[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 41 (Monday, March 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E589]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING CENTRAL CALIFORNIA HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 9, 2009

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Central 
California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce upon the celebration of their 
25th anniversary. The anniversary will be celebrated on Friday March 
13, 2009 in Fresno, California.
  In 1983 a small, influential group of Hispanic business owners in the 
Fresno area came together and identified a need for a business 
organization that was aimed toward growing and developing Hispanic 
owned businesses. The leaders began to develop strong ties to the 
California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Together they built the 
foundation and began to gather support from local businesses and 
leaders to form the Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 
(CCHCC). Under the leadership of Hugo Morales, Carmen Navarro, Jo Ann 
Orijel, the late Albert Ramirez, Jorge Acuna, David Mendoza, Rose 
Molina, and others, the CCHCC was formed.
  The focus for the first couple of years was to become incorporated, 
obtain non-profit status, to expand and cover the Central Valley and to 
create by-laws and establish a board of directors. This was 
accomplished by 1985. The CCHCC further gained momentum when State 
Center Community College District, California State University, Fresno, 
Pepsi-Cola and other corporations pledged their support. These early 
supporters help catapult CCHCC into becoming a viable business 
organization.
  Today, CCHCC is involved in addressing the quality of life for the 
Hispanic community. The CCHCC has hosted several events to promote and 
revitalize local Hispanic businesses and boost the economy for the 
entire Central Valley.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Central 
California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on 25 years of business. I 
invite my colleagues to join me in wishing CCHCC many years of 
continued success.

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