28th was the day set to present theExcelencia Awards to three of the GTHCC’smost active members at the Crowne Plazahotel in downtown, Tulsa.

Simón Navarro, owner of 2000 HNC,received the Avance Award as the Hispanicbusiness of the year.

Laurie Paul, executive director ofCommunity Health Connection, won theBendaña Amigo Award for community leader-ship.

Kirk Hays, executive vice president ofArvest Bank, received the Adelante Award,which recognizes the business as the corpo-rate member of the year.

More than 200 guests heard speaker NinaVaca, owner of the Dallas-based, multimilliondollar business Pinnacle, and chairman of theU.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce RegionIII. Vaca stressed that part of her success asa businesswoman is due to her associationwith the Dallas Hispanic Chamber ofCommerce.

“The Chamber took me to the WhiteHouse,” she said, noting that she has metthree U.S. presidents. “The Chamber cantake you anywhere,” she said. “Be part ofyour local Chamber.”

Vaca said she was impressed with theenergy of the GTHCC members and addedthat in four or five years the city could hostthe national convention of the U.S. HispanicChamber of Commerce.

19th Annual Legislative Conference

More than 200 business organizations,which represent more than 2.5 millionHispanic businesses in the nation, gatheredfor the 19th legislative conference held by theU.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce inWashington, D. C.

The Greater Tulsa HispanicChamber of Commerce

M o n t h l y N e w s l e t t e rM o n t h l y N e w s l e t t e rJanuary 2010

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Continues on page 2

2009:

The year in review

Staff and volunteers for the US Census 2010 at Festival Hispano 2009.

Francisco Treviño, executive director ofthe Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber ofCommerce, led the Oklahoma delegation,which included Marvin Lizama, president ofthe American Dream Coalition, BlancaThames and Salvador Coronado, presidentof Coronado Drywall.

President Barack Obama opened theevent. Shortly after Obama spoke, theOklahoma delegation was able to speakbriefly with the president.

30th Annual Festival Hispano and 3rd Annual Hispanic Heritage Run

The 2009 edition of the Hispanic Festivalon Sept. 19 and 20 livened up downtownTulsa with music, flavors and color.

Hundreds of people showed up at ThirdStreet and Boston Avenue to enjoy the 30thanniversary of the festival.

The opening ceremony was led by youthfrom St. Thomas More Church, who marchedin carnival attire along the streets.

Festival events included the HispanicHeritage race, which attracted 98 participantsof all ages, including 5-year-old BrandonGarcía and Billy Woodruff, age 72.

The winner in the male category wasReynaldo Gómez, 37, who crossed the finishline in 18 minutes and 23 seconds. The win-ner in the female category was KrystalAtilano, 21, who finished the course in 22minutes and 22 seconds.

10th Annual Golf Tournament 'Fore Amigos'

Seven teams played at the gorgeous linksof South Lakes Golf Course, to enjoy one ofthe best tournaments in town.

Hispanic pastries, steak lunch, refresh-

ments, golf cart, trophies, special swards andmany door prizes, were part of this annualgathering of sport and networking.

10th Annual Meeting

On Dec. 15th the Greater Tulsa HispanicChamber of Commerce announced the 2010Board of Directors.

In 2010, they will continue promoting theinterest of our members and reassuring ourcommitment of service to the Hispanic com-munity with the mission of growing businessthrough people and partnerships.

The members of the 2010 Board ofDirectors are:

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Bill Johnnie CHAIRMAN

Ed Martínez, Jr.State Farm Insurance Agency

VICE CHAIRMAN

Freddy Valverde Fame 4 Business Solutions

TREASURER

DIRECTORSSarita Díaz-Pilkington

Arvest BankSarah Hansel

Hall EstillEduardo Mora

Carr & Carr Law FirmMichael PacewiczCrowe & DunlevyRodger Randle

The University of OklahomaLucinda Rojas

Schnake Turnbo Frank, PR

Chamber News

The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

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Winner of the Small Hispanic Chamber Award for Region III,

from The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Growing Business Through People and Partnerships.

2009:

The year in review

Alejandro Munozcano, Francisco Ibarra, Manuel Gomez and José Luis Silva

The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

PG 3

Winner of the

Small Hispanic Chamber Award for Region III,

from The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Growing Business Through People and Partnerships.

Thank you for your Support

We are pleased to announce that State Farm Insurance presented a checkfor $2,500 and The Gelving Foundation presented a check for $3,000 tofund the Small Business Academy and the Computer Lab of the Chamber.State Farm Insurance and The Gelvin Foundation have been proud support-ers of the Chamber. The partnership have been tremendous and we areconvinced that many businesses will benefit with the developing of theseprograms.

State Farm Insurance presented a check for $2,500

EducationThe U.S. Army Accessions Command(USAAC) and the Hispanic Associationof Colleges and Universities (HACU)today signed an official Memorandum ofUnderstanding (MOU) providing a coop-erative framework for serving theHispanic community through Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) and Hispanic-Serving School Districts (HSSD). TheMOU builds on the Army's long-standingpartnership with HACU and supports theshared mission of providing opportuni-ties for higher education and leadershipdevelopment.

"The Hispanic Association of Collegesand Universities and the U.S. Army arecommitted to improving educationalopportunities for Hispanic students," saidPresident and CEO of HACU, Dr.Antonio R. Flores. "We've partnered withthe Army to advance our collaborativeefforts and objectives of serving ourHispanic youth and future leaders of thisnation. This MOU agreement representsour mutual commitment to provideopportunities to better prepare Hispanicstudents for success in their chosencareer path."

"The Army makes a considerable invest-ment in providing opportunities for life-long learning, including access to highereducation, training in cutting-edge tech-nologies and real world experience. Ourpartnership with HACU helps ensure theHispanic community is aware of and hasaccess to the broad range of resourcesand benefits we provide for our youth,"said Lieutenant General Benjamin C.Freakley, Commanding General,USAAC. "Through this joint commitment,we're developing future leaders who willhave the knowledge, confidence anddiverse skills needed to keep our nationand our communities strong."

Specific areas of focus identified in theMOU include expanding test preparationresources for educators and students;building a comprehensive understandingof career and technical choices for stu-dents; collaborating on programsdesigned to increase awareness of U.S.Army resources available to Hispanicsseeking higher education, career andleadership opportunities; and increasingHSI and HSSD understanding of thebenefits and educational opportunities

provided through Army service.

The MOU also outlines the Army's con-tinued support of HACU's AnnualConference and of the HACU's innova-tive College Tour program, which bringshigh school students to universities tolearn more about college life. The U.S.Army also will be presented as a HACUpartner and resource to HSIs andHSSDs for college preparedness viaU.S. Army College planning assessmenttools, like March2Success and ROTCscholarships.

About HACUThe Hispanic Association of Collegesand Universities (HACU) is the onlynational educational association thatrepresents existing and emergingHispanic-Serving Institutions in thenation. Founded in 1986, HACU repre-sents nearly 450 colleges and universi-ties committed to Hispanic higher educa-tion success in the U.S., Puerto Rico,Latin America, Spain and Portugal. Formore information, visit www.hacu.net.

The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

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Images of 2009

Salvador Coronado and Sara Martinez

Bill Johnnie and Anthony Perez

Simon Navarro with Excelencia keynote speaker NinaVaca

Excelencia Embassadors with keynote speaker NinaVaca

Guest speakers for one of our luncheonsCongressmanJohn Sullivan

Andy Chapa and Mike Ruiz

The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

PG 5

Images of 2009 events

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Once a month the Hispanic community may learn the latest

news about the Chamber’s programs, services and events.

Our next show will be aired on

Saturday, January 30th from 9 to 10 a.m.

You may listen live at www.quebuenatulsa.com or

on you radio at 1530 AM.

‘Negocio para Todos’ is produced

by Francisco Treviño, Executive Director of the

Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Tulsa

Hispanic Chamber’S

Radio Show

‘Negocio para Todos’

or

‘Business for

Everyone’

This is an informative radio

show recently launched by the

Greater Tulsa Hispanic

Chamber in partnership with

KXTD La Que Buena

1530AM.

The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

PG 7

Won't You Join Us!

Do you have a new business, new loca-tion an expansion or an anniversary?

The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber ofCommerce is pleased to assist you withyour grand opening or ribbon cutting.Here are the answers to a few common-ly asked questions:

WHAT THE CHAMBER DOES:

All free of charge, to our Chambermember

Sends out a broadcast email our mem-bers on our email list to notify them ofyour opening

Provides the “giant scissors” and bowsand ribbon to cut (we usually deliverthem the day before or several hoursbefore the event – please let us knowwhat color bows and ribbon, and howlong)

Podium and microphone

Keeps track of RSVPs, unless you pre-fer to handle that yourself

Attends the event and takes pictures forour e-newsletter and web page

Typically our Chamber ExecutiveDirector, President of the Board, someBoard Members will attend.

Publicizes the event in our e-newsletterand web page with a photo after the factin the next edition

Invite the media

We will help you prepare an agenda

WHAT THE COMPANY DOES

Sets the date and time of the event –typically first thing in the morning (8AMor 9AM), Noontime, end of the day(4PM or later) or evening (7PM) –

please coordinate this with the Chamberif at all possible well in advance to avoiddate and time conflicts

You provide any refreshments for thosein attendance – this is entirely up to you

Invite Your Board of Directors, if applica-ble and friends and family

Those who helped with your new loca-tion like contractors, bankers, etc.

You provide any refreshments for thosein attendance - this is entirely up to you

Provide background information on yourcompany ahead of time to those whoare speaking so they can prepareremarks (we can help with that)

HOW IT RUNS :

Your agenda could be something likethis:

Welcome Guests – done by a companyrep

Intro on the company – done by a com-pany rep – Explain what you do if a newbusiness, about your new location – if asecond location or a move, your hours,introduce your staff

Congratulatory Remarks – fromChamber, other dignitaries – these are1-3 minutes each – very brief

Cut the ribbon – usually done by digni-taries and head company rep, somechoose to have all employees do thecutting

Thank you for attending – by a companyrep

Then you offer everyone to come take alook at your facility, and if large enough,you might want to offer tours

KEEP IN MIND:

Weekend grand openings (includingFriday after 5:00) are harder for theChamber to draw attendance to thanweekday events.

Hanging your ribbon – should be placedin front of the doorway – you and the“cutters” would stand behind the ribbonfacing the crowd

Keep in touch with the Tulsa HispanicChamber as your plans progress

As mentioned above, the Tulsa HispanicChamber will handle RSVPs, unless youprefer to do it yourself. As you mayknow, people will wait until the lastminute to RSVP, or will show up withoutRSVPing. Call the Tulsa HispanicChamber during the morning of the daybefore the event to get the latest count,and add a little cushion before commu-nicating a final number to your caterer. Ifexperienced, your caterer can probablyhelp with your estimate.

Will parking be an issue? If so, pleaselet us know where you would like gueststo park so we can inform them inadvance

The farther ahead you contact us themore publicity we can give your event

If you have a digital version of yourlogo, please email it to the RibbonCutting Coordinator so it can appear onour email

To arrange for your special event,please contact:

The Greater Tulsa HispanicChamber of Commerce918-664-5326 or email

admin@tulsahispanicchamber.com

Ribbon Cutting CeremoniesRIBBON CUTTINGS, GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONIES& OPEN HOUSES

The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Our next monthly luncheon is

February 24th, 2010 at 11:30 am

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288 Members!

In the 10 years history of the The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, membership levels have had their peaks and valleys, with the 288 membership mark being

achieved. We are extremely enthusiastic.

Thank you for your extraordinary support.

Winner of the Small Hispanic Chamber Award 2008

for Region III, from The United States Hispanic

Chamber of Commerce&

2009 the Whitney M. Young, Jr. award for unselfish service to the youth of America.

The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

PG 9

Hispanic Day with

Join us on Hispanic Chamber night with the Tulsa Oilers

Sunday, January 24th 20104:00 PM to 8:00 PM

BOk Center

Now is the perfect time to order your Oilers seasontickets for the BOK Center.

The Oilers have kept prices the same as 2008-09.Call the Oilers at (918) 632-7825 to reserve your

season tickets today.Flexible payment plans are available.

Media Sponsors:

HISPANO DE TULSABilingual Newspaper