Hollister’s venerable Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has struggled
to stay afloat since its former leader, Robert Ornelas, was sued
for alleged sexual harassment in November.
Hollister’s venerable Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has struggled to stay afloat since its former leader, Robert Ornelas, was sued for alleged sexual harassment in November.
The organization canceled last month’s scheduled luncheon and the annual January installation dinner, during which the Chamber normally elects new officers and directors.
Of the eight officers on board in 2003, only four carried over into 2004, according to Mark Vivian, who is acting in an unofficial president role. The others termed out of their elected roles and, without a new election, could not be replaced.
Vivian said Ornelas oversaw a heap of the Chamber’s management responsibilities. Whether Ornelas’ departure from the organization led to its current instability, Vivian said, “I think part of the answer to that is yes.”
He added, “We’re just lacking leaders.”
With Ornelas gone from his administrative capacity, Vivian said he’s seeking more involvement. With more leadership help, he thinks the Chamber can be revived, he said.
“We’re going to limp along until we get that in place,” he said.
The Chamber – with a membership of about 50 businesses and several individuals – provides a forum to inform citizens, particularly the Hispanic community. It also awards annual scholarships. In 2003, the Hispanic Chamber gave out eight $500 scholarships, Vivian said. It launched in the 1960s, according to Vivian.
“I truly believe it’s just that we need a direction,” he said. “We are looking for leaders that are going to step up and help this board out.
“There is not a lot of interest in doing that.”
Local artist Shannon Grissom believes the Chamber’s tradition of bringing in quality guest speakers is one reason, she said, “it would be sad to lose them.” She’s among many members of the business community who regularly attend the gatherings.
City Councilwoman Pauline Valdivia – in her official capacity with the city and as the executive director of Jovenes de Antano – is involved in the Hispanic Chamber. She was the most recent guest speaker at February’s luncheon where she delivered a “state of the city” speech, she said.
Valdivia was disappointed Thursday to hear about the uncertainty of the Chamber’s future.
“I think maybe they just need to re-focus,” she said.
Vivian, manager of Edward Jones Financial Services in Hollister, wants to breathe life back into the once stable fellowship, he said.
“I am doing my best to keep it going,” Vivian said. “Right now, it’s just a reconstruction phase. Quite frankly, I’ve got to find the time to put it all together.”
Vivian took over shortly after six women employed under Ornelas, the city’s recreation division head, sued him in November for sexual harassment.
It is unclear what role Ornelas maintains with the City of Hollister. Ornelas’ boss, Management Services Director Clay Lee, declined to comment Thursday on Ornelas’ status. But his position in late January was placed on the city’s list of 36 layoffs that are effective July 1.
The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce said it is willing to help keep the Hispanic Chamber going, according to Executive Director Theresa Kiernan. She’s confident, despite rumors circulating town, the Hispanic Chamber won’t disband.
“There is nothing that has come to this office that tells me otherwise,” Kiernan said.
Despite the cancellation of the March luncheon, the Hispanic Chamber is currently organizing an April 24 gathering. All of them take place at The Vault restaurant.
“We’re continuing on,” Vivian said. “That’s my goal. I hope we get everybody on board with it.”
For more information on the Hispanic Chamber, e-mail [email protected].
