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Our History

2020

Jessie Garcia Knowles, first-ever executive director is hired to lead the organization.

2019

Victor Berrios begins his three-year term as President of the TLACC.

Karla Vazquez begins her three-year term as Vice-President of the TLACC.

Delfine Fox begins her three-year term as Chair of the Board of Directors.

The ELLA program changes its name to Entrepreneur Latina Leaders of America and it becomes a 501-c-3 under the TLACC.

The Entrepreneur Latina Leaders of America (ELLA) begins its micro-loan program with the financial of First Citizens Bank.

Rachel Rodriguez wins the ELLA business award, receiving a $3,000 grant to invest in her business.

2018

The Young Entrepreneur Student Society (YESS) is launched in collaboration with FUTURO. A mentoring entrepreneurship program for college students.

The Fourth Annual Empanada Tasting Event is co-hosted by the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and takes place at War Memorial Auditorium, sponsored by AmeriAgency and United Health Community.

Alejandra Patiño wins the ELLA business award, receiving a $2,500 grant to invest in her business.

2017

The Third Annual Empanada Tasting Event is co-hosted and takes place at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center sponsored by AmeriAgency.

Itzel Gonzalez wins the ELLA business award, receiving a $2,500 grant to invest in her business.

2016

PANORAMA TV SHOW hosted by Marcela Gómez was launched. Produced by the TLACC, taped and aired on Channel Five Plus with the financial support of NISSAN North America and HCA TriStar Health.

FUTURO becomes an independent not-for-profit organization.

The TLACC Second Annual Empanada Tasting Event is co-hosted and takes place at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

Julia Vallejos Browne wins the first ELLA business award, receiving a $2,500 grant to invest in her business.

2015

FUTURO is launched as its own 501-c-3 under the TLACC.

The ELLA program for women entrepreneurs was launched with the financial support of HCA TriStar Health.

The Empanada Tasting Event to support and feature Latino food entrepreneurs and restaurants was launched with the support of Salsa Restaurant.

Cultural Fusion Program was launched, which combines elements of Spanish as a Second Language and Latino Culture. The program is offered to TLACC sponsors and corporate members.

The TLACC formed an alliance with The Hispanic Business Alliance of North Alabama.

2014

January – November 2014 – Mayra Zimmer served as President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors.

2014 – 2018 Marcela Gómez served as President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors.

2013

TLACC adds two seats on their Board of Directors for Junior Board Members, electing FUTURO members to fill those seats.

2012

2012 – 2014 Nelson Remus served as President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors.

TLACC formed an alliance with the National Black and Latino Alliance based in Atlanta, Georgia.

2011

The organization changes its name to The Tennessee Latin American Chamber of Commerce to better represent the diversity of its members and community.

The first statewide Census Summit took place in Nashville under the TLACC’s leadership with the participation of the Pew Hispanic Research Center, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of East Tennessee, the National Hispanic Professional Organization – Memphis Chapter, and The West TN Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

TLACC launches FUTURO, a program for Latino college students, their mentors and program collaborators, with the financial support of StateFarm Insurance.

2010

The TNHCC forms alliances with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of East Tennessee, the National Hispanic Professional Organization – Memphis Chapter, and The West TN Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

2009

2009 – 2011 Tera Vazquez served as President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors.

2008

2008 – 2009 Ramon Cisneros served as President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors.

2005

2005 – 2007 Robert Chavez served as President.

2000

August 31, 2000 – The Tennessee Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce is formally incorporated in the State of Tennessee with its headquarters in Nashville.

1997

Greg Rodriguez, Jr., visionary leader of the Hispanic community in Tennessee, starts the Tennessee Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and serves as President of the Chamber until his passing on June 8, 2005.

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