[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Pages 19487-19488]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]





          RECOGNIZING THE LAS VEGAS LATIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the 40th anniversary of 
the Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce.
  Since its inception, the Latin Chamber of Commerce has been a 
champion for the Hispanic business community in Nevada. In working to 
fulfill its mission of promoting the success of its members and the 
more than 18,000 Hispanic-owned small businesses in the Silver State, 
the chamber is driving growth in Nevada and enriching the U.S. economy. 
By cultivating positive business, cultural, and educational 
relationships and expanding opportunities for Latino businessowners, 
the Latin Chamber of Commerce has ensured the success of hundreds of 
new businesses and transformed the very fabric of southern Nevada.
  The Latin Chamber of Commerce was founded nearly four decades ago by 
a handful of determined individuals who were seeking the resources and 
support necessary to realize their personal and professional goals. 
Under the leadership of Arturo Cambeiro, the organization's first 
president, the chamber developed the foundation needed to become a 
leading advocate for Hispanic-owned businesses and Latino 
entrepreneurs. Today, the Latin Chamber of Commerce has grown to 
include more than 1,500 members throughout the Silver State, making it 
one of the largest organizations of its kind in the country. I applaud 
the Latin Chamber of Commerce for its 40th anniversary of dedicated 
service to the Hispanic community. The chamber's work is truly 
appreciated and admired.
  I also commend the leadership of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, 
particularly Mr. Otto Merida and Ms. Victoria Napoles-Earl. Their 
tireless commitment to the Latino business community has played a 
critical role in the growth and success of the chamber. For the last 40 
years, Mr. Merida has dedicated his work to developing and expanding 
the presence of the Latin Chamber of Commerce in southern Nevada. He 
has worked hard to fulfill the Chamber's mission and led the 
organization with the highest standards, currently serving as the 
organization's chief executive officer. Ms. Napoles-Earl joined the 
chamber in 1987 and recently announced her retirement after 30 years of 
service. I would like to congratulate her on her upcoming retirement 
and career accomplishments. From starting as the chamber's office 
manager to becoming its senior vice president, Ms. Napoles-Earl has 
dedicated her career to investing in Latino-owned businesses. During 
their distinguished careers, Mr. Merida and Ms. Napoles-Earl have 
successfully secured millions of dollars in funding for Latino 
businessowners, including grants, loans, and contracts. On behalf

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of the chamber and the thousands of Hispanic-owned businesses in 
Nevada, Mr. Merida and Ms. Napoles-Earl have effectively advocated for 
policies that help Latino entrepreneurs start and expand their 
business.
  In addition to their roles at the Latin Chamber of Commerce, Mr. 
Merida and Ms. Napoles are active members in the community and have 
held various leadership positions at the State and local levels. Mr. 
Merida has worked for the State of Nevada's Department of Education, 
served as chair of the Las Vegas Housing Authority, and was appointed 
to the Nevada Commission on Economic Development. Ms. Napoles-Earl has 
served as a commissioner for the Nevada Commission on Minority Affairs 
and on the board of directors of Dignity Health's St. Rose Dominican 
Hospitals. I have had the honor and privilege of working closely with 
Mr. Merida and Ms. Napoles-Earl throughout my time in Congress, and I 
can say without reservation that the Hispanic business community in 
Nevada is fortunate to have them working on its behalf. You will be 
hard pressed to find more effective advocates.
  As the Latin Chamber of Commerce begins its next chapter, I wish them 
continued success for years to come and thank them for supporting the 
economic growth and development of Latino entrepreneurs for 40 years 
and counting.

                          ____________________