Photographs by Altamiranos Photo and Video

Almost aligned with the first day of spring, it was as if everything was a new beginning. On March 15, the Delaware Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (DeHCC) formally opened its doors to the community in an inauguration event. The inauguration started with a red ribbon-cutting ceremony that spilled into and around the corners of Scott Street and Lancaster Avenue. The Center, located at 1801 Lancaster Avenue, was filled with an audience including the almost 200 new business members who have joined, and government and community officials who shared in the prospect of the Chamber’s mission.

The Delaware Hispanic Chamber is focused on addressing the needs of first-generation American business owners. Many of the initiatives that the DeHCC will undertake in the coming year and beyond are instrumental in involving bilingual families in discussions around economic development. Dr. Ronaldo Tello, the President & CEO of DeHCC, shared, “From the DeHCC perspective, we see this as altering the financial trajectory for many families.”

At the ribbon-cutting, the Board Chair, Liliana Quintero, and Dr. Tello welcomed a diverse community of sponsors, community organizations, and government officials who came to show their support for the new business members of DeHCC. The event was attended by the Lieutenant Governor, Bethany Hall-Long, and New Castle County’s Executive, Matt Meyer, who expressed their unwavering support for the Hispanic Chamber’s endeavors. Wilmington’s Mayor Mike Purzycki also shared his reflections on the Chamber's journey, underscoring the significance of this milestone.

The crowd entered the Lancaster Avenue entrance as if it were the first time inside. People were met by the wait staff from Meseros Fuentes Asociados with champagne already poured for a toast. The interior was fully decorated thanks to LP Events & Design and the materials to do so, from PREMIER. The never-ending food buffet by Antojitos Bite Sweet and Salty, and additional desserts by Gelatina La Jarochitas. Everything was captured in photographs by Altamiranos Photo and Video.

Once everyone was inside, Dr. Tello led the traditional toast of “Pa' arriba, pa' abajo, pa' centro, pa' dentro.” A surprise performance followed by both the children and adult folkloric dancers, sponsored by The Hispanic American Association of Delaware (HAAD). They ignited the festival atmosphere that was apparent for the rest of the evening.

Three proclamations honoring the initiatives set forth by DeHCC were presented. The first from the Delaware State Senate, sponsored by Senator Lockman of Wilmington, Senator Mantzavinos of Elsmere, Senator Townsend of Newark, and the first Delaware Latino Senator from the Greenville and Centerville area, Senator Laura Sturgeon. A U.S. Congressional congratulations from U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester and another proclamation from Wilmington City Council was presented by Councilwoman Maria Cabara, Latisha Bracy, and Bregetta Fields, who all emphasized the vital role of DeHCC.

Founding sponsors supported DeHCC with $15,000 each and included Barclays, Walmart, Del-One, and HAAD. DeHCC also received support from the following corporate members: Delaware Small Business Development Center (DeSBDC), Delaware Hispano Magazine, Financial & Consulting Services, Inc. and WSFS.

The Inauguration was also a chance to announce the lineup of programs and support for chamber business members. Of interest was the Delaware Hispanic Marketplace for business members. The Chamber has made available a digital presence for businesses, allowing up to ten pages that start with a company profile and may include a catalog, menus, coupons, flyers, text messaging, location finder, event calendar, and links to existing social platforms already in existence. This service is free with membership and will help connect area and visiting customers to each business member.

Visit our new website for the upcoming program information and membership information https://www.HChamber.org