Author: Maria Khury

DAChamber Recognizes the Career of Legendary Producer Negro Santos

Written by Maria Khury on October 4, 2023. Posted in News.

New York – In an evening filled with gratitude and camaraderie, on Tuesday, April 11, the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce (DAChamber) recognized the prestigious communicator Ramón Rodríguez Santos for his more than half-century career.

Leaders and representatives from various sectors and nationalities responded to DAChamber’s call to attend a very special event where emotions ran high during the engaging dialogue led by the beloved television icon. The conversation, conducted by his daughter Arlene Rodríguez Martínez, covered his career history, ideals, challenges faced, anecdotes, and achievements over fifty-five years working in New York’s leading television media.

In a direct and concise address, Lic. Manuel Lebrón, leader of the organizing entity, said: “We recognize a great man with a considerable career, an icon of the Dominican diaspora, Mr. Negro Santos, who has honored this city with the visit of great personalities for his program Santo Domingo Invita. Today we honor, congratulate, and wish that God continues to bless his life, so he can continue to inspire many Dominicans.”

Lic. Manuel Lebrón, founder and president of DAChamber, on behalf of the organization, its members, staff, and all attendees, expressed gratitude for the support and presence at this recognition event, celebrating the dedication of a Dominican who has elevated the name and image of the Dominican Republic, connecting the beloved homeland with its diaspora and representing it internationally.

The program also included the presentation of a recognition to Mr. Santos, sent by Congressman Adriano Espaillat, who could not attend due to prior commitments but joined in this well-deserved and just recognition of a distinguished compatriot for his fabulous work.

Lic. Manuel Lebrón, accompanied by Lic. María Khury, special advisor to DAChamber, presented Mr. Ramón “Negro” Santos with an official document from the organization, designating him an Honorary Member of the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce.

In a very emotional response, Mr. Santos said: “I am feeling things I have never felt before. I have received many plaques, many recognitions, but this event has been so significant, from the people who made it possible. I am extremely happy, I have experienced a wonderful moment entering this place, shaking so many hands, receiving so many hugs, and that has given me strength to face whatever comes.”

The event, held at the elegant Café Rubio on Northern Blvd., was dynamically hosted by Lic. Maria Khury, who, among other things, expressed her excitement at the realization of her initiative: “We Dominicans recognize how important it is for someone to speak positively about where we were born. Negro Santos did that at a time when there were no social networks, and he achieved it with his program Santo Domingo Invita.”

DAChamber maintains an active work agenda characterized by diversity, inclusion, and a high level of organization.

The leaders, mentors, and organizers of the recognition program for Ramón Negro Santos were very pleased to have held a well-deserved gratitude event alongside the honoree. From left to right: Lic. Maria Khury, chief advisor of DAChamber; Mr. Negro Santos, honoree; and Lic. Manuel Lebrón, founder and president of DAChamber.

The prestigious communicator Ramón Rodriguez “Negro” Santos, during the conversation held at the tribute organized by the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce for his fifty-five-year career promoting the best of the Dominican Republic internationally. Next to him is his beloved daughter Arlene Rodriguez Martinez.

During the ceremony, DAChamber leadership presented a special recognition to Mr. Santos. From left to right: Arlene Rodríguez Martínez, daughter of Negro Santos; Angelina Ramírez; Arelia Taveras; honoree Mr. Ramón Negro Santos; Luis Ciriaco; Lic. Manuel Lebrón, founder and president of DAChamber; Karina Madera; María Khury, chief advisor of DAChamber; and chef Marcos Toribio, El Pirata.

A commemorative photo of some attendees at the recognition of Mr. Ramón Rodriguez “Negro” Santos, organized by the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce on April 11 at the elegant Café Rubio on Northern Blvd.

We Are Honored to Have “Chef Pirata” on Our Team!

Written by Maria Khury on September 29, 2023. Posted in News.

Marcos Toribio, a Dominican chef who emigrated to New York in 2014, has built a successful career in the food industry. Although he initially considered studying veterinary medicine due to his father’s influence, his passion for cooking led him to train in this field at various institutions, including the Technical Training Institute and the University of the Caribbean.

His culinary journey began in 2001 with the operation of a hot dog cart in Santo Domingo, which later expanded to include hamburgers, lasagna, and more. His diverse offerings earned him the nickname “El Pirata.” Marcos Toribio has demonstrated his versatility not only in the kitchen but also in fields such as advertising, computer programming, and camerawork.

In New York, he has become a recognized chef and is currently participating in the television competition “Favorite Chef,” where the winner will receive a prize of twenty-five thousand dollars and appear in Taste of Home magazine.

Marcos Toribio emphasizes the importance of not only mastering recipes and culinary cultures but also being a leader in the kitchen and understanding business management to succeed as a chef. He also highlights the regional differences in Dominican cuisine, mentioning that the Cibao region stands out for its livestock and variety of foods.

Regarding the representation of Dominican cuisine in New York, he believes it is well represented but that customer service is a constant challenge, as some restaurants fail in the quality and accuracy of orders.

His long-term goals include establishing a chain of food trucks, with a large restaurant as the headquarters. Currently, he works at the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce, where he shares his culinary knowledge and contributes to the community through cooking workshops and other projects.

This summary is a tribute to Marcos Toribio’s outstanding career and passion for cooking, and we invite you to read the full article for more details: Marcos Toribio: El Chef Pirata de los Sabores Dominicanos.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Written by Maria Khury on September 27, 2023. Posted in Events.

Honoring our Hispanic Artists. Viit our Headquarters.

Starting : Friday, September 29 to October 15

1pm-4pm – Monday to Saturday.

Free Admission. All welcome!

Exhibits of our Hispanic Artists are displayed.

Beautiful paintings by celebrated artists, Tony Castillo

followed by others for your enjoyment.

The Dominican American Chamber of Commerce Promotes an Export Agreement Between the United States and the Dominican Republic

Written by Maria Khury on June 2, 2023. Posted in News.

Members of the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce in New York, César Pérez and Karina Madera, have announced their commitment to promoting a trade and export agreement between the United States and the Dominican Republic. During an interview on the program “Matutino Su Mundo,” they explained that this agreement goes beyond product exportation, as it also involves cultural, educational, and business exchanges.

César Pérez emphasized that the Dominican Republic’s strategic geographic position and abundant natural resources have contributed to its rapid economic growth compared to other Latin American countries. They also highlighted that DAChamber supports those who wish to start and develop businesses, as transparency plays a crucial role in building credibility and securing financing.

The primary function of the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce is to serve as a platform for creating business opportunities. They collaborate with institutions that seek to facilitate the creation of business links and provide training in their respective countries, thereby avoiding the need to emigrate in search of these opportunities.

DAChamber Delegation Visits Senate of the Dominican Republic

Written by Maria Khury on May 30, 2023. Posted in News.

As part of the “Guided Tours” program of the Senate of the Dominican Republic, four US-based entrepreneurs, members of the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce in New York, had the opportunity to learn about the operations and facilities of this legislative body. The delegation was received by Senate staff and took a tour of the National Congress, where they were briefed on the Senate’s role as the First Power of the State and the functions of the legislators.

The group visited emblematic places such as the Gallery of Former Senate Presidents and the National Assembly Hall. One of the entrepreneurs, Luis Ciriaco, expressed gratitude for the hospitality and shared his connection to the Dominican Republic despite living in New York.

The “Guided Tours” program aims to allow visitors to learn about the history and operations of the Senate of the Republic. Any institution or citizen interested in visiting the Senate can request a guided tour through the website senadord.gob.do.

For more information about this visit, please visit the original link on the Senate of the Republic’s website: Senado RD