Hispanic Business Association finds strength in providing voice for those ready to use it T

The past year of The Hispanic Business Association of SETX included paperwork, getting a system in place for membership, forming a board of directors, bylaws, setting up goals, a website, a Facebook page and pro- moting the name.

There were also the technical things and physical demands of hosting events like lunch and learns, mixers and ribbon cuttings.

Yet, in such a short amount of time, the Hispanic Business Association created a network of more than 70 businesses and many more supporters and members.

Association President Raquel Ochoa feels the new calendar year is now more about creating, which is what members love. That includes new events and upgrading current ones.

“That keeps me excited and motivated,” Ochoa said.

“We have two new events in mind that I’m super excited about. We haven’t decided which one we will do this year, but just think- ing about creating it from scratch makes me happy.”

The 2023 HBA Board of Directors includes Ochoa, Executive Director Erika Banda Meza, Vice President Daniel Cruz, Board Member Carlos Ontiveros, Board Member Juan Carlos, Treasurer Nancy Zepeda and Secretary Angelica Lopez.

The team members knew they had support, a clear vision and a list of ideas, but were honestly surprised at the great results. The resulting membership has proved to be more than just dues-payers.

“It’s like we expected good things in the first year, but we accomplished so many goals in the first months that we might adjust our year goals to grow even more,” Ochoa said.

Meza said the thing she is most proud of is seeing the unity that HBA has brought to the community.

“Business owners in the same field are working together and mentoring each other even though, technically, they are competitors,” she said. “We have seen many grow so much as professionals this past year with some going into a more leadership position in

HBA and also in other organizations in our community.”

Each year, Meza looks forward to Camino al Exito, which is her favorite event of the year.

“This year we are working on a women’s conference, and that makes me super excited since I love the planning stage,” she said. “This will be a great event for professional women, but also for stay at home moms that want to go back into the workforce or want to start a business of their own.”

Now it’s important for HBA leadership to share with other chambers and community members that this effort is not about separating.

“We are like a liaison for people to connect to all the other organizations out there once they feel comfortable doing so,” Ochoa said. “Our main reason for this group is the language barrier. We offer our lunch and learn, conferences and information in Spanish. There are cultural things as well that we work with, but it is not limited to that, and everyone is welcome to join as a member or support our organization in another way.”

The Hispanic Business Association wants to add more conferences, create a list of success stories from its members and foster an excited membership willing to volunteer in help of organizations all across Southeast Texas.

They stress there is a need in the region’s Spanish-speaking community and for residents to have documents and forms in cities and counties translated to Spanish and other languages.

“The most rewarding thing so far has been seeing how businesses have come together for a common purpose,” Ochoa said. “Members are using this organization, not just to promote their businesses, but to help our community be successful. We also enjoy every ribbon cutting and celebrate with them. It is very rewarding for us to know that two of our strongest characteristics in this organization are unity and teamwork.”

To learn more about the organization, visit hbasetx.com or call 409-293-6839.

Vanlam Nguyen, owner of Letters to Zoë, started the venture following her love of all things stationery, including pens, specialty papers and stickers.

(Sierra Kondos/ Special to Greater Port Arthur The Magazine)