A new business organization aims to integrate the Hispanic and non-Hispanic business communities through the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valley.<\/p>\n
The Americas Chamber of Commerce bills itself as \u201cthe Hispanic Chamber of the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys,\u201d and hopes to provide educational and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs from Aspen to Parachute.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Hispanic community needs more financial education,\u201d John L\u00f3pez, Americas Chamber of Commerce co-founder and executive director said. \u201cIt\u2019s a big problem.\u201d<\/p>\n
L\u00f3pez, a mechanical engineer, earned a masters of business administration from the University of Barcelona and for over a decade has done accounting and engineering consultant work for several businesses.<\/p>\n
L\u00f3pez hopes to assist local nonprofit organizations, up and coming entrepreneurs as well as already established businesses through Americas Chamber of Commerce.<\/p>\n
The organization\u2019s board of directors said it would focus on helping everyday, working residents, which L\u00f3pez referred to as common people.<\/p>\n
It was a sentiment echoed by Americas Chamber of Commerce, president and CEO, Paulina Navas.<\/p>\n
Originally from Bogot\u00e1, Colombia, Navas has spent the last 2 \u00bd years living in the Roaring Fork Valley.<\/p>\n
An industrial engineer, Navas stressed that Americas Chamber\u2019s fundamental intent was to help further ties between the Hispanic and non-Hispanic business communities to promote economic growth throughout the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know how difficult it is to try to communicate [business] ideas and products,\u201d Navas said.<\/p>\n
Americas Chamber of Commerce hopes to assist by providing networking opportunities, digital marketing tutorials as well as information concerning public policy and regulations.<\/p>\n
Having just announced its formation, Americas Chamber of Commerce founders said that it would hold its first membership meeting and launch its website within the coming weeks.<\/p>\n
Additionally, Alpine Bank in Glenwood Springs has agreed to sponsor the newly formed chamber.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe plans they have are amazing,\u201d Ma Lucy Moncada, Alpine Bank Latino services coordinator, said.<\/p>\n
Moncada also serves as Americas Chamber of Commerce\u2019s secretary.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have great ideas for businesses and everyday common people,\u201d Moncada said.<\/p>\n