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Author: communications@dachamber.org

DAChamber Hosted an Inspiring Soiree to Celebrate the Success of the Small Business Conference

Written by communications@dachamber.org on . Posted in News.

New York, NY – July 2024: The Dominican American Chamber of Commerce (DAChamber) recently held a memorable Soiree, bringing together the panelists, moderators, and special guests who were instrumental in the success of the Small Business Conference (SBC). The event, held at Il Sole restaurant on Dyckman Street, was an evening filled with gratitude, connections, and recognition of shared efforts.

The Soiree featured distinguished panelists, moderators, and sponsors, all key participants in the recent Small Business Conference. Among the attendees were the new Commissioner Dynishal Gross of the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS); Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga of the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP); Jeffrey García, Executive Director of the NYC Office of Nightlife; María Osorio, Chief Diversity Officer of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Contracts and DAChamber member; and Byron Logan, Assistant Vice President of Business Banking at M&T Bank.

This exclusive event was an opportunity to thank and celebrate those who contributed to the success of the Small Business Conference. Attendees enjoyed an evening of wine, appetizers, gifts, jazz, and fun, in an atmosphere conducive to networking and building meaningful relationships.

The Soiree took place on July 18, 2024, offering a perfect occasion to reflect on and celebrate the positive impact of the previous conference.

The event was hosted at Il Sole Restaurant, located at 233 Dyckman Street, New York, NY 10034, providing an elegant and welcoming setting for this special celebration. Thanks to Sandra Jáquez, owner of the restaurant and President of the New York State Latino Restaurant Association (NYS-LRA), who also played an important role in the SBC.

The main mission of the Soiree was to recognize and thank the panelists, moderators, and sponsors who made the successful Small Business Conference possible. This event highlighted the importance of collaboration and mutual support within the business community.

Manuel Lebron, CEO and Founder of DAChamber, commented: “This Soiree is a way to express our deep gratitude to all those who played a crucial role in our Small Business Conference. Their dedication and effort have left a significant mark on our business community.”

Maria Khury, Chief Executive Counsel and Co-Founder of DAChamber, added: “We are delighted to see so many familiar faces and to celebrate the achievements together. This event is a testament to the power of collaboration and the community spirit we share at DAChamber.”

The Soiree concluded successfully, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of community and purpose. DAChamber remains committed to empowering and supporting Hispanic entrepreneurs, creating platforms for growth and collaboration.

One of the highlights of the evening was the demonstration by Artur Brisita, owner of Café Carrizal, who offered tastings of his exquisite coffee and coffee-based martinis. The DAChamber board took this opportunity to officially welcome Brisita as a member by presenting him with the DAChamber PIN, marking his official induction into the community. This added a delightful and unique touch to the event, showcasing the quality and innovation within our community.

DAChamber Honored at 75th Anniversary Celebration of the Korean Consulate in New York

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New York, NY – July 3, 2024: The Dominican American Chamber of Commerce (DAChamber) proudly attended the prestigious 75th-anniversary celebration of the Korean Consulate in New York, held at the Korean Cultural Center. The event, commemorating the remarkable journey of the Korean diplomatic mission, was a significant milestone that highlighted the strong alliance between Korea and the United States.

Consul General Kim Eui-hwan delivered a heartfelt commemorative speech, emphasizing the profound connection between the two nations and the incredible progress made by the Korean community in New York. The celebration also featured a congratulatory video message from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, further underlining the event’s importance.

As special guests, Manuel Lebron, CEO/Founder, and Maria Khury, Chief Executive Counsel of the DAChamber, had the honor of witnessing the presentation of appreciation certificates. These were awarded to the Korean Association of New York for its leadership in enhancing Korean prestige and to the NYPD for its contributions to the safety of the Korean community and the protection of Korean citizens abroad.

In his speech, Consul General Kim Eui-hwan stated, “The Consulate General of New York has grown alongside the solid alliance between Korea and the United States and has been a part of Korea’s incredible development.” He added, “The Consulate General prioritizes enhancing the rights and interests of the Korean community by promoting the operation of the citizen service office, expanding itinerant consular services, and collaborating with the NYPD to ensure the safety and convenience of the Korean community.”

Reflecting on the event, Manuel Lebron expressed, “It was a memorable evening that showcased the rich cultural heritage and the deep-rooted connections between our communities. We are honored to be part of such a significant celebration.”

Maria Khury added, “This event underscores the importance of unity and collaboration. It was inspiring to see how the Korean community has thrived and contributed to the cultural tapestry of New York City.”

The DAChamber remains committed to fostering strong relationships with diverse communities and supporting initiatives that promote cultural understanding and business growth.

Empowering Small Businesses in the Heart of the Latino Community: DAChamber Hosts Successful Small Business Conference

Written by communications@dachamber.org on . Posted in News.

New York, NY – The Dominican American Chamber of Commerce (DA Chamber) demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the Latino community by hosting a highly impactful Small Business Conference on Thursday, May 30th. The event aimed to bridge the gap between city/state resources and the small business community, gathering entrepreneurs, city officials, and industry experts under one roof for a full day of informational panels and networking opportunities in Washington Heights.

Moderator Jeffrey Garcia, the Executive Director for The Mayor’s Office of Nightlife, emphasized the event’s core objective: “Building connections is vital for growth,” he said, underscoring the conference’s mission to empower small businesses through strategic relationships and resource accessibility.

Supporting NYC’s Economic Backbone

New York City is home to nearly 200,000 small businesses that collectively provide over one million jobs, forming the backbone of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. Despite their crucial role, these businesses often struggle to access the resources necessary for growth and sustainability. NYC Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin Kim highlighted the city’s readiness to invest in small businesses that drive economic growth: “SBS is here not only to keep businesses alive but to help them thrive.”

Access to Capital and Resources

Entrepreneurs at the conference learned valuable strategies to offset the costs of owning a small business. Peter Fehnel, Deputy Director of the Small Business Administration (SBA), discussed how the SBA annually provides over $1 billion in capital to businesses turned down by traditional banks. Robert Smith from the NYS Dept. of Taxation & Finance shared insights on over 150 tax credits available to individuals and business owners in New York, offering crucial financial relief and opportunities.

Community and Compliance

Roberto Rodriguez, who oversees the Bronx Business Tech Incubator at Lehman College, highlighted the importance of community in business. He introduced the Small Business Internship Program, which provides interns at no cost to business owners, fostering community support and business growth.

Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga of the Department of Consumer & Worker Protection addressed the challenges small businesses face due to regulations. She reassured attendees that her agency is dedicated to ensuring that small business owners have the compliance information needed to remain in good standing.

Event Highlights:

Understanding Government and City Agencies & Securing Resources Panel

  • Kevin Kim, Commissioner, NYC Small Business Services
  • Robert Smith, NYS Dept. of Taxation & Finance
  • Vilda Vera Mayuga, Commissioner, Dept. of Consumer & Worker Protection
  • Peter Fehnel, Deputy Director, Small Business Administration

The Power of Connection Panel

  • Jeffrey Garcia, Exec. Dir., NYC Office of Nightlife
  • Roberto Rodriguez, Bronx Business Tech Incubator, Lehman College
  • Gigi De Jesus, Salsa Industries
  • Luis Parra, Ameritax
  • Sandra Jacquez, NYS Latino Restaurant Assoc.

Building the Deals Panel

  • Maria Osorio, Mayor’s Office of Contract Services
  • Angelina Ramirez, MWBE Times
  • Stephany Reyes Siri, Next Street Funding
  • Byron Logan, M&T Bank

Finance & Sense Panel

  • Gwen Martinez, Inwood Merchants Association
  • Dr. Luisa Perez, CapStream
  • Andrea Giraldo, Vice President, Senior Business Consultant, Chase Bank
  • James SanSeverino, New York Life
  • Vidal Sosa, Inspection Q

The DAChamber is proud to have hosted an event that not only provided essential information and resources but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among small business owners. This conference is a testament to the chamber’s ongoing dedication to empowering the Latino community and ensuring the success of small businesses in New York City.

DAChamber Strengthens Commercial Relationships During Mission in Dubai

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The Dominican American Chamber of Commerce (DAChamber) successfully concluded an eight-day commercial mission in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, organized by ALTA Travel and led by María Khury, CEO/Director. The initiative aimed to strengthen commercial relationships and discover new market opportunities for its members, thus consolidating DAChamber’s commitment to the development of international trade and cultural exchange.

During the mission, the DAChamber delegation, comprised of 20 prominent members, including top executives like Manuel Lebron, DAChamber Founder, and María Khury, Chief Executive Counsel, participated in a series of strategic meetings and networking events. Notable encounters took place at the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), where Mohammed Ibrahim, Director General of the Ruler’s Court in Dubai, provided insights into the DMCC’s role as a global business hub.

One of the highlights was the visit to the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in the UAE, where the delegation was received by Ambassador Renso Herrera Franco. During the meeting, discussions focused on strengthening economic ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation to enhance bilateral relations. This visit reaffirmed DAChamber’s commitment to global partnerships and celebrated shared heritage and aspirations, emphasizing the importance of Dominican culture on the international stage.

Additionally, fruitful dialogues were held at the Embassy of Mexico in the UAE, aimed at strengthening commercial collaboration and exploring opportunities in tourism and economic development. Likewise, strategic negotiations were conducted with DAMAC Properties, exploring collaborations in the luxury real estate sector, opening up new possibilities for investment and economic cooperation.

Reflecting on the mission’s impact, Manuel Lebron, DAChamber Founder, highlighted its success, affirming that it not only strengthened international ties but also underscored the chamber’s crucial role on the global stage, thanks to the leadership and dedication of its members.

Honorary Members

This commercial mission provided the platform for DAChamber to designate three outstanding individuals as honorary members, recognizing their exceptional commitment to fostering international relations and economic development. Mohammed Ibrahim, Director General of the Ruler’s Court in Dubai, was acknowledged for his strategic leadership in positioning the DMCC as a global business center. Similarly, Ambassador Renso Herrera Franco and Carolina Peguero, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in the UAE, were honored for their invaluable efforts in strengthening ties between the Dominican Republic and the United Arab Emirates. These appointments reflect the high esteem and recognition for their invaluable contribution to enriching our global community and promoting constructive and continuous dialogue.

New DAChamber Members

During the mission in Dubai, DAChamber enthusiastically welcomed six new members to its business community. The induction ceremony took place at the Al Falak Ballroom of the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, an iconic venue that served as the backdrop to celebrate the expansion of the chamber’s influence and the strengthening of its global partnerships. The inclusion of these new members further enriches the diversity and potential of the DAChamber network, providing additional opportunities for collaboration and business growth.

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REVIVE Event Promotes Wellness and Networking in New York City

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New York, NY – April 18, 2024 – The Dominican American Chamber of Commerce (DAChamber) hosted REVIVE, a transformative event focused on holistic wellness and professional networking at The NYC Life Coach.

REVIVE brought together professionals from diverse backgrounds eager to prioritize self-care amidst their busy schedules. The event featured keynote speaker Irina Popa, renowned life coach, who delivered insightful talks on stress management, healthy living practices, and achieving work-life balance.

Participants engaged in interactive workshops and demonstrations aimed at enhancing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Highlights included personalized one-on-one coaching sessions with Irina Popa, valued at $500 each, and advanced 3D body scans for health assessment.

Maria Khury, Chief Executive Counsel of DAChamber, expressed enthusiasm about the event’s success: “REVIVE was a powerful reminder of the importance of self-care and community in our professional lives. We are thrilled by the positive feedback and look forward to continuing to support our members with future events.”

The event concluded with a networking session where attendees exchanged contacts and fostered new professional connections, further enhancing the collaborative spirit of REVIVE.

For more information about future events hosted by DAChamber, visit www.dachamber.org.

Outstanding Success at the Networking and Gala Event of LULAC NYC, Organized by DAChamber

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New York, USA. – On Thursday, April 4th, the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce (DAChamber) joined forces with LULAC NYC to present an extraordinary event that brought together business leaders, community members, and equality advocates for an evening of connection, celebration, and commitment.

With an exciting and diverse agenda, the evening kicked off with music that set the tone for a memorable experience. From an inspiring performance by Vanessa Martin and David Santisteban to the presentation of both national and local achievements of LULAC, attendees were treated to moments that celebrated the vitality and diversity of the Latino community.

The welcome, led by Ramery De Luna, marked the beginning of a series of significant events that included the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem by Maria Sánchez, as well as the presentation of awards to special guests and key sponsors.

One of the highlights of the night was the presentation of a special artwork to Adam Powel, followed by a special performance by artist Gotasi, whose words captivated the audience and highlighted the importance of art in the community.

Maria Khury, Executive Director of DAChamber, closed the evening with heartfelt words that emphasized the importance of Latino unity as a community and recognized the organization’s 90 years and its 138,000 members. She expressed sincere gratitude to all present and to the members who made the event a great success.

The event concluded with a lively networking session, where attendees had the opportunity to establish new connections and strengthen existing relationships.

Dominican American Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Women’s Month by Honoring DAChamber Women

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New York – March 17, 2024

The Dominican American Chamber of Commerce is proud to share the moments of inspiration and empowerment experienced during their DA Women Brunch event in honor of Women’s Month. With the participation of more than 30 women members of the chamber from Washington DC, Long Island, Tri-State, Boston, and Florida, the event was a resounding success and left a lasting impression on all attendees.

The event, held at the Multicultural “Manuel Lebron” center, brought together women leaders and visionaries from various countries and industrial sectors. Each participant had the opportunity to bring along a significant woman in her life, adding a personal and meaningful touch to the occasion.

During the breakfast, prepared by the talented chefs Marcos Toribio “El Pirata Chef” and Persio, the guests shared their motivations, experiences, and life stories. From tales of perseverance to moments of success, the event was a celebration of the strength and spirit of women in business. The diversity of the group, representing different industries and countries, highlighted the varied yet united front of the DAChamber women.

Additionally, the guests were gifted with a goody bag containing items from businesses or ventures led by other women in the chamber. This gesture reflected the spirit of support and collaboration that defines the DAChamber community.

“We are delighted with the success of our event in honor of Women’s Month,” said Maria Khury, Chief Executive Counsel of the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce. “It was a privilege to bring together inspiring women from our community to share their stories and celebrate our achievements. This event not only strengthened the bonds among us but also reminded us of the power and importance of supporting each other on our path to success.”

The DAChamber looks forward to continuing to celebrate and empower women in business as it pursues its mission to promote gender equality and female leadership across all sectors of the economy.

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dominican independence day celebration

Dominican American Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Cultural Event in Honor of Dominican Independence

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The event, titled “Uniting Cultures to the Rhythm of Our Music,” featured Frankie Negrón and notable Latin figures, along with high-ranking representatives of society.

New York, NY – February 21, 2024 – The Dominican American Chamber of Commerce (DAChamber) successfully celebrated its cultural event “Uniting Cultures to the Rhythm of Our Music,” commemorating the independence of the Dominican Republic, with the goal of highlighting the significance of music in cultural diversity.

The event welcomed special guests for an exchange with the press, who were greeted with Dominican singing, dancing, and joy by the Dominican Cultural Folkloric Group of Yonkers, led by Kenia Arismendy.

Distinguished speakers participated in the activity, including renowned salsa artist Frankie Negrón, who was enthusiastically received by the audience and delighted attendees with his latest song “Desnúdate.” Negrón traveled from Miami specifically to participate in the celebration of Dominican Independence and was applauded by all attendees. Similarly, bachata artist Wellington Toribio shared touching words about his career and the importance of Bachata in his artistic success. Additionally, the talented and beloved Indira Rubiera, who has received numerous accolades with Los Toros Band, performed our National Anthem in a special manner and shared her musical experience, highlighting how her art has served as a bridge between different cultures.

Manuel Lebron, CEO/Founder of DAChamber, expressed his satisfaction and gratitude for the overwhelming support received by “Uniting Cultures to the Rhythm of Our Music”: “This event not only celebrated our Dominican heritage but also underscored the importance of cultural diversity and unity in our community,” he said.

Lebron stated, “This event has been a testament to DAChamber’s commitment to promoting business collaboration and strengthening community ties.”

The Master of Ceremonies, Horacio Ontiveros, skillfully guided the conversations while attendees enjoyed a cultural breakfast accompanied by authentic Dominican food, prepared by DAChamber chefs Marcos S. Toribio “Chef Pirata,” who also won the “Member of the Year” award, and the beloved Chef Persio, with decades of experience. Interactive activities provided additional opportunities for exchange and networking among participants.

Maria Khury, Chief Executive Officer of DAChamber, expressed her gratitude to everyone involved and highlighted the vital role of the event in promoting cultural diversity and unity, “This event was not only a celebration of Dominican music and culture but also a testament to our commitment to promoting intercultural understanding and strengthening community ties. We are excited to see how this initiative inspires and unites our community,” she said.

This event was enthusiastically received and overwhelmingly attended by community members, businesspeople, and professionals interested in commercial exchange, and featured the presence of notable local figures such as Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Sophia Zayas, Deputy Director of Latino Affairs of the New York State Governor’s Office, Bronx County President Vanessa Gibson, our Borough President Deputy Janet Peguero, Dr. Guillermo Linares, HESC/NYS, Sheriff Anthony Miranda, NY Dominican Officers President Dennis Rodriguez, and Dr. Eduardo Lopez-Rajo of the Central American Coalition USA, among other important personalities.

DAChamber was recognized with proclamations by Congressman Adriano Espaillat, who spoke about the Chamber’s work with businesses. At the end of his participation, Mr. Manuel Lebron presented him with the chamber pin, naming him “Honorary Member.” This PIN is a privilege, as it is reserved and presented only to our selected members and honorary members.

Similarly, Ms. Sophia Zayas, in her capacity representing Latino affairs for the Governor, presented her proclamation, and Ms. Maria Khury pinned the chamber pin on her.

During the event, Chef Pirata was honored as “Member of the Year,” and a very special program that will benefit members and have a fundamental element for business growth and capital access was launched.

The activity was enlivened by the participation of the Dominican Cultural Folkloric Group of Yonkers, led by Kenia Arismendy, and was held at the Multicultural “Manuel Lebron Center” located at 3835 9th Avenue, New York.

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alianza fuerza inmigrante

Signing of Strategic Alliance Agreement Between the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce and Fuerza Migrante: Promoting Entrepreneurship and Strengthening the Migrant Community

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Santo Domingo, DR – The Dominican American Chamber of Commerce (DAChamber) and Fuerza Migrante proudly announce the signing of a strategic alliance agreement to promote entrepreneurship, strengthen the migrant community, and foster collaboration between both sectors.

The Dominican American Chamber of Commerce is recognized as the leading organization for students, entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals seeking to connect, grow, and succeed within the Dominican American and Latino communities. With offices in New York, Florida, and the Dominican Republic, and affiliations with organizations in El Salvador, Ecuador, Colombia, and Mexico, the Chamber has established itself as a hub of opportunities and benefits for its members.

Fuerza Migrante, a bipartisan binational movement comprised of Mexicans living abroad, focuses on coordinating and communicating actions among organizations, community leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and activists. Its mission is to promote human dignity, respect, and integration of the migrant community.

This alliance represents a significant collaboration aimed at fostering the economic, social, and cultural development of the Dominican and Mexican migrant communities, as well as strengthening the bonds of brotherhood between both nations.

The strategic partnership will enable the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce and Fuerza Migrante to combine efforts to provide support and resources to entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals of Dominican and Mexican origin. It will promote innovation, business growth, and the creation of job opportunities.

Through training programs, advisory services, and business development initiatives, the alliance aims to boost entrepreneurship and strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises, fostering job creation and sustainable economic growth in migrant communities.

Additionally, the partnership will facilitate the coordination of cultural events, art activities, and binational tourism projects, in collaboration with state and municipal governments in both the Dominican Republic and Mexico. These efforts will highlight the rich cultural heritage of both communities, reinforcing the identity and pride of migrants.

The Dominican American Chamber of Commerce and Fuerza Migrante express their enthusiasm and commitment to this strategic alliance. They pledge to work together to promote the comprehensive development of the Dominican and Mexican migrant communities and to foster collaboration and the exchange of knowledge and experiences between both sectors.