Gwinnett Chamber allies with Ga. Hispanic Chamber

Key business groups formalize partnership promoting diversity.

The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce has formed a new alliance with the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a partnership that both parties hope will result in better representation for Gwinnett’s diverse population.

Representatives from both chambers signed a memorandum of understanding this month.

The agreement formalizes a push for better communication and collaboration between the two influential business entities.

The Gwinnett Chamber represents more than 2,500 businesses.

The Georgia Hispanic Chamber has more than 1,000 members.

“Hispanics have achieved real growth, bothin population and influence in our community, and Gwinnett County is the beneficiary of the many Hispanic businesses which are located here,” Gwinnett Chamber board chair Tom Andersen said in a news release.

“We are thrilled to enter into our agreement with this influential business association representing the interests of Hispanics, and look forward to a long, mutually beneficial relationship involving real collaboration on issues vital to the members of both chambers.”

Nearly 22% of all Gwinnett County residents are Hispanic, according to the most recent census data.

The agreement includes the GeorgiaHispanic Chamber having weekly office hours in Gwinnett.

The groups will also partner to host at least two events per year.

“Withthisagreement, we formalize in writing our mutual commitments to each other, but most importantly, we mark a historic moment that will be for the betterment of our members, our chambers, our county, and our state,” said Antonio Molina, chairman-elect of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

GWINNETT CHAMBER Santiago Marquez (from left), president and CEO of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, chairman-elect Antonio Molina, Gwinnett Chamber board chairman Tom Andersen and Nick Masino, president and CEO, seal the alliance of the two business groups with a handshake.