In response to the current situation being faced due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Latin Chamber of Commerce of the United States, CAMACOL established the CAMACOL COVID-19 Small & Minority Business Recovery Task Force, nearly a month ago, under the leadership of CAMACOL President Joe Chi, our executive committee, community partners and friends.
The mission of the CAMACOL COVID-19 Small & Minority Business Task Force is to identify target areas which address the immediate needs of our constituents and members, and to subsequently develop efficient and effective mechanisms, that will enable the economic recovery of the local business community.
To that end, we will continue to issue periodic updates on available resources and how to access these during this challenging time via the internet.
Additionally, we have also been developing a strategic plan which will be in place once our State opens up. The plan calls for our CAMACOL offices to be up and running to provide vital information, hands-on assistance, and access to important resources in one place, so that our small and minority business community have the tools necessary to recover from this tragic pandemic.
Meanwhile our team is working virtually round the clock to ensure that the information disseminated is current and correct.
CAMACOL is a firm believer in corporate social responsibility. Our president Joe Chi has been actively supporting Mayor Carlos Gimenez’s and Miami Dade County’s efforts to assist the elderly. As such, we are working to ensure that insurance companies and service providers work so that the elderly may receive these services at home.
We appreciate and recognize the efforts of our public sector leadership in addressing the needs of the residents of the State of Florida.
Stay Safe. Stay Healthy. Stay at Home.
The CAMACOL Team
Joe Chi, President CAMACOL
PRESS RELEASE
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, issues a state wide stay-at-home order
Miami, April 1st, 2020
PRONUNCIATION OF CAMACOL
Miami, March 17, 2020
Due to the current conditions related to the COVD-19 pandemic, the Latin Chamber of Commerce of the United States, CAMACOL has postponed its 41st Hemispheric Congress of Latin Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the 10th Edition of the Miami Media and Film Market, which were scheduled to be held from June 1st to the 5th, 2020 at the Biltmore Hotel.
We fully support the current measures and initiatives taken by the public and private sectors to cancel events and adopt procedures that lower the risk of a greater outbreak in our community, and country. With our worldwide network and capacities encompassing Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas, we followed the COVID-19 situation since the beginning and we are positioned as a resource to be available to our communities locally, regionally, nationally and internationally as the need arises. We also express solidarity with our partners at home and abroad.
As a chamber of commerce and economic development organization, tasked with providing assistance to local and international businesses, and with a commitment to social responsibility, CAMACOL has created a COVD-19 Task Force. The first phase of the task force is to disseminate official information to arrest contamination; our second phase will be to assist small and minority businesses in the recovery efforts in the weeks and months to come.
Meanwhile, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the activation of the Business Damage Assessment survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local business operations. The survey, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, (DEO) will evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy so actions to implement appropriate relief programs can begin. The Business Damage Assessment Survey can be taken online at https:floridadiaster.biz. Results from this survey will be shared with state agencies and local partners. Surveys submitted by small businesses can be used to access the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan, made available for COVID-19 through the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. For inquires or assistance with the survey, business can contact Emergency Support Function 18 at ESF18@em.myflorida.com. We applaud Governor DeSantis for his pro-active response to this crisis and encourage our members and small businesses across the state, to outreach these services.
CAMACOL reassures our community that with calm and resolve we will get thru this crisis together.
Thank you.
Joe Chi, President CAMACOL
Hon. Wifredo “Willy” Gort, Chair Hemispheric Congress
CAMACOL: Working to Promote our Members and Partners Across our Community and the Global Scene
CAMACOL President and CAMACOL COVID 19 Task Force Chairman
CAMACOL President and CAMACOL COVID 19 Task Force Chairman
CAMACOL PRESIDENT HOLDS HIGH LEVEL COVID 19 MEETING WITH FLORIDA STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS
Friday, March 27th, 2020
On Friday, March 27th, 2020 CAMACOL President and CAMACOL COVID 19 Task Force Chairman Joe Chi along with representatives from NADSA the National Adult Day Services Association and FADSA the Florida Adult Day Services Association, responsible for National and Statewide Elderly Healthcare,, had a COVID-19 teleconference meeting with Florida State Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) Secretary Mary C. Mayhew, Florida Dept of Elder Affairs (DOEA) Secretary Richard Prudom and Miami Dade County Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Maurice Kemp to discuss Corona Virus issues.
Mary C. Mayhew Secretary of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration leads the $29.4 billion health care administration representing close to 31% of Florida’s total state budget, and is responsible for health policy and planning for the State of Florida. As Secretary, she administers the state’s Medicaid program ensuring the comprehensive healthcare needs of close to 4 million Floridians are met every month. Additionally, her oversight extends to the licensure and regulation of over 50,000 health care facilities across the 3rd largest state in the nation.
Richard Prudom as Secretary for the Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA), the State Unit on Aging mission is to promote the well-being, safety, and independence nearly 5.2 million senior elderly Florida residents age 60 and older. Florida currently ranks first in the nation for the 65+ populations.
This is also the most vulnerable population in terms of critical COVID 19 response.
Joe Chi besides being the President of CAMACOL and CAMACOL COVID 19 Task Force Chairman, is also a recognized statewide senior elderly healthcare leader who works closely with the Florida State Agency for Healthcare Administration AHCA, the Florida Dept of Elder Affairs and Miami Dade County/ Florida Department of Health COVID 19 Task Force for the purpose of contingency planning for COVID-19 Response on the State and County levels.
CAMACOL, as the largest, oldest and most respected hispanic chamber of commerce in the State of Florida with a worldwide network and capacities encompassing Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas has followed the COVID 19 contagion since the beginning and we are positioned as a resource to be available to our communities locally, regionally, nationally and internationally as the need arises.
Dr. Joe Chi, Embajador Justo Apodaca Paredes, Lic. José Barletta, M.S.
Dr. Joe Chi, Embajador Justo Apodaca Paredes, Lic. José Barletta, M.S.
Visita al Consulado de Paraguay en Miami
Febrero 26, 2020
El Dr. Joe Chi, Presidente de CAMACOL y Jose L. Barletta, M.S. Presidente del Comité de Tecnología de esta organización, visitaron el Consulado de Paraguay en Miami atendiendo un pedido del Embajador, su excelencia, Justo Apodaca Paredes, Cónsul General, para hablar de posibles intercambios y visitas de autoridades gubernamentales de ese país aprovechando el desarrollo del próximo Congreso Hemisférico. También estuvo presente la Abogada María Gabriela Barreto, Oficial Consular.
Ya en los dos últimos años nos visitaron dos ministros y especialmente en el Congreso Hemisférico Nro. 40, la actual Ministra de Industria Dra. Liz Cramer, participó en forma proactiva acompañada con miembros de su delegación, dando una excelente presentación de su país y la estrategia de Comercio Internacional que vienen desarrollando.
La Dra. Cramer se reunió con miembros de varias delegaciones y pudo apreciar la ventaja de participar en este tipo de eventos donde se dan cita representantes de más de 30 países y por ejemplo en el último, con sus respectivas misiones comerciales, se concretaron más de mil Rondas de Negocios.
El embajador Apodaca nos comentó que el actual Canciller le da mucha importancia a temas para enfrentar el futuro y la gran cantidad de cambios que se aproximan y con el slogan “Diplomacia Económica para el Desarrollo”, expresó su deseo de trabajar en una iniciativa para tratar, nuevamente, de crear una posible misión con autoridades gubernamentales para que tengan oportunidad, además, de integrar una misión comercial, poder participar en una de las reuniones programadas para hablar sobre algunos aspectos relacionado con el desarrollo de su país y su plan de acción.
Se mencionó que dentro de la programación del 1er. Foro Iberoamericano de Robótica, si decide participar el actual Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores, el Embajador Antonio Rivas Palacios, por si desea hablar de la importancia de la Marca país y Marca Ciudad.
También el Dr. Chi le expresó que a cualquier autoridad que desee participar en el Congreso, el Foro o visitar Camacol se le organizaría reuniones con altas autoridades locales y ejecutivos de reconocidas empresas para que logre una excelente oportunidad de explicar el actual nivel de desarrollo de Paraguay en aspectos de Comercio Internacional y las oportunidades que se puedan aprovechar.
CAMACOL en la 4ta. reunión de la Federación de Cámaras de Comercio
Febrero 26, 2020
Nuevamente CAMACOL tuvo una gran presencia en la 4ta. Reunión de la Federación de Cámaras Binacionales de Comercio, la misma que se llevó a cabo en las instalaciones del International Finance Bank.
El Presidente de CAMACOL, Dr. Joe Chi, acompañado de su Vicepresidente Don Italo Torrese, la representante de asuntos internacionales Estefania Loredo, y el Presidente del Comité de Tecnología de CAMACOL, Jose L. Barletta, M.S. lograron magníficos contactos y tuvieron oportunidad de promover los próximos eventos.
Representando a la Argentine American Chamber of Commerce – AACC, en su carácter de Director, Jose Barletta habló de las próximas misiones comerciales y aprovechó la oportunidad a para presentar el Congreso hemisférico y el 1er. Foro Iberoamericano de Robótica. También explicó lo que se viene haciendo en la Comunidad Hispana, como Director Ejecutivo de AICO.
Seguidamente fue invitado el Dr. Joe Chi a dar unas palabras, y nuevamente con un excelente nivel profesional, explicó los proyectos actuales de CAMACOL y en especial el próximo Congreso Hemisférico y su Foros.
Germán Rocca, Trade Commissioner, Pro-Chile; Mr. Hernan Nuñez, Consul General of Chile; Joe Chi president of CAMACOL.
Germán Rocca, Trade Commissioner, Pro-Chile; Mr. Hernan Nuñez, Consul General of Chile; Joe Chi president of CAMACOL and Estefanía Loredo, International Business Developer.
Meeting with Hon. Consul of Chile, Mr. Hernan Nunez
February 19th
On Tuesday, February 19, 2020, president of CAMACOL, Joe Chi had a meeting with Hon. Consul of Chile in in Miami, Mr. Hernan Nunez, to discuss matters of great importance for the relationship with the Andean country. A close relationship exists between the Chilean Consulate and the Chile-US Chamber of Commerce, the latter being a distinguished member of CAMACOL.
Many relevant issues were discussed, amongst them, the possibility of bringing Chilean figures of international relevance to our Hemispheric Congress through the collaboration of ASELA.
Chile has a longstanding history in the development of technologies in areas such as mining, innovation and commodities exports, which would be of great relevance to our Congress. Chilean Trade Commissioner, Mr. Germán Rocca, showed great interest in participating with a strong multisectoral presence in the Hemispheric Congress. He offered to collaborate with both, multinational and Chilean companies that belong to the Digital Transformation, Robotics, commodities, creative and innovation industries.
Regarding free trade agreements, Chile is the country with the highest number of these in the world. Additionally, given the historical closeness this country has with China, Chile is a pioneer when it comes to doing business with the Asian giant, being the first Spanish speaking country to establish this kind of relationship. Due to this advantage, Chile advised other Spanish speaking countries on how to initiate trade relations with China.
"We will continue working to strengthen cultural and commercial ties with Chile." Joe Chi, president of Camacol.
Meeting between CAMACOL and the delegation of Puerto Barrios, Guatemala
Thursday, February 6, 2020
CAMACOL’s President, José Luis Chi, accompanied by the Hon. Wifredo “Willy” Gort, President of the Hemispheric Congress; Italo Torrese, Vice President of CAMACOL; Julián Linares, Secretary of CAMACOL; and, Patricia Arias, Executive Director of CAMACOL, assisted by Estefania Loredo; met with a delegation headed by the Hon. Hugo Sarceño, Mayor of Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, accompanied by businessmenn of that city, and Marco Antonio Muralles, Guatemala’s Commercial Attaché, to discuss the development of the city of Puerto Barrios and a mutually beneficial partnership with CAMACOL.
The following topics were addressed :
1. Bringing a delegation from Puerto Barrios to the 41st Hemispheric Congress of June, 2020:
The mayor of Puerto Barrios was interested in the proposal of CAMACOL to participate in the Hemispheric Congress, where they will have the possibility of not only bringing a delegation to participate in the business conferences, but also to take advantage of the opportunity to promote the gastronomy and culture of this City at the event.
2. Project 440
The city of Puerto Barrios has an ambitious development plan, called “Project 440”, in which both public and private sector would participate to completely remodel the port city.
3. Airport and Port
Mayor Sarceño shared with CAMACOL his plans of establishing an international airport in the city of Puerto Barrios with the purpose of increasing tourism through the use of white sand beaches, archaeological finds, among many other major attractions. CAMACOL explained to the Mayor that in order to reach this goal, it would first be necessary to increase the volume of visitors to that city, since airlines require a minimum of occupants for each flight.
Regarding the Port of Miami, the Executive Director, Patricia Arias, offered Mayor Sarceño to facilitate a sister port agreement between Port of Miami and Port Barrios. Director Arias adds that Port of Miami can offer technical assistance to the Puerto Barrios’s Port as part of the agreement.
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President Joe Chi with Miami City Commissioner Ken Russell
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Staff of United Way and Jewish Community Center
PChi with Alliance for Aging CEO Max Rothman. The Alliance for Aging is a private, not-for-profit agency part of a nationwide network of more than 650 Area Agencies on Aging and Elderly Healthcare.
CAMACOL participated National 211 Day celebration with the United Way, and the Jewish Community Services
February 11th
On February 11th, Joe Chi, President of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, CAMACOL participated in a National 211 Day celebration with the United Way, and the Jewish Community Services at the Palm Court, in Miami Design District. The event recognized and honored National 211 major funders and key community partners who have made an invaluable impact throughout years of partnership with the National 211 system.
The United Way was founded in 1887 and is a privately-funded nonprofit. The United Way network is made up of nearly 1,800 autonomous 501c3 organizations, each governed and funded locally. The network spans more than 40 countries and territories and 6 continents. It serves 61 million people across the globe, fueled by 2.9 million volunteer and 8.3 million donors.
Since 1920, Jewish Community Services provides exemplary social services through compassionate and comprehensive programs that help people stay healthy and productive. By partnering with funding agencies such as the United Way, sister organizations and local business leaders, JCS continuously strengthens and solidifies its outreach and its impact through three divisions: Children & Youth Services, Adult & Family Services as well as Senior Support Services.
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Orador principal Ex Presidente de Costa Rica Luis Guillermo Solís
Presidente Joe Chi y Vice Presidente Ítalo Torrese con Ex Presidente Luis Guillermo Solis de Costa Rica
Presidente Joe Chi y Vice Consul General del Peru J. David Hurtado con Ex Presidente Luis Guillermo Solis de Costa Rica
Presidente Joe Chi, Vice Presidente Italo Torrese, Vice Consul General del Peru J. David Hurtado con Presidente Juan Manuel Pacheco Zeballos de Cesar Vallejo College-Florida USA
Presidente Joe Chi, Vice Presidente Italo Torrese, Vice Consul General del Peru J. David Hurtado con Presidente Juan Manuel Pacheco Zeballos, Directora Ejecutiva Vicky di Colloredo-Mel y Admissions Director Arturo E. Enamorado de Cesar Vallejo College-Florida USA
CAMACOL participa en el Segundo Congreso Internacional de la Gestión Pública en Miami
Febrero de 2020
El Presidente Joe Chi y el Vice Presidente Italo Torrese de la CAMACOL tuvieron el honor de participar en la Inauguración del II Congreso Internacional de Gestión Pública en la sede de Keiser University en Miami.
El Segundo Congreso Internacional de Gestión Pública trató el reto de gobernar pensando en las futuras generaciones.
Después del éxito alcanzado en el Primer Congreso Internacional de Gestión Pública que congregó a diversos especialistas del continente en fructíferos días de diálogo y aprendizaje interdisciplinario, reflexionando sobre la necesidad de promover el eficiente manejo y administración de los recursos de todos. Esto implica actualización, esfuerzo, constancia, preparación, y fortalecimiento de todas nuestras capacidades y competencias.
En ese sentido, Cesar Vallejo College, por segundo año consecutivo, apuesto por generar espacios para la reflexión sobre los retos y desafíos que afronta la gestión pública en la perspectiva de las futuras generaciones.
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Fostering the Entrepreneurial Spirit
The Latin Chamber of Commerce of the United States, CAMACOL is the largest Hispanic business organization in the State of Florida and one of the most influential minority business groups in the United States.For nearly four decades, CAMACOL’s mission is to foster the entrepreneurial spirit of Florida’s Hispanic and minority communities, and as such, it conducts programs to strengthen local business activity, promote economic development, facilitate international commerce, and serve the civic needs of the community and state.
GOWINE
New Trustee Member
CAMACOL welcomes to our new Trustee Member, who will also accompany us as Sponsor in our 41 Hemispheric Congress to be held between June 2 and 5, 2020.
