The San Benito County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is in
trouble, and it needs help from leaders in the community.
The San Benito County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is in trouble, and it needs help from leaders in the community.
The former president, Robert Ornelas, did a lot of the work that kept the Chamber a functioning organization. But he left the post early in the year after his term ended and after he got entangled in legal issues unrelated to the Chamber. As a result, the Chamber is struggling to stay afloat.
It’s not a good omen for the viability of an organization that it relies so heavily on one person for survival. But now there is a need and an opportunity to strengthen the Chamber.
The Chamber, founded in the 1960s, serves several important roles:
– It promotes economic growth and professional development
– It sponsors community events
– It awards eight $500 scholarships a year to local students
But the organization canceled its annual installation dinner in January when officers are normally elected, and it has canceled another event. Now, there are only four people on the eight-person board.
The Chamber is limping along. We’re worried that if it doesn’t get help, it will lose its way and will have to disband.
That would be a big loss. The Chamber has served the community well for more than 40 years, and it’s an asset we need to preserve.
Mark Vivian, the acting president, says all it would take to revive the Chamber is some people willing to step into leadership roles. It needs direction, he said.
There can be steps taken to streamline the organization – perhaps trimming the board from eight to six members. But we’d also like our readers to consider heeding Vivian’s call for help. Step up or let the organization perish.
Consider lending your talents and time to revive the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. With guidance and strong leadership, it can be a powerful organization to promote our community, enhance our businesses and help educate our young people.
