Dear IHCC Community, It has come to our attention that there exists a significant gap in vendor participation for the upcoming Democratic National Convention scheduled to be held in Chicago from August 19th to 22nd, 2024. As outlined in the vendor directory, the representation of Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBEs), particularly Latino-owned businesses, stands at a mere 14.52 percent as of March 25th. This discrepancy is deeply concerning. Chicago, renowned for its vibrant Latino community, which contributes over 30 percent of the city’s population, should exemplify inclusivity and dive ..read more

Dear IHCC Community, In a recent and impactful ruling, a Texas court has declared minority business programs unconstitutional, marking a significant setback in the ongoing efforts to address racial disparities in economic opportunities. These programs were established with the noble intention of fostering inclusivity and mitigating the historical disadvantages faced by minority entrepreneurs. However, the court’s decision has cast a shadow over the future of these initiatives, leaving many concerned about the potential consequences. The court’s verdict has reignited the broader legal debate su ..read more

Dear IHCC Community, Here, once again, the Sueños Music Festival is a testament to the power and influence of Latinos. We have the numbers, and they will only continue to grow. This is just the beginning; now, we are moving into actually owning our power as Latinos. Our beloved city of Chicago will host the highly anticipated music festival called Sueños. And we want as many Latino small businesses as possible to be at the epicenter of this cultural movement. Today, a high number of Latino vendors are an essential part, and we are going for more. I am thrilled to announce that within just few ..read more

Dear IHCC Community, Five years ago, I embarked on a remarkable journey with the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC), and what a ride it has been! Over the years, our chamber has experienced tremendous growth and has emerged as one of the largest business advocating agencies not just in Illinois but across the country and beyond. The progress we have made is nothing short of extraordinary. From our humble beginnings, we have expanded our reach and influence, establishing ourselves as a trusted and respected voice in the business community. Our commitment to advocating for the needs an ..read more

Dear Members, Partners, and Friends of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, From the epicenter of power, I reflect on the significant responsibility of actively seeking a brighter future for Latinos in the United States. Within these walls, you can feel the love for America, a place where history is made and the future is defended. It is with immense gratitude that I share my recent experience at the White House, where I had the honor of joining distinguished individuals such as Isabel Casillas Guzman, U.S. Small Business Administrator, Mark Madrid, Associate Administrator, Office of Ent ..read more

The Latino Community is Booming in 2023. The Latino community has seen tremendous growth in 2023. According to recent reports, the Latino economy is now valued at $3.2 trillion, up from $2.8 trillion in 2020. Such an incredible increase in the value of the Latino economy is a testament to the power of the Latino people. If Latinos were an independent country, our GDP would rank ahead of the UK, India, and France. This is an incredible achievement! The growth of the Latino economy is because more Latinos are becoming entrepreneurs, starting businesses, and creating jobs. The Latino community mu ..read more

As the Hispanic community celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, we should use this opportunity to recognize the importance of supporting Hispanic-owned businesses. There is no better way to celebrate this month than by investing in the economic development of the Hispanic community. The current economic climate has been challenging for minority-owned businesses, especially those owned by Hispanics. Many Hispanic entrepreneurs face significant obstacles, including language barriers, access to capital, and limited resources. Despite these challenges, the Hispanic community has worked hard to build ..read more

The Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC) strongly disagrees with the Supreme Court’s decision to eliminate race as a factor in college admissions. This decision has the potential to affect our future workforce and business community drastically.  It is essential that we, as a society, recognize the immense value of diversity in all aspects of life, especially in the business community. Minorities have historically been underrepresented in higher education and in the business world. This decision places a tremendous strain on the progress made in the past.  We recognize the im ..read more

Dear IHCC Community I am writing to express my gratitude and appreciation for your support throughout our journey to the 13th World Chambers Congress held in Geneva. Although we didn’t come in first, I’m incredibly proud of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC) and our project, Contract Radar. We are honored that Contract Radar was chosen as a finalist for the Best Chamber Model Innovation Project and was exhibited at a prestigious international forum. We are optimistic that this artificial intelligence system will contribute to the economic growth of minorities and our country. I w ..read more

Dear Mayor Brandon Johnson, On behalf of the thousands of Latino own businesses and entrepreneurs in our city, I would like to extend a warm welcome to you as our newly elected mayor. We are excited to have you at the helm of our city’s government, and we believe that your leadership will bring about positive change and progress for all of us. We understand that you are taking on a great responsibility, and we are confident you have the knowledge, experience, and dedication needed to lead our city forward. We believe your commitment to social justice, equity, and community empowerment will mak ..read more