Hispanic group offers more than business guidance
Oct. 3, 2006
By JOSEPH M. DELEON News-Post Staff
jdeleon@fredericknewspost.com
FREDERICK — Finding appropriate housing, filling out tax forms and understanding the basics of banking are some things immigrant business owners must learn after entering the country. Many U.S. residents take these common tasks for granted, said Jorge Ribas, president of The Greater Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Serving a diverse membership has encouraged Mr. Ribas to take a different approach to running the 300-member group. The 3-year-old chamber organizes more than 80 events each year, has a decentralized structure and boasts eight chapters in four counties, including Frederick, Washington, Montgomery and Prince George's.
Like many chambers, the organization serves members' interests in business development.
“But we also like to deal with civic issues like the civic duties of going to a poll and supporting the candidate of your choice,” Mr. Ribas said. “That activity is constantly renewing the democratic process, and understanding that process is integral to running a business.”
The chamber hosts multiple meetings each month to discuss business, civic responsibilities and other topics.
Topics have included: how the war in Iraq affects the perception of Muslim business owners in the United States; how blacks deal with biases that prevent advancement to leadership positions; and how women react to a changing workplace.
“In business, you are directly or indirectly affected by these issues,” he said. “Many chambers don't talk about these things, but we do.”
Mr. Ribas said such presentations benefit members and speakers alike.
“Presenters learn from us, because I'm sure many of them have never spoken to a Hispanic audience,” Mr. Ribas said. “And our members love it because they learn so much and meet interesting people they wouldn't normally get to meet.”
Constitution 101
The chamber's latest event is a free seminar, “A Brief History of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights,” at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Mexicali Cantina, 467 W. Patrick St.
“Business and politics are very important for us, but not in a partisan way,” Mr. Ribas said. “That's why we push voter registration and organize luncheons where people tend to have a broad view and an open mind — knowledge will not hurt you, but ignorance will.”
C. Paul Smith, an attorney and Frederick alderman, will lead the 25-minute presentation, which will be followed by an optional lunch.
“It may be fundamental for a lot of people, but the idea of having a government based on a document that puts everyone on a level playing field is truly genius,” Mr. Smith said. “I'll discuss how the separation of powers continues to be a real source of how our government can at the same time protect our liberties and be an effective government.”
Mr. Smith wrote “The State of the Constitution,” a book he described as a good introduction to the Constitution for high school or college students. It follows many Supreme Court cases and is peppered with his commentary and photographs he took of important historic sites.
“I'm conservative and Republican, and I will take that approach in my talk,” he said. “I favor a limited federal government reserving as many rights as possible to local government.”
Organization and the future
While many chambers favor a top-heavy management style, The Greater Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's structure attempts to be responsive to member needs, which can vary by region, Mr. Ribas said.
The chapters, in places such as Hagerstown, Frederick, Germantown and Silver Spring, are run independently by vice presidents who serve on a board of directors. Each chapter is encouraged to be as active as members want.
“We felt this structure would allow members to have a greater say in the chamber workings and decentralize the leadership so members feel they are listened to and catered to,” Mr. Ribas said. “The key is constantly developing new leadership — if you don't do that, once you leave, the organiza tion dies.”
Corporate sponsorship provides most of the money for many chambers. While the greater Maryland Hispanic chamber has more than 40 sponsors, it is funded mostly by membership dues, Mr. Ribas said.
“It's the nature of the business — we are a new community in America,” he said. “The chamber next door might receive $20,000 from a bank, while we, being the same size, might only get $5,000. It has to do with lack of familiarity — it's not based on merit, it's who you know.”
The chamber tries to get around that by being competitive, energetic and aggressive, Mr. Ribas said.
It is considering publishing a bilingual newspaper to inform Hispanics about business topics and encourage diversity in business.
Mr. Ribas said the group is also trying to reconnect with a radio audience. The end of July marked the last broadcast of “Mundo Empresarial,” Business World — a 20-month long, Friday prime-time show on AM radio.
“We are currently looking for an FM station that would let us continue serving our audience,” he said. “It's a great opportunity to connect the business world with those listeners.”