Sunday, January 28, 2007 11:34 PM

22nd Northeast Regional Convention of the New York State Federation of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce

Aug 11, 2005
Marriot Marquis, NYC

The Northeast Regional Convention of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce was a great event. From it, one could really learn about the exciting things that are happening throughout the Hispanic community.

The Latina Business breakfast was great. The winner of the Business Woman of the Year Award was Beatriz Manetta,of Argent Associates Inc. Beatriz (Betty) Manetta founded Argent Associates, Inc., a certified minority - and female owned company ,in 1998.Argent is a supply -chain management and IT service provider focused on government, enterprise and telecommunications markets. Prior to her new venture,Betty worked for more than 20 years in the communications industry with AT&T and Lucent Technologies.

This was great event. Everyone was welcomed by Jerusha Ramos, the 2005 Convention Chairperson We then heard words from the breakfast sponsors.

The Latina Business keynote speaker, was Leslie Crocker Snyder she mostly spoke about her campaign running for the Manhattan District Attorneys office, and what kind of changes she would make if she became the next Manhattan District Attorney,of course Mrs Snyder did not win ,the Primary but good a good amount of votes maybe if she runs Again, against incumbent Robert Montague who will be in his 90's she will probably end up winning.Leslie Crocker Snyder is a nationally recognized leader in the fight against crime, having spent 35 years protecting New Yorkers as a prosecutor, Judge and devoted public servant.
Corporate Madrinas of the year award winners were; Leanor Villanueva, a regional sales director,Latin America for Continental Airlines., Raquel "Rocky" Egusquiza, Director of Community Development and International Strategy for Ford Motor Company Fund.Advocacy Award of the year went to Maria Otero, the founder and president of Women's Venture Fund, Inc., a non for-profit organization dedicated to assisting women in becoming successful entrepreneurs.


There were many vendors who participating at the event--Staples Office Superstore, New York Life Insurance, Healthfirst, U.S. Army--to name a few.

A Seminar by The Labor Department and (JSEC) was sponsored for people looking for Jobs And how to interview for them headed by Mrs Yolanda de los Reyes and Susie David.


The honored guest speaker for the luncheon was,Mayor Michael Bloomberg who spoke about the Hispanic community being fastest growing community in New York and how he has done a tremendous amount to help the Hispanic community through his administration and he said if he gets reelected he will continue to add more programs and do much more,he thanked Alfredo Placeras ,The President of The New York State Federation Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, as being a visionary and holding the organization together for the past 22 years .Latino Pioneros Award winners were, Eliot Rivera president of Centro Unido Detallista of Puerto Rico and former chairman of USHCC, Miguel (Mike) Rodriguez,Founder and past president of Esssex Chamber of Commerce, Johnny Torres, founder and past president of Metro Co-op ,Jose Marquez was given the award for the best new Hispanic chamber,which he is the president for LISTA, Napoleon Barragan, President 1800-Mattress was given the Businessman of the year award,Dr Roy Hastick Sr, President Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce,(Cacci) was given the Lifetime Achievement Award.


We would like to thank Mr. Alfredo and Effie Placeras, New York State Federation of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, and MERC President, Jerusha Ramos, the 2005 Convention Chairperson and Carlos Velazquez, from the Gallos Group and the organizer of the event, for helping us with interviews and contributions to this article.

Gloria smith is a School teacher for the past 25 years based here in Queens NY,with a masters degree in Education, she loves to travel allover the world, & writes about different topics,on International Business, Cultural events, & All Kind of Women Issues. & Events pertaining to women of all nationalitys.If you are interested in having Gloria cover one of your events,please send an email 1 week inadvance, @ LNGloria@hadofnyc.org or tel: 718 507 7616 between 8am to 8pm EST.