Editorial
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Metro Orlando
February marks the celebration of Black History Month. This month long celebration allows our community to honor the contributions, accomplishments, sacrifices, work, and civic engagement of African Americans. As an organization that understands and values diversity and inclusion, the HCCMO acknowledges that African American contributions come from all aspects of life such as entrepreneurs, public figures, engineers, doctors, social activists, and corporate leaders, to name a few. We honor the accomplishments of Frederick Douglas, abolitionist, orator, author, and diplomat; The Little Rock Nine, a group of nine African-American students who were the first black students ever to attend classes at Little Rock Central High School and were initially prevented from entering the racially segregated school; Oprah Winfrey, a highly successful and respected African American entrepreneur, talk show host, and philanthropist, who had the highest-rated program in history from 1986 to 2011. These African American leaders, amongst others, have walked the talk, and we at the HCCMO are reminded today, and every day, to stay the course and to do the same.
Through our work in being a leading voice for the diverse representation of the business community, we are expanding our Civic Advocacy Series and strengthening our Government Affairs Committee (GAC). Â With this in mind, we want to provide you with timely knowledge of legislation or issues that may affect your business. To this effect, the GAC has been working diligently in vetting and drafting its third resolution: A Resolution of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando Opposing the Expansion of Gambling in Florida. The battle over expanding gambling in Florida has been the topic of conversation for years now. Florida voters have, on three separate occasions, rejected the legalization of Las Vegas-style casino gambling in Florida. The HCCMO formally joined the discussion by passing and adopting a resolution opposing to the expansion of gambling in Florida. To read the resolution, please click here.
We understand that voting is an intricate part of the American fabric. The HCCMO will be partnering with non-partisan community-based organizations, Orange, Seminole, and Osceola Counties Supervisor of Elections’ Offices on voter education and engagement. For more information on how to get involved visit your county supervisor of elections websites, you may click on your residing county below:Â
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Diana BolÃvar
President
