The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of

Commerce is proud of its memership. In order to

showcase our members in our monthly E-

Newsletter, we have created the section “This is

My Chamber”. Each month a different member

will be on the spotlight, discussing those things

that are important to them when it comes to

Tulsa’s business community.

Lucinda Rojas, board member and Senior

Account Executive with Schnake Turnbo Frank

PR is the first member to be featured. Rojas'

past experience includes community relations,

media relations and event planning. She was

recently promoted to the position of Senior

Account Executive.

GTHCC: An organiza-

tion's reputation, prof-

itability, and its contin-

ued existence can

depend on the degree to

which its targeted public

supports its goals and

policies. Public relations

specialists are commu-

nications specialists and

media specialists, do

you think Hispanic busi-

nesses and Hispanic

o w n e d - b u s i n e s s e s

understand the value of

a PR firm?

An organization’s ability to

meet its goals absolutely

depends on its ability to

reach a targeted audience

such as a customer or a

client. While it’s difficult to

make a broad generaliza-

tion about the importance

that Hispanic-owned busi-

nesses place on public

relations or PR, in my

experience many Hispa-

nic-owned business own-

ers do understand the value of reaching out to

its target audience and the impact that has on

the bottom line. For example, getting people in

the community talking about your business and

referring customers is a part of PR.

But without a plan and the right message, the

effort being put forward will not meet its poten-

tial. PR is more than ads and flyers, it is about

telling a story to the target audience in an effec-

tive way. This is where a PR firm or professional

comes in to assist in identifying ways that a busi-

ness can communicate with an organized plan

for reach audiences through news stories, spe-

cial events, online and many more ways.

Overall, PR is about building relationships with

people. Developing a positive reputation in the

community where you do business is the end

result of an effective public relations

GTHCC: Public relations specialists work in

busy offices. The pressures of deadlines and

tight work schedules can be stressful. What

do you do to release the stress?

My biggest stress relief is being able to enjoy

being with my family and friends over a great

meal. Beyond that, I enjoy running, reading and

listening to music. While I’m doing those things,

I can just relax and focus on whatever I’m doing

instead of getting caught up in distractions.

GTHCC: What is your favorite food?

I like food way too much to only have one

favorite, but it’s narrowed down to my mom’s tor-

tillas, menudo, enchiladas and sushi. I know

they are very different, but I could eat one of

those every day!

GTHCC: Do you have a message to high

schools Latinas, that may see in you and

other successful professional women a role

model.

This is a great time to be a Latina, so set your

goals high! This is a time when the community

wants to hear from young people and you are in

a position to make a difference by stepping up

and being involved. Some of my greatest oppor-

tunities happened in whole or in part because I

am a Latina – that’s powerful. So look for oppor-

tunities with scholarships, jobs and careers

paths and you will be successful. Someone

once told me, you are only going to be at each

point in your life once, your perspective will

change with your experiences, so do something

now don’t wait until you reach a certain age to

have an opinion about the things that are impor-

tant to you. Our perspective as Latinas come in

part from our culture, this isn’t true for everyone

– so it isn’t something to take for granted. The

opportunities for young Latinas are there – you

have to take the initiative to find them!

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 rFebruary 2010

PG 1

This is My Chamber

Board member Lucinda Rojas is a Senior Account Executivewith Schnake Turnbo Frank PR

The 31st Annual National Convention &Business Expo will be start next September29th 2010 in Dallas, Texas; and the GreaterTulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is partof the Event Committee.

For the very first time, the NationalConvention will add a 5K Run. The idea camefrom the Hispanic Heritage Run celebratedand organized by our Chamber since 2007.

Francisco Treviño, our Executive Director,traveled to Dallas last January 19th to meetwith Javier Palomarez, the new president &CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber ofCommerce in order to start planning for theNational Convention.

If you would like to be part of the TulsaDelegation, please contact us at (918) 664-5326

There is no more important time to go to

Washington than now. Our elected officials

have an enormous obligation to stimulate and

repair our economy. Congressional leadership

is reacting to the new policies of the

Administration, which will have a direct impact

on the future of our community. Rules and reg-

ulations that impact our businesses and their

bottom line are being designed and refined.

You must be at the table to ensure those

changes are beneficial and not harmful. If we

expect to be included and represented effec-

tively, the Hispanic business community must

deepen relationships in Congress and main-

tain a high profile with key decision makers.

Join us for the 20th Annual Legislative

Conference in Washington, D.C., next March

22nd 2010.

Chamber News

The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

PG 2

Trip to Washington, D.C. 2010

USHCC National Convention

Salvador Coronado, Blanca Thames, Marvin Lizama and Francisco Treviño

The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

PG 3

Chamber News

Who said business andsports don’t mix? To disprovethat idea, the Greater TulsaHispanic Chamber ofCommerce kicked off its firstHispanic Night on Jan. 24 tooffer its members a place todisplay their products andservices to the community.

A dozen members of thechamber set up in the largehalls of the BOK Center indowntown Tulsa during thehockey game between theTulsa Oilers and the KillerBees from the Rio GrandeValley.

“This is a great opportunity,”said Sue Hayes, representingtax preparer Jackson Hewitt.She thanked the chamber forbeing able to participate inthe event. “It is a way to meetpotential customers.”

Freddy Valverde, the

Chamber’s treasurer, notedthat the next Hispanic Nightat which members will beable to showcase their prod-ucts and services will beSunday, Feb. 21, during aTulsa Oilers game.

If you would like to be part ofthis exclusively offer formembers, please contact ouroffices at (918) 664-5326

Increasing its membership andits community involvement arethis year’s two key goals for theTulsa chapter of the Society ofHispanic Professional Engi-neers, according to HumbertoBarreda, chapter president.

The chapter, created in 2001, ispart of the national organization,founded in 1974 in Los Angeles,whose goal is to increase anddevelop the potential ofHispanics in engineering, math-ematics and science.

Barreda, president since 2008,has increased the number ofchapter activities. “We try tohave an activity once a month,besides the meetings of theboard,” he said. Barreda hasinvited commercial pilot TimCarter to be the speaker for themonthly meeting at theChamber’s offices.

The chapter has not beenimmune from the effect on thememberships of civic and pro-fessional organizations causedby the economic recession.“Without doubt, the economiccrisis had an impact on us.Especially after March 2009, itwas very difficult to recruitpotential members and busi-nesses interested in taking partin our activities,” said Barreda.“But now we have many moremembers than in 2008; thereare 21 of us.” Barreda hopes todraw in people interested inworking on helping the Hispaniccommunity.

Benefits of membership includeinformation on scholarships andinternships, and a vast profes-sional development programinvolving courses, training andconferences.

SHPE TulsaHispanic Night with the Tulsa Oilers

Tim Carter and Humberto Barreda

The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

PG 4

Inmigration

One section prohibited an employer fromfiring an authorized worker while retain-ing an employee who was unauthorizedto work, and the other required that busi-nesses either verify the work eligibility ofan individual or withhold taxes at thehighest rate.

The court in Denver upheld a June 2008decision by U.S. District Judge RobinCauthron in Oklahoma City, who issued

a preliminary injunction against enforce-ment of three of 14 sections of the law,known as the Oklahoma Taxpayer andCitizen Protection Act.

The case involved a suit filed in federalcourt by a group of chambers of com-merce and business and professionalorganizations.

Appeals court judges Paul J. Kelly,

Carlos F. Lucero and Harris L. Hartzvoted unanimously against enforcementof sections 7(C) y 9, but by a 2-1 vote didnot rule against section 7(B), whichrequires businesses to use a labor verifi-cation program to check the work author-ization status of employees. Lucero wasthe lone vote against it.

Local reaction

Brad Scott, a local house builder, washappy with the decision. “It will be a longbattle, but at least we are on the righttrack,” he said. “Laws like H.B. 1804want to make an immigration agent outof a businessman.”

Lawyer Chris Gentges, manager of theimmigration program at the YWCA, saidit was a victory, but said this does notchange the course of events inOklahoma.

Mike Neal, president of Tulsa’s Chamberof Commerce, declined to comment.

Reaction by Randy Terrill, the legislatorand author of the bill, was reported on alocal radio show. He labeled the ruling as“a very divided opinion.” He said the fullcourt – 13 judges – should hear thecase, not just the three-judge panel thatissued the ruling. “We can ask for a hear-ing with the full panel of the circuit.”

What’s next?

For now, Sections 7(C) y 9 cannot beenforced, but the state can appeal thedecision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Feb. 2 ruledthat two sections of H.B. 1804 cannot be enforced.

The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

PG 5

11:30 am-1:00 pmRenaissance

Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center

$20/member

$25/non-member

The cost of the function includes lunch.

Please RSVP at (918) 664-5326 or e-mail admin@tulsahispanicchamber.com

February Membership Luncheon

Guest Speaker

Rose Washington RentieExecutive Director,

Tulsa Economic

Development Corporation

Wednesday February 24th, 2010

Media Sponsors:

Hosted by

Presented by

HISPANO DE TULSABilingual Newspaper

6808 South 107th East Avenue

PG 6

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, February 27th 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

RenaissanceTulsa Hotel & Convention Center

PG 8

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, February 21st 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