Call 216-281-4422 with any questions.

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses education program is a 100-hour curriculum that was built by Babson College, which is the leading school on entrepreneurship education in the U.S., to be modular, adaptive, and scalable with strong ties to business support services
and access to capital.  The curriculum will be delivered at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), in partnership with Babson College. Classes will begin at Tri-C on Friday, September 7, 2012.  In addition to Babson College, the 10,000 Small Businesses program partners in Cleveland include Cuyahoga Community College, Council of Smaller Enterprises, JumpStart, the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Urban League of Greater Cleveland.

Mr. Fuentes said, “The Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to be a part of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program because our members now have access to the most innovative and comprehensive entrepreneur education curriculum available at absolutely no cost. This is an exciting and comprehensive program that will assist our members develop and realize strategies to help them grow their businesses and add more jobs to their payroll.”
In addition to the NEOHCC, its sister organization, the Hispanic Business Center will also participate in the program.  The Center will assist aspiring applicants to the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program with a variety of technical assistance to get them ready to apply for future cohorts.  The technical assistance includes (1) expanding existing programs of teaching business owners how to produce and understand accurate financial statements, and (2) teaching business owners how to engage in financial management practices through creating annual financial operating plan that includes cash flow management, producing budgets, and overhead factoring.

“The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program will be an incredible resource for the clients we serve every day, as we seek to help them strengthen and grow their business,” said Hispanic Business Center Executive Director Jonah Weinberg. “We look forward to working with our partners at NEOHCC to help prepare small business owners to participate in this program, and ultimately to help them to become more robust and profitable players in our region’s economy.”

10,000 Small Businesses is funded by Goldman Sachs and The Goldman Sachs Foundation. For more Information about the program, visit www.tri-c.edu/10ksb or visit www.neohcc.org and click on the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses link.

About the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Northeast Ohio Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization. Our coverage area is the northeast region of Ohio, which includes 16 counties. We are an organization that advocates for and promotes Hispanic-owned businesses.  The Hispanic
Chamber focuses on providing resources and programs that enable our members to pursue success and wealth creation.  The Chamber also initiates the development of public policy that promotes economic growth and development for the Northeast Ohio Hispanic business community.  The Chamber also created the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Business Center for economic development, and is home to the Cuyahoga Small Business Development Center and the Cleveland Latino Small Business Development Center.  Our offices are located at 2511 Clark Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44109.
NEOHCC is part of a national network of Hispanic Chambers which includes 4 other regional Hispanic Chambers in the State of Ohio. See www.neohcc.org for more information.

InterChez is the largest business member of the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and a strong supporter of our organization,
mission and staff.  NEOHCC is proud to call InterChez a member and a friend to our organization.  While InterChez is a member of other economic development organization throughout Northeast Ohio, we know that NEOHCC holds a special place in the organization.  We
are grateful for their friendship and support.

We have seen how far InterChez has come over the past 10 years and we are confident that the company will continue to grow exponentially
based on the leadership, philosophy and value proposition that InterChez offers their clients and partners.  What started
off as one company 10 years ago has grown into an integrated holding company of at least 6 different companies.  While
the company has a strong history of organic growth, InterChez has recently made it’s first acquisition by purchasing a technology firm and InterChez is looking to grow in the future through additional acquisitions.

NEOHCC stands ready to support the future needs of InterChez and all of our business owners.
Please join me in congratulating Sharlene and Mark Chesnes for their incredible success starting, growing and leading InterChez into a new generation of business success!

Best Wishes,

Carlos Fuentes

Press Release: NEOHCC
Congratulates Chairman of the Board Carlos Fuentes’ Appointment as Co-Chair of
the Cuyahoga County Economic Inclusion Task Force

 
The Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce would like
to congratulate our Chairman of the Board, Carlos Fuentes, on being named as
one of five Co-Chairs overseeing the newly formed Cuyahoga County Economic
Inclusion Task Force by County Executive Ed FitzGerald.
The Economic Inclusion Task Force will begin its work in
light of the $5 billion in economic activity downtown and to make sure that all
qualifying county businesses can effectively participate in the $100 million
economic development fund.
The primary goals of the task force are to examine and
develop the County’s employment practices, contracting practices and promote
diversity and inclusion in development projects in Cuyahoga County. These goals
will be attained through researching local and national initiatives, trends and
best practices, meetings and offering the opportunity for public engagement.

“The Economic Inclusion Task Force will be tasked with devising a strategy to
insure that as we continue to add to our list of major projects, the economic
benefits that flow from those projects will actually reach those who need work
the most,” said FitzGerald. “Economic inclusion cannot be based on privilege,
or nepotism, or cronyism. As we grow out of the recession, I am confident that
the over sixty distinguished citizens who have volunteered to serve on the
Economic Inclusion Task Force will develop a fair and workable strategy to
insure that economic opportunity is open to every resident, especially those
who have historically been excluded.”

Mr. Fuentes said, “I am honored to have been selected to
serve as a Co-Chair of the Cuyahoga County Economic Inclusion Task Force.  It is essential that all stakeholders
throughout the county have every opportunity to participate in every sector of
our growing economy.  I look forward to
serving County Executive FitzGerarld’s mission with my Co-Chairs and all of the
citizen volunteers who support the vision of a more inclusive range of economic
opportunities for Cuyahoga County.”
The five Co-Chairs have the goal of specific recommendations
to the County Executive by mid- to late- summer.  The Co-Chairs’ term kicks off with a meeting
with County Executive FitzGerald on March 14, 2012.  For more information on the task force please
visit: http://executive.cuyahogacounty.us/en-US/030712-Economic-Inclusion-Task-Force.aspx.
The Economic Inclusion Task Force Co-Chairs are:

Inajo Davis Chappell
Ulmer & Berne, Partner

Carlos Fuentes
US Department of Commerce, Financial/Procurement Specialist

Rev. Cory Jenkins
Shiloh Baptist Church, Pastor

Nancy Mercado
Cuyahoga County, SBE Director

Chris Ronayne
University Circle, Inc., President

SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Contact Stephanie Mercado

216-281-4422

smercado@neohcc.org

The Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Congratulates Executive Director Stephanie Mercado on Receiving NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award

Cleveland – Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NEOHCC) Chairman of the Board Carlos Fuentes announced today that Executive Director Stephanie Mercado will receive the National Football League Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award this Sunday, September 25, 2011 at Cleveland Browns Stadium prior to the Cleveland Browns vs. Miami Dolphins game. The award recognizes the contributions of Hispanic leaders in each NFL market and Ms. Mercado was selected as this year’s recipient in the Cleveland market. As part of the award, the Cleveland Browns will make a $2,000 charitable contribution in the name of Ms. Mercado to support the scholarship program at Esperanza, Inc.

Ms. Mercado selected Esperanza because she fully supports their mission of improving the academic achievement of Hispanics in Greater Cleveland by supporting students to graduate high school and promoting post-secondary educational attainment. Esperanza Executive Director Victor Ruiz said, “As a friend of Stephanie and a partner organization to the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce we were really excited for Stephanie to win the award. We felt Stephanie deserved the award and recognition, but we were humbled when we learned our organization is going to receive a large charitable contribution as a result of Stephanie’s award. Esperanza is fortunate to have such strong support from Stephanie and the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and our programs will truly benefit from receiving the $2,000 contribution.”

Mr. Ruiz continued, “Esperanza will be able to have over 30 of the kids in our program participate in the awards ceremony before the game on Sunday. For many of the kids, this will be the first NFL football game they will be attending and they are really excited about being on the field when the Cleveland Browns players take the field. In addition to the financial contribution Esperanza is receiving, the kids in our program will have the experience of a lifetime at the game.”

Ms. Mercado has won this prestigious award because of the results she has achieved over the past three years leading the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. During her tenure the Hispanic Business Center, the educational partner of the Chamber that Ms. Mercado also leads, has been recognized as the second Hispanic Small Business Development Center in Ohio and the Chamber has developed various strategic partnerships including participating in the Minority Business Development Agency’s Business Center in Cleveland and launching a new joint membership program with the Northern Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council.

Ms. Mercado is currently leading efforts to start a Hispanic loan fund focused on micro-lending within the Hispanic business community. Last year, under Ms. Mercado’s leadership, the Chamber was able to support its members in obtaining over $15 million of new procurement contracts that led to the creation of 17 new jobs and retained 127 jobs.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Carlos Fuentes said, “Stephanie is truly deserving of the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award for all the accomplishments she has achieved over the past several years as the Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. While Stephanie is definitely a strong and productive leader in the Hispanic community, her accomplishments go far beyond the Hispanic community. Stephanie is a successful and recognized leader in the Greater Cleveland business and economic development communities and I am so happy for her. She definitely earned this award and recognition and I can’t think of a more deserving person to win the award!”

“I am honored to receive this award and thankful to the Cleveland Browns for recognizing our community,” said Ms. Mercado. Ms. Mercado continued, “I am proud of the work of our Chamber, supported by our Board and staff, and the impact we are able to make in fulfilling our mission by engaging in wealth creation opportunities within the Hispanic and minority business community.”

About the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Northeast Ohio Chamber of Commerce is a 501 (c) (6) non-profit organization. Our coverage area is the northeast region of Ohio, which includes 16 counties. MBEs can also receive services through our educational 501 (c) (3) Hispanic Business Center, which is the second Latino Small Business Development Center in Ohio. Our offices are located at 2511 Clark Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44109.

NEOHCC is part of a national network of Hispanic Chambers which includes 4 other regional Hispanic Chambers in the State of Ohio. See www.neohcc.org for more information.

About Esperanza, Inc.
The mission of Esperanza is to improve the academic achievement of Hispanics in Greater Cleveland by supporting students to graduate high school and promoting post-secondary educational attainment. See www.esperanzainc.org for more information.

News Media Contact:
Stephanie Mercado, 216-281-4422, smercado@neohcc.org

The Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Kicks Off Hispanic Heritage Month by Securing a Meeting at the White House with InterChez Logistics to Discuss Jobs and the Economy

Cleveland – Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Stephanie Mercado kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month today by announcing the Chamber’s largest member, InterChez Logistics, received an invitation to participate in a White House Hispanic CEO Roundtable in the West Wing of the White House in Washington, DC. InterChez Logistics President and Chair of the Board of Directors Sharlene Chesnes will participate in the meeting at the White House on Friday, September 23.

The Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce worked closely with the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, DC and the Minority Business Development Agency in Chicago to ensure the Northeast Ohio Hispanic business community was represented in this important discussion. The meeting of a small group of key Hispanic CEO’s will be hosted by Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President, and the discussion will focus on the critical role of Latinos in rebuilding our Nation’s economy and creating jobs for the future.

“We are very excited to be invited to attend this CEO Roundtable discussion at the White House. At this particular point in our economy the contributions made by small businesses across the country cannot be underestimated,” said Ms. Chesnes. She continued, “We are grateful for all the work the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce continues to do for us as a member and in helping us get nationally recognized as an industry leading business by the White House.”

“We are very proud of all of our business members and today we are particularly proud of InterChez Logistics for being selected to represent Hispanic business owners in Northeast Ohio at the White House. Sharlene is an excellent representative because of her active role in the greater Northeast Ohio region,” said Ms. Mercado. Ms. Mercado continued, “Not only is InterChez an active member of the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce, but Sharlene is also a board member of the Greater Cleveland Partnership so she has an informed perspective on the opportunities and challenges faced by business owners in Northeast Ohio.”

The meeting at the White House with Ms. Jarrett will inform the Obama Administration on strategies and tactics that will lead to a more friendly business environment that will spur business investments and job creation.

About InterChez Logistics
InterChez Logistics is a certified Hispanic-owned company and offers a diverse set of products including logistical support to manufacturers, freight forwarding, and translation services for import-export clients. The company is located in Stow, OH and has a second office in Michigan. See http://www.interchez.com/ for more information.

About the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Northeast Ohio Chamber of Commerce is a 501 (c) (6) non-profit organization. Our coverage area is the northeast region of Ohio, which includes 16 counties. MBEs can also receive services through our educational 501 (c) (3) Hispanic Business Center, which is the second Latino Small Business Development Center in Ohio. Our offices are located at 2511 Clark Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44109.

NEOHCC is part of a national network of Hispanic Chambers which includes 4 other regional Hispanic Chambers in the State of Ohio. See www.neohcc.org for more information.

CLEVELAND, OHIO – 31 August 2011. The North East Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NEOHCC) and the Northern Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council (NOMSDC) are proud to announce their new strategic alliance, which will offer MBEs (minority business enterprises) a ‘one-stop-shop’ to many of their services. The focus is to jointly work to promote and develop minority owned businesses for the northern region of Ohio.

This ‘partnership’ will help MBEs to access business development and certification assistance via NOMSDC and NEOHCC, simplifying entry to services and minimizing possible duplication along the way, which in turn will help to regenerate the economy, and assist in job creation.

One of the main areas of work for both organizations is to help to position MBEs to gain corporate contracts so together, they will provide more impact in MBE development.

HENRY FORD SAID, “COMING TOGETHER IS A BEGINNING. KEEPING TOGETHER IS PROGRESS. WORKING TOGETHER IS SUCCESS”.

Alexis Clark-Amison, President of NOMSDC said “NOMSDC is always looking for opportunities to benefit MBEs and our Corporate Members. Collaborating with NEOHCC, will enable us to maximize and enhance many of our services to both our Corporate Members and MBEs, in turn helping them to maximize on their potential”.

“Partnering with NOMSDC benefits our existing membership by strengthening our relationship with corporate buyers in addition to offering MBEs an experienced team of Business Consultants who collectively can provide business support” said Stephanie Mercado, Executive Director of NEOHCC.

NOMSDC’S Mission: To intervene in the economy of Northern Ohio; to retain, grow and enhance the profitability of its ethnic minority owned businesses, primarily through working to increase the purchase of goods and services from these firms by major corporations.
Our services include:
• MBE certification
• Mentoring programs for corporations and MBEs
• Business Training and Educational Programs
• Networking and Outreach Events
• Access to Capital
• MBE Supplier Development
• Supplier Diversity Training for corporations and MBEs
• Scholarship Programs

NEOHCC’s Mission: To promote and support the domestic and international economic development of Hispanic commerce and to serve as a liaison to the Hispanic market in Northeast Ohio.

Services include:
• Comprehensive Procurement Assistance
• Financial Management Services
• Marketing and Creative Services
• Member Benefits and Affinity Groups
• Government Relations

“We are extremely excited about our new found relationship and very much look forward to a collaborative approach to many areas of our individual business functions, that we know will greatly impact the MBEs in the North of Ohio” said Alexis.

***

ABOUT NEOHCC
North East Ohio Chamber of Commerce (NEOHCC) is a 501 (c) (6) non-profit organization. Our coverage area is the north east region of Ohio, which includes 16 counties. MBEs can also receive services through our educational 501 (c) (3) Hispanic Business Center, which is recognized as the second Latino Small Business Development Center in Ohio. Our offices are located at 2511 Clark Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44109.

NEOHCC is part of a national network of Hispanic Chambers which includes 4 other regional Hispanic Chambers in the State of Ohio. See www.neohcc.org for more information.

ABOUT NOMSDC
Northern Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council (NOMSDC) is a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) non-profit organization. Our coverage area is the northern part of the State of Ohio, which includes 37 counties that contain major cities such as Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Mansfield, Lorain and Toledo. Our offices are located in the Charter One Global Enterprise Center, at 737 Bolivar Road, Suite 4500, Cleveland, OH 44115 and 300 Madison Avenue, Suite 200, Toledo, OHIO 43604-1575.

NOMSDC is one of 37 affiliate Councils under the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and receives support from some of the largest public and privately owned companies in the United States.

The national network as a whole offers minority owned companies access to over 3,500 corporations nationwide and conversely, national corporations have access to a database of over 16,000 certified minority owned companies. See www.nomsdc.org for more information.