Washingto t ia e ork 1...team in Washington, Miami, New York, and San Juan for their work in...

Washington | Puerto Rico | Miami | New York 1

June 2018 | www.minoritychamber.net2

The Minority Chamber of Commerce is fundamentally a different kind of Chamber of Commerce all together,

with perhaps the broadest program, events, and portfolio anywhere in the U.S. From enabling contracting opportunities with U.S. government agencies to providing access to the world market and municipalities glo- bally. We are shaping the future by setting a goal to build a platform of one million busi-ness contacts during 2018. Its time to put America First!

I am pleased to say that, in fact, our new website integration provides the opportunity to apply the best practices of myriad com-panies, whereby delivering robust sustain-ability development among our digital net-work. The new website coming up July 1:

The World Trade Center by the Chamber, is a unique in that MCC members and part-ners share their opportunities in an expedited way through interaction.Business connections and relevance re-main at the core of the MCC, as we launch this new website focusing on trade, con-tracting, investment, and insights on who is aligned with our renewed corporate stra- tegy, as well as our brand commitments to create revenue and new friends through digital platforms. Our work is driven by per-formance and a deep commitment to ethi-cs and integrity – and by conducting due diligence on every associate that joins our chamber. We are elite business organiza-tion with opportunities for all in equal and respect.

Our schedule of conferences focuses on four priority areas: improving the lives of people through active trade, contracting, investment, and digital access. We are offering a very intensive calendar of confer-ences and other activities between July this year and invite you to join us.We stand ready to assist my Puerto Rico with our “Recovering & Reconstruction Business Center” providing access to the Island. We continued to further embed the U.S. Government Reconstruction Deve- lopment Goals into our sustainability activities, whereby supporting the government of Puerto Rico, local municipalities, small businesses, and professionals here. Let me share some highlights, further details of which are available any time by visiting or

contacting our center in Puerto Rico:• Business Center Hotline, a call center to respond to the latest contracting opportu-nities for Puerto Rico via the U.S. govern-ment. • Relocation Center for incoming U.S. com-panies and for Puerto Rico-based businesses planning to move to the U.S. mainland. • Virtual & Physical Offices with bilingual personnel for international companies. • Investor’s Center for foreign investors through EB5 & L1A programs.• Training Center for local companies in Puerto Rico wishing to access U.S. con-tracts, including technical assistance for certification.• Hospitality Programs to coordinate on-is-land stays, transportation, security, and iti- nerary support for U.S and Global Visitors to PR.• Workforce Center for Puerto Rico professionals, veterans, and skilled workers.• “Matchmaking Services” for public officials of both U.S. and local governments.

Finally, I would like to thank our Chamber’s team in Washington, Miami, New York, and San Juan for their work in allowing us to professionally plan and manage our conferences business tours – and in leading our mission to create economy. It is proof of the talent, innovation, and drive for excellence in everything we do.

Thank you for your interest in MCC’s global development efforts. I invite you to learn more at www.minoritychamber.net

Doug Mayorga Publisher & President [email protected] 202.250.0260

18 Years of experience at the Minority Chamber of Commerce

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Another Goal for MCC: Build World Trade Centers in DC, Miami, New York, Puerto Rico, Honduras,

Colombia, Chile, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic

For more information: 202.250-0260 or by email to: [email protected]


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PUT AMERICA FIRST!

PUT AMERICA FIRST!

The mission of the Premier Business Tour is for myriad work opportunities exist about construction, housing

energy development, building services, insurance, environmental hygiene, and hazardous materials mitigation. Data-cen-

SPECIAL REPORT“The Premier Business Tours by the Chamber”

April 25-29, 2018ter emergency solutions consultants are also among those who will certainly ben-efit through valuable work opportunities in disaster response in Puerto Rico. The un-derlying theme of the Business Tour was “Public-Private Sector Relations & Simpli-

With Honorable Mayor of city of Carolina, Jose Aponte With Executive Director of HUD-Puerto Rico, Efrain Maldonado

With Honorable Mayor of Caguas, William Marin With Omar Marrero, executive director of The Reconstruction of Puerto Rico, the PPP3 Office

Our Welcome Corporate Reception with local CEO-Puerto Rico With Executive Director of GSA, Edgard Hernandez

fying Reconstruction of Puerto Rico” and features direct contact and discussion with Key federal, and local-government repre-sentatives, as well as entrepreneurs from across the U.S.


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The Minority Chamber of Commerce hosted its second edition Puerto Rico Reconstruction Summit, “Planning To-

day for Rebuilding Tomorrow,” providing a comprehensive update on the reconstruc-

SPECIAL REPORTThe 2nd Edition Puerto Rico Reconstruction Summit 2018

March 29-31, 2018tion effort on the island. The event, spon-sored by MBDA Export Center and the Hotel Marriot Resort in Condado, featured a range of experts from the private sector representing technology and emergen-

cy preparedness, as well as government leaders. Speakers and delegates focused on addressing immediate needs of Puerto Rico as related to response, repair, remedi-ation, and restoration of Puerto Rico.

Hon. Manuel LaboySecretary of Commerce

Thank you to City of Guaynabo and Hon. Mayor, Angel Perez, for a great Hospitality to our Delegations

Ms. Marie GillContractor-MBDA- Florida

Mark CalibroneCEO – TACONE

Hon. Mayor Jose PerezCity of Guaynabo


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PUT AMERICA FIRST!

The Minority Chamber of Commerce founded in 2000 is the world’s largest minority business organization repre-

senting the interests of more than 25,000 businesses of all sizes, sectors, and re-

gions. Our members range from mom-and-pop micro companies and local internation-al governments to multilateral agencies and large corporations. They all share one thing in common—they count on the Chamber to be their voice in the United States: Import,

NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP BENEFITSSMALL BUSINESS $995

If you’re not ready to join with us, stay up to date with our events, programs, resources, announcements and other opportunities by joining our Friends of the Global Business network. Be part of our platform expecting closing 1 million contacts for December 31, 2018, just fill form at www.minoritychamber.net

Certification Tech Assistance State-County • Entrance like a member with 25% discount • Data Profile with Emails 5000 businesses • Use Centers in DC, Puerto Rico and Miami for Information • Credential and Decal • One referral • Business card ADV • Annual Directory • Free entrance Corporate Receptions

Export, Investors, Donors with U.S Philan-thropic, Contracting and Funding To join the Minorities Chamber of Com-merce, please choose your level and ben-efits below:

Join to Minority Chamber of Commerce

CORPORATE $1500Certification State, Counties and Multilateral agencies • Free entrance in all our events • Data profile with Emails 10,000 businesses • Logo in our website • 10% Discount Tours • 3 Referral • One exhibit per year • Newsletter InterviewBC Adv Directory • International Contracting Opportunities

PREFERED 2500All kind of Certification FL-DC • Free Expo in all Events in Miami • Public Relations for Puerto Rico recovering Electronic Banner in our Website • 5 Referral monthly • International contracts: Foreign government and municipalitiesFree legal registrations • 25,000 contacts

EXECUTIVE $500 All kind of Certification Federal Government and Global Agencies • Connections and Leads Tailored to our specification Training your Personnel for Export or Procurement • Free Exhibit in all our Global Events Due diligence service for any country, Puerto Rico and U.S • 50,000 Contacts in all industry • Board member

OFFICIAL SPONSORExclusive Product • 150,000 contacts • Free Virtual office in Puerto Rico, Miami, DC, Honduras, Costa Rica and Colombia Speaker with VIP Services- Free booth • Full page in Newsletter • Board Member • Chamber’s corner speaker website Due diligence for any project and partners • 10 Referrals monthly • Logo in printing material

Become a Friend!


PUT AMERICA FIRST!

PUT AMERICA FIRST!

Partners and Friends at Minority Chamber of Commerce

Events Planner Hospitality Services- Contracting and Partnership Center- Matchmaking Service Our Services: We can handle on-site busi-ness tour and events registration and show reservations. Our staff is also will be avai-lable to handle any pre-program functions such as assembling program itineraries,

Joaquin CruzMarketing Director

Hotel Marriott Resort Condado

Mario Nunez y Rolando BierGM y Director de Operaciones

Hotel Florencia Tegucigalpa -Honduras

Dimitriv BelovCEO

Aro Trading

nametags, welcome packages and in-room amenities.What is the program? Provide an exce-llent corporate service with style, atten-tions, confidential for investors, contractors, exporters, importers, philanthropic organi-zations, professionals and academia with a touch of class of services. Hotel, Car Rent-al, Security and all details for your pleasure

time in Puerto Rico, we are ready to assist you. Our Customers: We specializes in pro-ducing programs for associations, corpo-rations and incentive travel including guest activities, event planning, transportation services, entertainment and a host of other professional services.

The Minority Chamber of Commerce PresentsDestination Puerto Rico:

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 786.260.1965 - www.minoritychamber.net

A business concierge service by the Chamber for Investors and Contractors

“Destination Puerto Rico: Create the Ideal Entrepreneurship Guest Experience”

At the Minority Chamber, our program “Put America First” is a priority to or-ganize and facility entrance for U.S

minority businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean. Everything we do is about making access easier for investors, export-ers, importers, U.S Contractors and light manufactures. Working closely alongside with our business centers located in Costa Rica, Honduras, Colombia, Dominican Re-

public, Chile and Puerto Rico we’re in the business to facility and connect with gov-ernments and serious companies.For new and occasional U.S Companies, we can provide close support throughout the whole life-cycle of an order from first inquiry to final delivery. For both novice or seasoned exporters, we offer all the neces-sary paperwork, training and support about cultural understanding – as well as com-prehensive online services with database, organized seminars and other components.

• Business tours in the country with buyers and sellers in the country.• Rent lands with potential agriculture, mines, fish and another commodity• Matchmaking services• Incoming Delegations• Research & Information Service• Translation and Interpretation

Ambassadors are our volunteer busi-ness leaders and advisors in the Chamber that are experienced and

active Chamber Members with an active participation. Our ambassadors assist in the recruitment of prospective Chamber Members and high level meeting with the U.S Government and Philanthropic Organi-zations.

From the Environmental Industry:“I’m honored to be part of the Minority Chamber of Commerce since 2016 and participate in different global events. Our company is looking forward to helping for-eign countries in addressing and solving the major problems in waste processing and treatment. In addition, we aim to solve major contamination of soil and water bod-ies currently causing disease and deaths throughout the world as both investors and

Quick guide to our global services

operators”.

Leonardo D. AdamesPresident & CEOBLUESTONE Environmental LLC& Chief Science Officer, FREYTECH Inc.c- +1-786-999-2846office- +1-305-372-1104

Meet our Chamber Ambassador at the Minority Chamber of Commerce


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PUT AMERICA FIRST!

The XXIV Government Procurement Forum organized by Minority Cham-ber of Commerce (MCC) in Miami,

brought 25 participants representing con-tractors, manufacturers, and suppliers of all sizes and specialties. The Procure-

Special Report: Government Procurement Forum Miami 2018

www.minoritychamber.net

ment Forum was created under the leadership of MCC in April 2001 to drive bold, cross-agency improvements to make the region a benchmark for procurement, cer-tification, and compliance processes that

are streamlined, standardized, equitable and transparent for a better minority busi-ness community. Thank you to our Keynote Speaker, Procurement Chief Miami Dade County, Namita Uppal

The Minority Chamber of Commerce rec-ognized Ms. Hue T. Reynolds, the exec-utive director of Florida’s Office of Supplier Diversity, as the Female Public Official of the Year 2018 for her incredible leadership

Special Recognitionin the government. She is commit to bring opportunities for minority business owns in South of Florida to gain insight on how to do business with State of Florida Agencies and become actively engaged as a vendor.


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This edition of Minority News is very special, as we reflect on “Women’s History Month.” While the 21st Centu-

ry has seen an upsurge in women entrepre-neurs, it hasn’t always a bed of roses. Fe-male business owners and public servants continue to face major challenges in our so-ciety, particularly with regard to equal wag-es, gender discrimination, and workplace opportunities when compared with their male counterparts. Still, women are making major impact in all business sectors, includ-ing the media, politics, and more.

This edition is dedicated to one of South Florida’s most influential women, Ms. Ma-rie R. Gill, the first woman, the first Black, and the first of Caribbean descent to have won the U.S. Department of Commerce contract to operate the MBDA Business Center, and most recently as Operator of Florida’s MDBA Export Center. Her mission with this important organization is to work with federal government and disaster relief programs to increase certifications, loans, and help minority businesses succeed. Be-low are excerpts of a recent interview with Ms. McGill.

1. Tell me about yourself.I am an entrepreneur who is passionate

about my business and my work, and about the friendships I have. I learned from a very young age that being of service to others is a core ingredient in surviving anywhere you happen to live and work, because it is in giving that we truly receive. I am a surrogate mother to two children who were abandoned by their own parents, before they could walk. I am “Auntie Marie” to my Godson, CJ; and to many non-blood rela-tives, like Patsy, Denise, Lisa, Junior, Joan and Ricky who have adopted me into their families and shown me the love I yearned for during most of my childhood.

2. Where did you grow up?I was born and reared in Jamaica. I lived in Kingston (the Capital City) and moved to rural Clarendon, where I finished ele-mentary school and won a government scholarship to attend high school in Kings-ton. We moved back to Kingston where I attended High School. Upon graduation, I was accepted for undergraduate studies at the University of the West Indies. There I obtained my B.Sc. in Economics. I later obtained my M.A. Degree in Mass Com-munications, and my MBA Degree from the University of Toronto.

3. Tell us a bit about your journey to –

and within – MBDAMy journey to the MBDA can be equated to the long and winding road. I didn’t know it then, but I believe that the MBDA is the destination for which I had been preparing a good part of my professional life. As a scholar and director of economic develop-ment programs for government agencies in Jamaica; the Bahamas; Toronto, Canada; Newark, New Jersey; Baltimore, Maryland; Denver, Colorado; and South Florida, I was fortunate to have received opportunities that allowed me to be of service to individu-als and businesses who were most in need of help to develop and improve skills and business acumen, and to achieve growth and success in their individual and busi-ness pursuits.

My journey within the MBDA has been a very interesting, productive, and reward-ing 29 years. I first joined the MBDA (then MBDC) as a member of the consulting staff in South Florida. After eight years, I re-signed to operate my own company, M. Gill & Associates, Inc. I became a contractor with the MBDA in 2001. With the City of Miami as my Cost-Share Strategic Partner, I have been operating various MBDA Initia-tives ever since. Currently, my company operates the MBDA Export Center in Flor-ida. We also operate a Hurricane Disaster Assistance Program, funded by the MBDA that provides recovery services for hurri-cane affected MBEs in South Florida, Puer-to and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

4. What is the main mission of MBDA in South Florida?Our mission is to build wealth in minority communities by helping minority-owned firms to grow in size, scale and capacity, thereby fostering their growth and global competitiveness. Our services are focused on providing Access to Capital, Access to Contracts, and Access to New and Global Markets.

5. What is the most difficult challenge of your organization?The MBEs challenges are our challenges, which are essentially the lack of certain op-portunities in financing, contracting and new market entrance for minority-owned busi-nesses. Minority firms are smaller in size and scale than their non-minority counter-parts. As a result, minority firms have more difficulties accessing capital, contracts and entering potentially viable markets. That is why our technical assistance services to MBEs focus on accessing capital, contracts

AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH: MARIE R. GILL, Prolific Entrepreneur, MDBA Program Operator and a Champion for Minority Businesses

By: Doug [email protected]

Her mission with this important organization is to work with federal government and disaster relief programs to increase certifications,

loans, and help minority businesses succeed.


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and new markets.

6. Minority-owned start-ups are on the rise in South Florida, in what capacity do you serve them?My interest and passion as a service pro-vider compels me to reach out and do whatever I can to encourage, assist, and in some cases nurture the development of early-stage minority firms. So, while it is critical to have a portfolio of clients that are in an upward trajectory, it is also important for me, personally and professionally, to serve new MBEs. There are many resourc-es available to help start-up firms. Many of them are my partners and collaborators. Also, the surge of on-line services and op-portunities help to lighten the process of helping start-ups to move from one point to another. But we are passionate about teaching new MBEs what to do and how to do it right. As such, we host Weekly Open House Seminars for start-up firms, every Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at our offices. These training sessions are interactive and give us a chance to learn about each business and their needs.

7. What are the benefits and advantag-es for your organization in assisting mi-nority business owners?The MBDA is the only Federal Government Agency solely dedicated, by mandate of the United States Congress, to the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises.By 2044, the Nation’s prosperity will rely even more on minorities, the fastest grow-ing segment of the population. Entrepre-neurship is a sure pathway to wealth cre-ation and a thriving national economy. Today, U.S. minority business enterprises represent 29% of all firms but only 11% have paid employees. If MBEs were to ob-tain entrepreneurial parity, the U.S. econo-my would realize 13 million more jobs (ref. www.mbda.gov). It is therefore in the best interest of the nation that the MBDA Pro-grams focus on the growth and global com-petitiveness of minority-owned businesses.

8. Today, Minority Entrepreneurs Face Challenges in Business Development, what is your advice for them?All small businesses are faced with chal-lenges daily. My advice to MBEs is this: You are not alone! Do not be afraid to seek advice. Help is available, but it may not come knocking on your door. “If your ship does not come in, swim out to meet it.” Do not be afraid to ask for help. Our Export Center may not be aware that you are there and that you need us, so here is your chance to reach out to us for the help you need. If we cannot help you, we will find someone who can. Take advantage of the resources and opportunities that are available to help and support minority busi-ness enterprises. It is always a good idea

to see how you may diversify your product or service, or “re-invent” yourself. Lastly, think Federal Contracting, and think Global Markets; opportunities abound!

9. You’ve been with your firm for more than 28 years. What has been your proudest moment?I launched my company 28 years ago be-cause of my passion for helping others to be successful. There have been many hic-cups along the way, but they are overshad-owed by the many proud moments. One of the proudest moments is when I was cho-sen to receive the “2004 African American Achievers’ Award in Entrepreneurship” from JM Family Enterprises. It is the most pres-tigious award presented to African Ameri-cans in South Florida. At the Awards Gala, hundreds of persons from throughout Flori-da, the Caribbean and from the government of Jamaica turned to congratulate and sup-port me as the first from the Caribbean, and the first woman, to have won that Award in Entrepreneurship.

10. You will expand to Puerto Rico, what will be your priorities?The MBDA has provided my Export Center with a grant that allows us to provide disas-ter assistance services to hurricane-affect-ed minority businesses in South Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our relationship with the Minority Cham-ber of Commerce will give us the opportu-nity to have a stronger presence in Puerto Rico. Our priorities will continue to focus on helping minority business enterpris-es to develop and grow and achieve suc-cess through greater Access to Financing, Access to Contracts—by identifying con-tracting opportunities and assisting with bid preparation where needed; Access to Global Markets, by helping them to identi-fy global opportunities and prepare them to become “export ready.” For companies that want to do business with the government or with corporations, we will be focusing on procurement training and helping them to obtain the various small business certifica-tions that are available.

11. What is the next level for your orga-nization?The MBDA has done a phenomenal job to grow minority businesses nationwide. As a result, minority businesses have become major contributors to the nation’s economy by generating $1.0 trillion in revenues and having an estimated buying power of $2.5 trillion. Expansion of the Existing MBDA Programs is essential to the continued growth of minority business enterprises and the overall economy. It has certainly been established that our Export Center in Miami provides an important service that is essential to the growth of MBEs. It is crucial that the MBDA continues to fund these pro-grams and expand our reach and support of

MBEs within the disaster affected areas of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It will take some time for affected businesses in those territories to truly recover and re-gain their growth momentum.

12. What are the most difficult decisions to make?There are only 24 hours in the day…al-though it is difficult, I sometimes just have to say “NO”Also, I find that terminating employees and team members can be quite difficult, al-though essential to a process and time.

13. What is the most difficult part of be-ing a leader?It is not difficult to lead when I am doing what I know and love. However, when there is a lack of appropriate resources (es-pecially financial) to implement a project, it is sometimes very difficult to get others to buy into your dream, and to share your passion. I will choose not to be the leader if I don’t believe in the purpose of the task at hand.

14. How do you think about the issue of women and leadership in the context of your own career?As a woman business owner, I have experi-enced some of the difficulties often encoun-tered by other businesswomen. But I have learned over the years that I will succeed by being not just good, but exceptional at what I do, by being a more creative thinker. I have had to pursue my dreams and goals with a sense of conviction despite naysay-ers and cynics who would try to discourage me or even seek to impede my path. In fact, I have embraced the movement that promotes women in the workplace, wom-en in construction, women in contracting, and have for the past eight years, hosted a Women Mean Business Conference in celebration of Women’s History Month in March. In fact, we have just hosted our 8th Annual Women Mean Business Confer-ence with the City of Lauderdale Lakes on March 9th, in celebration of Women’s His-tory Month.

15. What are the most important values you demonstrate as a leader

Strength of Character by:• Putting God first in my life. This is very im-portant to me and to my business. I trust in God and strive to be a good Christian.

• My word is my bond. I will be truthful, and I will keep my promises

• Being Trustworthy. I will not “sell out” a friend, a colleague, a subordinate, nor will I seek to destroy a competitor for my own personal gain.


PUT AMERICA FIRST!

PUT AMERICA FIRST!

Editor’s Picks: Global Education for Honduras, impressive leaders:

In exclusive interview, compassioned leaders from Honduras, CEO Ms. Fatima Motino, and her husband, Pastor, Mar-

lon Bravo, both representatives of “New Destiny”, a Leadership Academy a ONG -Non-profit organization-, have a challenge to educate vulnerable children with limited funds and resources. They are located in the most danger city of the Country: San Pedro Sula.

During our extensive interview with Minori-ty News, both leaders gave an overview about the importance of education and cre-ate leaders in this second nation most poor in the western hemisphere. “We need to create leaders to work in the country, and no immigrate illegally to the United States”, said CEO Mutino, “Educate others is a prin-ciple in the Bible, is an investment in the future of my country. Is sowing the seeds of human dignity in every child, those they are looking for a dream”.

What is your message to the people of the United States? “We are on the right track to bring the future of my country with our programs and reduce criminals and provide a new direction for them, it’s sim-ple, giving a voice to voiceless through ed-ucation. Honduras is beautiful to live and enjoy”. She said her school already had complied with several projects and initiatives— in-cluding freeing young people from prison to be restored with the word of God. “We are looking for partners in the United States to obtain resources and provide scholarship”, she said. “leaders…prioritize that which is most sacred to us – education. No nation has developed economically or culturally without an educated population. The oppor-tunity costs of not investing in young people are too great to San Pedro Sula”.

What inspired you to found the New Des-tiny Leadership Academy? “We have a commitment as Honduran citizens to serve our disadvantage committees who live in vulnerable areas of the city, through formal education from pre-school through Tech-nical Higher Education based in principles and values”. San Pedro Sula long known for its busi-nesses and industrial development, the city represents for Honduras, a place of chal-lenges and extremely violence. “We’re trying to be encouraging and pru-dent in this effort to educate 1000 children in different programs, including, English courses. This is our goal and commitment. It’s still early in the overall process,” said Pastor Bravo, his husband. He is the exec-utive director of the Leadership Academy.

Pastor Bravo, as Executive Director, what do you hope your students have learned from going to the school? “To set in our students´ mind that there is noth-ing impossible, that their dreams and goals can be reached by God´s Grace, also the importance to serve others. Every human being should have faith, hope and love”The Leadership Academy features intimate insights from spiritual to education for their students and shows the loving interactions and deep bonds they form with their stu-dents. “The majority of them who at age twelve or thirteen left their homes and fami-lies in poor urban communities to pursue an opportunity to follow their dreams”, adding, “youth are not simply beneficiaries of edu-cation and love with us. We give them a val-ue as a partner, in creating a better world. What we need is the platform of education for which their voices can be heard”, said, CEO Ms. Motino.

Pastor, Bravo as the Executive Director, he acknowledged the intractable nature of the faith, which in many cases has lasted for decades: “We will try to achieve an eternal peace in the industrial capital of Honduras

with opportunities for all. However, this will require time, solidarity, and support from the private sector of the United States”.

It seemed to me that the curriculum at the school isn’t just about straight aca-demics but about cultivating many other human qualities and values - how would you describe the educational philoso-phy? “As institution our main philosophy is the wisdom that comes from God, be-cause we teach and give knowledge, but at the same time we focus in their spiritu-al growth, encouragement and practice of values, having as result better children and citizens”, said CEO, Ms. Motino.

What accomplishments of the school and the students are you most proud of? “Is the fact that now our students are dreamers, entrepreneurs and with great human quality, and all this has been pos-sible through the school because we have been willing to serve those who needed to believe more in what God is capable to do for them”

What if your dream? “Our greatest dream is to open a Technical University to give them the opportunity to complete their education with a college degree”.

CEO of New Destiny Leadership Academy, Dr. Fatima Motino and her husband, Pastor Marlon Bravo, looking for better Future in Honduras, through empower low income families with education.

By: Doug Mayorga

“The real leadership is in your own family, your community; how you lead your life and neighborhood, how you present yourself in all environment as one who is willing to use what you have to give to others. That to me the defining meaning of what it takes to be a leader”, Fatima Motiño, CEO of New Destiny Honduras

President Fatima Motiño de Bravo: 011-50499751100

504 011- 96041689Email: [email protected]

JOIN TO SPONSOR:


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What are your main responsibilities as CEO at the Robertson Forwarding Com-pany?My main responsibility is navigating the direction of RFC while building a compa-ny culture that encourages leadership and responsibility amongst all of its employees. Also the personal engagement with my cli-ents is crucial to our business success as well as my continued engagement in our local community.

What are the most common challenges faced in your shipment to Puerto Rico?Finding resources like housing, gas, mon-ey etc. to function while responding to the disaster and fulfilling the mission’s needs. Also wireless communication was limited

and made communications with my opera-tions team very challenging.

You are a U.S Contractor? We are a U.S. prime and sub-contractor for U.S. government entities but of course also work with many private companies in vari-ous sectors.

How is your experiences with Federal Government in the reconstruction effort for Puerto Rico?I went twice, during the first trip only a cou-ple weeks after the Hurricane hit I saw a lot of US government engagement and re-sources funneling into the country. The local community was very professional, ready to work, and brave in the face of the disaster and aftermath they had to live with. When I went back in December US government involvement seemed to be changing course and progress was limping yet the people were still hopeful and ambitious.

Please tell us about your memorable shipping experience in Puerto Rico after Maria Hurricane? I was working in Ceiba at Roosevelt Roads sitting in the pitch black with no internet nor cellphone communication trying to flag my

trucks down with a flash light. It was a very uncomfortable for a women.

What do you think about Puerto Rico Re-construction?I join most of the people I’m talking to. It is moving to slow but in the long run a new rebuilt, modern infrastructure will be a great benefit for the Puerto Rican society as a whole. We just need to ensure that it gets completed soon and in the right way.

Your business affected by Jones Act?I do not believe the Jones Act is effective and I’m not a big fan of it. It did not affect us necessarily during the Puerto Rico efforts but we noticed in the past that the Jones Act is outdated and difficult to enforce. I do un-derstand that U.S businesses and carriers need to be protected to a certain degree but if due to a lack of resources and/or lanes a shipment takes significantly longer and is several times more expensive it works against us and against our client.

What are your growth prospects in the short, medium and long term for Puerto Rico?I do want to be an integral part in the re-building process mainly by providing logis-tics services from and to the US mainland as well as supporting local moves. It is diffi-cult to say how our business specifically will grow but I do know that a lot of work still has to be done. I’m confident that Puerto Rico will come out of this disaster stronger and better off in the long run.

Meet our Members and Partners

Stefan Ahrens Managing Director www.rfclogistics.com

Who is Kenneth Plotkin? Kenneth Plotkin is the CEO of Centerline Services in Miami Dade County, a minori-ty-owned 8(a) certified company which

provides diverse aviation logistics and tech-nical support solutions to government and commercial clients worldwide. He offers a real-world perspective on government contracting, leveraging his overseas expe-rience and building on what it takes to make his firm successful, alongside his team. What is the mission of your company? Centerline Services LLC is a team of profes-sionals dedicated to the highest standards of safety, quality customer service, and ef-ficiency. We focus on aviation contracting,

logistics, selective personnel recruiting, team building, business development, and project management for the global aviation community. What propelled you into the govern-ment-contracting world? My experience as a US Government Con-tractor with DynCorp International in Af-ghanistan. How difficult is it to become a govern-ment contractor? How difficult is it to become a government contractor? It is a challenging and very dy-namic environment. Adaptation to change is paramount. What advice would you give someone who is considering orienting their busi-ness toward earning government con-tracts? Surround yourself with knowledgeable ex-perts in the field. Both can be valuable de-pending on the risks associated with each project and capabilities.

Kenneth Plotkin CEOCenterline Services


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Tell us about your Company: LRV is a multiple-disciplinary environmental engi-neering and renewable energy firm. We provide Wastewater Treatment Plant Oper-ation & Maintenance and facility manage-ment. We identify the different alternative energy resources available, in a facility, and convert it into reusable energy. In ad-dition, we have expanded our Energy Solar business by creating Sustainable Product Development Manufacturing - PR (SPDM) a company that will manufacture top of the line Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV).

Over 6 months of tragedy in Puerto Rico, what is the most challenge private sec-

tor have in the Island under your point of view? Dealing with reestablishing the electrical grid. This could be attributed to several factors. First, the destruction of the old electrical infrastructure was unprece-dented. Secondly, the government imposed a yearly tariff for inventory regardless if is used or not. This action creates a lack of inventory and disables the companies to be responsive. Lastly, the Supply Chain of food, gasoline, electrical material, etc. was completely disrupted.

Puerto Rico Faces Mountain of Obsta-cles on the Road to Recovery, give us a description where is the problem? Cash Flow. The government does not have the financial liquidity to face the obstacles in a swiftly manner. This by its self creates a roadblock for an expedited recovery in all the sectors. Although the Federal Govern-ment and Congress has approved a finan-cial aid the bureaucracy also contributes to slowing down the process of recovery.

As a private sector in Puerto Rico, what are the most successful plan to design a bold and holistic plan for the island to be rebuilt? When we think of developing a holistic plan, we need to take into account that six (6) out of the twelve (12) months

of the year Puerto Rico is under Hurricane Season (June – November). This is a fact due to the latitude and longitude of the Is-land. Developing a holistic plan needs to take into account this fact and it also needs to take into account how climate change has been impacting Puerto Rico for the last decades, taking into consideration the recent, back-to-back, hurricanes impact of Irma and Maria. Not taking these factors into consideration will not make a plan suc-cessful.

A message about the Puerto Rico in opportunities and why? Puerto Rico is a fascinating Island! Its beauty is second to none. It has pristine water and beaches. The temperature is constant all year round. Its people are highly educated and strive to be the best in the world. Since the start of Miss Universe pageants, in early 1950s, six Puerto Ricans hold Miss Universe titles be-coming the second country in the world with such high distention. This fact speaks by itself about the high cosmetic, beauty and apparel industry. PR is the home of high-tech and big-pharmaceutical companies. Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the Unit-ed States of America, which grants a stable political and financial environment. The local government has created an incentive program, which through the Laws 20 and 22 grants investor’s tax incentives as low as 4% of its revenues. Puerto Rico is the place to be to do business. The incentives are there, the people are ready and the business climate is set.

Louis R. Viana CEOSustainable Product Development Manufacturing-PR www.lrvinc.com

As a successful Venezuelan Entrepre-neur, what has been your main chal-lenge in Miami Dade County? With a suit-case full of many dreams arrived Miami 22 years ago. The work has not been easy but by putting into practice my corporate abili-ty from obtained in my country, and put my best effort, I was climbing positions in this market that has allowed me to develop as a very successful entrepreneur, first in the Marketing area and later in the Manufactur-ing and Distribution of Hygienic and Indus-

trial Paper with the most high quality and competitive price.

Now what if your goal in your industry? Well is very important to present my own perspective in this question. Yet progress of my company can be better – there is still a lack of women and minorities in leadership positions in my commodity, and certain in-dustries like mine, is very competitive at all levels. Inclusive a lot of fear trade and di-versity programs fail. Based on my own life as business woman is a great evidence of challenge and limitation, for me, it was very hard since it is an industry dominated 100% by men and more than once I had to get up from meetings because they did not nego-tiate with women, some time with limitation of English and others obstacles. However, I must say that it was only at the beginning, because those same people who rejected

me saw our persistence in positioning our-selves within the export market and later in the local.

What is your dream? Be the best distribu-tor of maintenance and cleaning products in Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean.

What is the priority challenge of your company? Expand in the national mar-ket and certificate my company for State of Florida, Counties and U.S Government, and reach new frontiers with contracting in the government arena.

What distinguishes your products? The excellence of our products as well as the quality of our after sales service distinguish us in this competitive market. Our standards are aligned with the preservation of the en-vironment, compliance and standardization of the laws applied, and the most affordable price for all.

As a Hispanic businesswoman, what is your main challenge? Offer the best service and quality to all our clients, work under parameters of efficiency and effec-tiveness, together with the most important ... respect and treat in the same condition of others.

Melly Tineo CEO Peninsula Tissue Paper


With the mandate to foster economic development through enterprise creation, global and national conferences with a high profile-elite person to person relations.

PUT AMERICA FIRST!

PUT AMERICA FIRST!

Join to the Minority Chamber of CommerceCome to the World of Entrepreneurship Services, Opportunities and Connections…

Founded in 2000“Nothing’s Bigger than Minority Small Business in America”

During my official visit to FEMA -Head-quarters in Guaynabo , Puerto Rico last April 2. The Chamber have a se-

rious interest as an advocacy and adviso-ry business association in the reconstruc-tion effort for Puerto Rico. We are commit in promoting contract opportunities and resources to minority small, small disad-vantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned and HUB-Zone small businesses within the FEMA and other agencies’ acquisition process. Here with Mr. Harold Lathon.

For more information: (202)406-2190 Washington DC, Virginia, Baltimore and Philadelphia

(786)406-2190 Miami, Broward and Monroe Counties in [email protected]

www.minoritychamber.net

• You are national member • We are not a social networking organization • Our goals are connected and promote economic opportunities• Works closely with our corporate partners and their offices of supplier diversity• Update for Government procurement programs. • Training & Education• Investor program for your projects• Loans for Commercial Real Estate or line of credit • Monthly Luncheon Awards Banquet • Committee Activities• Update for Government procurement programs. • Hundreds of activities hosting Procurement Roundtables designed to create matchmaking opportunities• Direct involving international in procurement and trade • Registration with Federal Government in all sections and schedules • Vendor process for U.S Department of States in the Construction of Embassies around the world • Database with emails who’s is who in DC, New York, State of Florida, Puerto Rico, Honduras, Costa Rica, Colombia and Dominican Republic• Our platform is over 450, 000 companies, executives, mayors and foreign governments • You can use our centers in Puerto Rico, Colombia, Honduras and Washington DC

Providing a variety of benefits:

Your membership will accomplish:1. Get your name out there 2. Create networking opportunities, 3. Bringing a new source of revenues4. Establish a sense of authority 5. Connect with leaders 6. Be affordable in favor to your company


Unase a la Cámara de Comercio de las Minorias y tenga acceso a miles de oportunidades para su empresa, mu-

nicipalidad e inversionista. Con una plata-forma de 25.000 miembros y sobre 350.000 conecciones por todo el mundo y los Esta-dos Unidos, usted entra a ser parte de una gran familia. Y como en todo grupo selecto, antes de afiliarse visite y llene un formula-rio en www.minoritychamber.net, allí obten-mos la suficiente intelegencia para evaluar-lo y extenderle un beneplacito, porque aca, no todo mundo es miembro. Que hacemos por usted:1. Usted puede abrir su negocio en los Es-tados Unidos con oficinas en Washington DC, Miami , Puerto Rico y New York.2. Usted esta certificado como empresa mi-noritaria y tendrá acceso a los contratos de compras del gobierno y las grandes corpo-raciones3. Usted puede obtener en una forma inteli-gente la visa EB5 o la L1A que lo acredita a una residencia permamente cuando in-vierte $500.00 en Puerto Rico o $150,000 en sociedades conjuntas, residencia de 7

años. 4. Usted puede accezar a nuestra enorme base de datos por industria, estado o ca-pacidad económica de clientes que esta buscando5. Le ofrecemos servicios de relaciones públicas y capacidad de mercadeo digital a la poderosa comunidad minoritaria em-prearial de los Estados Unidos. 6. Como miembro también usted puede contar con almacenaje, distribución y trans-portación de los productos que compre, venda o distribuya. 7. Si quiere comprar Real Estate comercial, o tramitar una licencia, franquicia, una mar-ca registrada o patentizar, le ofrecemos el paquete llave en mano. 8. Si usted quiere abrir una fundación para su municipalidad

Solo escríbanos y muestre su interes y un representante técnico le atenderá para ofrecerle un trato directo, confinable y efec-tivo a sus intereses a [email protected] o llámenos a Washington DC al (202)250-0260

PUT AMERICA FIRST!

Le invitamos a unirse a la Cámara de Comercio de las Minorias

“ La entrada perfecta a los Estados Unidos de América”

Starting a nonprofit 501C3 is an excit-ing and rewarding opportunity, but it can also be challenging if you don’t

have an advisor and a platform. Find im-portant information and services at the Mi-nority Chamber of Commerce to help guide you through the process. Here are various categories of nonprofits recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS): • Charitable or religious organizations• International foundations • Labor and agricultural organizations• Business leagues-Economic development • Civic organization • Sporting • Academic-Schools

What we do? • Legalize • By laws• Community plan • 501C3 application • Dozier• Intelligent report• Public relations • Website for donors • Tax exempt benefits • Grants & fundraising• Resolution in 60 days • Administration training

Fund your programs with grants from pri-vate and government sources with our Grants & Fundraising services at the Mi-nority Chamber of Commerce. We research every possible opportunity for funding and handle the paperwork necessary to get funded. For more information: [email protected]

Do you need open a foundation with grants?

OUR MEMBER OF THE MONTH


PUT AMERICA FIRST!

EVENTS COMING UPMinority Chamber of Commerce Calendar | June/October, 2018

Location: MCC World Trade Center/ 1951 NW 7 Avenue, Miami, Florida 33136Attendees: 75 CEO-Contractors/Quar-terly Mission: A business conference pro-viding efficient and effective acquisition solutions across Miami International Air-

port, Large Corporations and Federal agencies. MCC presents strategies on acquisition, connections, and procure-ment to MCC members and attendees access billions of dollars in contracts with the U.S. Department of State, Homeland Security, and U.S. AID.

“X11 THE REGIONAL PROCUREMENT FORUM” MIAMI

JUNE 12

Location: San Juan Marriott Resort- Condado Attendees: 300 local and U.S firms/bi-annualMission: To identify effective opportu-nities and forward-looking approaches to achieve connections with federal go-

vernment agencies, contractors, munici-palities, government of Puerto Rico, and CEOs of private sector firms addressing post-crisis recovery – focusing on disas-ter risk reduction, fragility, and lack of economic considerations in Puerto Rico.

JULY 12-15

“3RD EDITION PUERTO RICO RECONSTRUCTION SUMMIT” - PUERTO RICO

Location: Condado Marriott Hotel- San Juan, Puerto Rico The Puerto Rico Real Estate Expo pro-vides an educational and auction plat-form for investors and home-business buyers to listen to the best opportunity in

property, rent or business for sale with 40 exhibitors all under one roof. The exhi-bition is a must see for those wanting to either break into the property market in Puerto Rico, upgrade their home or build wealth through property investments.

“The 2ND Puerto Rico Real Estate Expo & Conferences”

JULY 14

Location: Marriott Key Bridge D.C/Ar-lington, Va.Attendees: 200 Mayors, U.S. philan-thropic organizations, D.C./Maryland/Va. businesses/annualMission: MCC’s Executive Committee, organizers of the 3RD World Conference of Municipalities 2018, offers a two-day

conference that offers assistance on issues related to sustainable economic development, as well as other challenges including international cooperation, modern development practices, public relations, innovations in energy, envi-ronment, security, emergency prepared-ness, agriculture.

“3RD WORLD CONFERENCE OF MUNICIPALITIES” - WASHINGTON

JUNE 20-23

Desde nuestros humildes comienzos como una organización local para atender a micro y pequeños empre-

sarios en el sur de la Florida; hoy en día, nos hemos convertido un centro de inter-cambio de información, bienes, servicios, eventos mundiales, y relaciones a su más alto nivel con nuestra plataforma x 4 conti-nentes y 9 países de intercambio. Hemos logrado lo que visionamos hace casi 20 años, nos hemos expandido internaciona-lmente a fin de unir oportunidades a través de la confianza. Estamos creando una ex-periencia perfecta para permitir a nuestros

usuarios, miembros y clientes, a comprar en cualquier momento y lugar, cualquier bien en los Estados Unidos, a través del canal: [email protected] . Estamos creando una base de datos de 100,000 suplidores, manufactureros, distribuidores maestros, detallistas, minoristas y conce-sionarios, brindando un valor seguro de lo que compra con garantía. En la Cámara de Comercio de las Minorías, hacemos fácil tu compra, mejor precio, garantía, calidad, se-guridad, almacenaje y envió aéreo o maríti-mo. Solo haga una prueba por muy mínima que sea su compra.

La Cámara de Comercio de las Minorías anuncia:

I M A G I N ACOMPRARLO QUE QUIERASY CUANDO QUIERASEN ESTADOS UNIDOS


PUT AMERICA FIRST!

PUT AMERICA FIRST!

The following contract opportunity re-cord has been updated on the FAA Contract Opportunities website at:

https://faaco.faa.gov/index.cfm/announce-ment/view/30235

• Solicitation/Contract No: 697DCK-18-R-00233-0003

Title: Upgrade of RWY 12 & 30 at the Miami International Airport, Miami, Florida.

Contact•Name: Michael Hollis•Organization: AAQ-560•Phone: 404-305-5298•Email: [email protected]

Details• Date Posted: May 23, 2018• Date Closed: June 5, 2018• Time Closed: 02:00 PM• Procurement Method: Commercial/Simpli-fied• Classification Code: Z -- Maintenance, re-pair, and alteration of real property• NAICS Code: NA• Set-Aside: Total small business• Region Issuing Office: ES - Eastern Logis-tics Service Area (Southern)

For more information and assistance: Con-tact / Procurement services for Minority Chamber of Commerce [email protected]

The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations Announces the Architect for the New U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa, Honduras

The Department of State selected SHoP Ar-chitects of New York, New York, to design the new U.S. Embassy project in Tegucigal-pa, Honduras.The multi-building complex will be situated on an approximately 9-acre site, and will in-clude a Chancery building, Marine Security Guard Residence, support buildings, and facilities for the Embassy community. The new complex will provide Embassy employ-ees with a safe, secure, sustainable, and modern workplace.

As part of the Department’s Capital Security Construction Program, OBO has complet-ed 133 new diplomatic facilities since 1999 and has an additional 52 projects in design or under construction.OBO’s mission is to provide safe, secure, and functional facilities that represent the U.S. government to the host nation and support our staff in the achievement of U.S. foreign policy objectives. These facilities represent American values and the best in American architecture, engineering, tech-nology, sustainability, art, culture, and construction execution.For further information please contact Christine Foushee at [email protected], or visit 2009-2017.state.gov/obo

Specialize in wireless integration solu-tions that combines many manufac-ture product lines to meet any cus-

tomer needs. Data Stream would like to propose a hurricane disaster wireless solu-tion that can be mobilized and deployed all over Puerto Rico within 20-30 minutes at LTE speeds with this solution you will be fully independent from all the major carries like the (at&t, Sprint, T-mobile, Claro) if their network is down like in the past. With this wireless solution you can get your local Banks, Gas Stations, Supper Markets back online within minutes as long as they have power. For more information (954)271-1240 Ex 105 or email : [email protected]

Data Stream Mobile Technologies

Doing Business with uncle Sam!

Contract opportunity:

UPDATE NEWS: THE NEW U.S EMBASSY IN TEGUCIGALPA, A PRIORITY BY THE CHAMBER TO ASSIST U.S CONTRACTORS TO FACILITY LOGISTIC AND INFRAESTRUCTURE IN THE COUNTRY.

You can increase your chance of winning a government contract having a representa-tion with the Minority Chamber and taking advantage!!.

Find contracts: Use multiple database to find contracts or a partner accordingly your capacity statement

Federal Business Opportunities: Go- vernment agencies are required to use FedBizOpps to advertise all contracts over $25,000.

GSA Schedule: “getting onto the GSA Schedule,” which means you’ve been ap-proved to do business with the government.

Subnet: The platform of subcontracting opportunities posted by large contractors looking for USASpending.gov: small busi-nesses to serve as subcontractors.You can use this information to help identify procurement trends within the government and potential opportunities.For more information: [email protected]

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