A group of Hispanic-area business owners have been planning the formation of Savannah's first minority-focused Chamber of Commerce and in late July, the Metropolitan Savannah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (MSAVHCC) filed articles of incorporation with the Georgia Secretary of State's office.
About Us
A decade ago, a humble idea took root in the vibrant and diverse Metro-Savannah area. From those modest beginnings, we proudly celebrate our 10th anniversary today, having served more than 600 members and witnessing tremendous growth year after year.
The creation of the Metropolitan Savannah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was long overdue. The Metro-Savannah area, home to over 365,000 residents, has nearly ten percent of its population identifying as Hispanic. Hispanic businesses were already flourishing, opening their doors and contributing to the dynamic economic landscape.
Savannah has always been a magnet for jobs, but now it is bigger and booming with opportunities. Our Chamber's coverage area includes Chatham, Effingham, Bryan, and Liberty Counties, along with many other counties in the Coastal Georgia Region. We recognize and invite participation from the vibrant Hispanic communities they host.
When we began in 2014, the Census data revealed a significant number of Hispanic-owned businesses in the Savannah MSA. Despite this, no organization existed to coordinate economic development services or provide support for this growing sector of our community.
Over the past decade, we've dedicated ourselves to fostering economic growth, providing vital resources, and building a supportive network for Hispanic businesses in the Coastal Georgia region. Our journey from a simple idea to a thriving organization underscores the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of our members.
We demonstrated remarkable resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating an atmosphere of true diversity and inclusion for our members, their families, employees, and other associates. We also created opportunities to raise awareness of the many cultural nuances within our Hispanic community. Our efforts included hosting elected officials, community champions, Women In Business pioneers, and cultural awareness events, all while promoting business growth despite language and cultural barriers.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to our mission of promoting economic development, enhancing business opportunities, and celebrating the achievements of our vibrant Hispanic community.
Join us in our continued journey of growth, success, and community empowerment. Together, we will continue to make a significant impact on the economic landscape of the Metro-Savannah area and beyond.
Objectives
- To develop and strengthen the relationship with Hispanic companies, organizations, professionals, corporations and many cultural and civic entities in Metropolitan Savannah.
- To promote programs, events, resources and activities aimed at improving the economic development of Hispanics in the region.
- To serve as the gateway for large organizations/national corporations to connect with the Hispanic business community.
- To support other organizations that recognize the contributions Hispanic businesses bring to the nation, and the community at-large.
- To support and promote those entities actively recognize the Hispanic integration allowing for the preservation of the Hispanic heritage.
- To recognize the achievement of Hispanic individuals and companies that has a positive influence in the target area.
Mission
Our mission is to provide leadership and support the economic development of the Hispanic business community of the Savannah Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Vision
Our vision is to be the economic development organization of choice in the Savannah metropolitan area for Hispanics to go to when starting, operating, and growing a successful business enterprise.
Values
Integrity, Loyalty, Diligence and Love for the Savannah area Hispanic community and its residents.
Target Area
Metropolitan Savannah is composed of four (4) counties; Chatham, Bryan, Liberty, and Effingham which include the following cities; Richmond Hill, Rincon, Guyton, Springfield, Bloomingdale, Garden City, Pooler, Port Wentworth, Savannah, Hinesville, and Tybee. The total population as of 2013, is over 365,000 with 9.2% identified themselves a Hispanic according to Census Bureau.
Two Primary Goals
MSAVHCC has two primary goals for local business owners– education and training
We want to make our business partners more productive. To accomplish that, we will offer educational seminars and training. For established businesses, we will show them what it takes to franchise their ideas by establishing partnerships with firms that have expertise in that field. Â For start-up businesses, we will show them how to navigate the government bureaucracy and make the most of limited financial resources.
Membership in the MSAVHCC is not limited to traditional storefront operations. Â In our community, there are many entrepreneurs who do not have offices and are held back by the language barrier. We have many people who are self-employed as interpreters, network marketers, and other work-from home or home-based occupations. Our chamber directors and its bilingual staff will give them the support and guidance they need to become financially successful.
Again, membership in the Metropolitan Savannah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is not limited to Hispanics only. Â We recognize that there are many local businesses that benefit from the presence of so many Latinos living in Coastal Georgia. Our chamber welcomes as members anyone who can benefit from strengthening their ties to the Savannah Metropolitan area and the local Hispanic community.
We are a non-profit organization and all of the moneys we collect are used to fund our activities. Our goal is to make our membership fees affordable for everyone, whether the business is large or small. But for businesses willing to make a larger financial commitment to support our initial efforts, we want to offer some special incentives, including sponsorship recognition for all of our chamber activities.
Coastal Georgia offers many opportunities to Hispanic entrepreneurs. If they unite behind a set of common goals, their strength will be greatly enhanced. For more information, please call Alfonso Ribot at (904) 422-5019 or send an email message to info@msavhcc.org.
Legal Status
Authority is the IRS Statute IRC 501(c) (6) “provides for exemption of business leagues, chambers of commerce, real estate boards, boards of trade, and professional football leagues (whether or not administering a pension fund for football players), which are not organized for profit and no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. “ IRS Pub.