77 years is really only the beginning of something inspiring that will continue to have an enormous and positive impact on the North Texas region.
The Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s history is a story of vision, leadership, empowerment, and pride. It is also a story of success, which we are all a part of and feel proud about today.
Image from http://elfenix.com/about-us/
In September of 1939 a group of 11 men and one woman met at El Fenix Restaurant on McKinney Avenue with the idea of creating a new Mexican business association. Their vision was to develop, promote and protect Mexican businesses in the Greater Dallas area. The mission was to ensure the advancement and economic growth of the Mexican business community. More than seven decades ago, with the vision and mission articulated, these founders determined to improve and alter social and economic conditions and they set their ideas into action.
The Mexican Chamber of Commerce was born and a new trend for minorities was set.
Founding members, small business owners and grocers in Little Mexico and West Dallas maintained close ties with the Mexican Consular Service. They held their meetings in Spanish and discussed matters such as civil rights, cultural preservation, and, most importantly, collective buying power and business growth.
The Hispanic Chamber has seen lots of change over the last 75 years, but one thing remains constant, its unwavering belief in and support of Hispanic business.
Some of our accomplishments over the decades include:
1960's
$700,000 in contracts and consistently improved the conditions of minority-owned businesses in the city.
1970's
The Local Economic Development Program generated over $15 million in gross sales for its participants between ’72-‘77.
The Bilingual Job Placement Center was initiated in 1977 and placed more than 450 Hispanic men and women in jobs.
1980's
In 1982 the Chamber changed its name to Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to better reflect the community. During the 80s, the DHCC increased its role of assisting members with their economic development, as well as serving as an important advocate for the Hispanic business community in education and local government.
1990's
In 1993 The GDHCC was recognized as the State Hispanic Chamber of the Year by the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) and also as National Hispanic Chamber of the Year.
2000 and Beyond
In 2007 The GDHCC is awarded the grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) to operate its regional field office known as the Gulf Region Small Business Transportation Resource Center (SBTRC).
In 2008, The GDHCC receives the Small
Business Award from the Texas
Chamber of Commerce Executives
(TCCE) for the best new chamber of commerce program in Texas for the GDHCC’s Business Assistance
Centers.
In 2012, The GDHCC launches its inaugural Executive Entrepreneur class
2014 Marked the GDHCC's 75th Anniversary
At 75 years young in 2014, we were just getting started. At the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, we recognized and celebrated our history and the impact of Hispanic business on the region throughout the entire year.
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GDHCC Founders and Early Leadership
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GDHCC 75th Anniversary Past Chair Recognition
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Click HERE to see the 75th Anniversary Photo Album!
In 2015 the GDHCC is one of 7 ScaleUP America Awardees across the US
In September 2015, the GDHCC was one of 7 new SBA ScaleUp America Initiative awardees across the United States, receiving a 5 year $1.2 million contract to launch and implement ScaleUP Dallas/Fort Worth - - a small business accelerator program designed to increase and improve scalability for entrepreneurs in the $150,000 to $500,000 revenue range. Read more about ScaleUp Dallas/Fort Worth HERE!
In 2016, the GDHCC Launches the First Ever ScaleUp Dallas / Fort Worth Program in both English and Spanish
In January of 2016, Wanda Granier becomes the newest member of the GDHCC Past Chairs. She served as GDHCC Board Chair from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015.