Foundation of the Minority Chamber of Commerce

Press Release

When a business wants to partner with a minority-owned business for a project, it can be difficult to find that partner. That's because until recently, there was no network or organization that provides a listing of minority-owned businesses in Florida. Miami, Florida . September 1, 2002. Doug Mayorga, Carlos Guzman, Maria Loaisiga, Herminio Gonzalez and Christ Felton saw this lack of information and decided to provide it themselves by starting the Minority Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce this September 1, 2001.

“We saw something that fulfills a need and builds relationships,” said Mr Mayorga, vice president of the Chamber and president of Commodities-USA magazine. “Right now, you have to go to Broward or Miami Dade Counties and to get [minority-focused business groups]. There is nothing like this in Miami.” All five founding members are businessmen and women who met through other business groups and networking events. For the past July, they discussed the need for a minority business group to be formed in the area.

As recently as August, the five decided to make the jump and launched the Chamber with an area that includes Miami, Broward, Monroe and Palm Beach counties, as well as municipalities such as Homestead and Miami Beach. “We all said, 'I think we can do this,' and at the right time we all came together,” said Carlos Guzman, chairman of the new Chamber, who also is a president of the Flyer a business publication for consumers. He said the Chamber will focus on building relationships, increasing strategic growth and capacity, developing professionals and their staff and informing members of the economic trends. While the focus is on bringing the awareness of minority-owned businesses to the forefront, the Chamber is not exclusive.

“This is meant to be an inclusive group,” Mr. Mayorga said. “It is pro-anybody.” He likened the Chamber's mission and goals to buying a bottle of wine. If you are looking for a particular bottle of wine, you go to a wine store, where you can choose from a variety of wines all in one place, as opposed to searching out and going to individual wineries. The Minority Chamber of Commerce is a place where a businessperson can come and find a host of minority-owned businesses all in one place. “This helps remove obstacles in finding minority business partners,” he said.

The forming of a new chamber, Mr. Mayorga said, does not take away from the other chambers and business organizations in the area. “There is nothing wrong with another business helping people and helping partnerships,” he said. “Businesses may need a different organization or a combination of organizations [to grow their business]. It is like teachers. There are so many good teachers out there, and there is nothing wrong with adding more teachers.” The Mission of the Minority Chamber of Commerce: will be INDISPENSABLE to the Members it Serves and to lead, empower and unite our minority’s business community

For more information:
DOUG MAYORGA-DIRECTOR
director@minoritychamber.net

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