http://www.thehispanochamber.com/pressMarch2012.pdf

Hispano Chamber of Commerce de Las Cruces announces new Board Officers and Members
Las Cruces, N.M. – The Hispano Chamber of Commerce de Las Cruces (HCCLC)
proudly announces its new slate of Board of Director officers and members for 2012.

Our new slate of officers includes Jeffrey Silva, Board President; Kirk Clifton, Vice President; Richard Aguilar, Treasurer; and Tony Martinez will continue as Secretary of the board.  John Muñoz will serve as Ex-Oficio in an advisory role.

Silva has served on the board since 2010 as the Chair of the Events Committee and is actively involved in the community.  Jeffrey is the Market President for Bank’ 34 and he serves on multiple boards in the community. He is best known for his successful fundraising efforts for The March of Dimes in support of his son, Zane.  Regarding his new appointment, Silva’s commitment is “to be very objective and fair to all parties involved and to help businesses and our community thrive in a challenging economic time”.

Kirk Clifton currently serves on the board as the Chair of Government Affairs, and is a proud resident of Las Cruces.  He is employed by El Paso Electric, Acquisitions based out of the corporate office in El Paso, and member of the board for Las Cruces Catholic School.    Richard Aguilar has also been an active member of the Hispano Board.  Aguilar is currently the Controller for Tresco Inc. and president of Aguilar Accounting Inc.  Tony Martinez is the Territory Manager for Molina Healthcare of New Mexico, a board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern New Mexico, and chairs the Doña Ana County Health and Human Services Alliance.

Joining our board, we are excited to have five new community leaders: Steven Chavira, Building Industry Association of Southern New Mexico; Dr. Georgia Lane, Gift Baskets by G and retired educator; Antoinette Fuentes-Knapp, CenturyLink; Heidi Melendrez, Las Cruces Sun News; and Susan McGonnell, The Massage Club.

Steve Chavira is the Managing Director of the Building Industry Association, and founder of SUCCESS, Inc.  He holds a BA in Journalism from NMSU with an emphasis in Advertising and Public Relations.  Dr. Georgia Lane is a native New Mexican and graduate of NMSU.  She completed her Doctoral studies at the University of Sarasota, and has over 30 years experience in education.  Currently she owns Gift Baskets by G.  Antoinette Fuentes-Knapp is the Area Operations Manager for CenturyLink.  She received her bachelor’s degree from UNM, and earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Heidi Melendrez is a graduate of Las Cruces High School, and Regional Advertising Director for the Las Cruces Sun News.  She serves on the board of the Amador Hotel and is an avid supporter of the downtown revitalization efforts.  Susan McGonnell owns The Massage Club, and has been involved with the Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign and the LC Junior League.  Steve, Georgia, and Susan have served the chamber as Los Amigos Ambassadors.

Kirk announced, “We are excited to have these dynamic individuals represent the Hispano Chamber and feel confident they will contribute significantly to our organization”.  Jeffrey added, “We are enthusiastic about the incoming year. We would like to thank John Muñoz and the outgoing members for their service.  Thanks also to our members for their continued support.”

The new slate of officers and members were inducted on February 29^th during our first Mix ‘n Mingle of the year hosted by Bank’ 34.  The event was well attended and a reflections of the community’s support for the Hispano chamber.  Thanks to all who made it a success!

The Hispano Chamber of Commerce de Las Cruces, established in 1992 in Dona Ana County, advocates for business growth in the community, and promotes Hispanic business owners through economic development, education, community service, and cultural awareness.   Our original founders developed a foundation to support small and Hispanic businesses, and we continue to move forward with their vision as we grow our diverse membership in the community.