2026 -- S 3310

========

LC006395

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

____________

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

JOYOUSLY CELEBRATING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RHODE ISLAND

HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

     Introduced By: Senators Vargas, Dimitri, Murray, Famiglietti, Rogers, LaMountain,
Felag, Acosta, Appollonio, and DiPalma

     Date Introduced: May 21, 2026

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, Since its founding in 2016, the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of

Commerce (RIHCC) has served with distinction as one of the leading institutions supporting

Latino entrepreneurs, small businesses, immigrant-owned businesses, and underserved business

communities across Rhode Island. Since its founding, the RIHCC has worked tirelessly to expand

economic opportunity, strengthen business ownership, promote financial inclusion, and ensure

that Latino businesses have access to the resources, relationships, and visibility needed to grow

and be successful; and

     WHEREAS, Under the astute leadership of Oscar Mejias, Founder, President, and

CEO/Executive Director of the RIHCC, the organization has evolved from being a community-

based initiative into a statewide business support organization with more than 1,150 members.

Under the leadership of Mr. Mejias, the RIHCC has focused on economic development,

entrepreneurship, education, community empowerment, and cultural representation. Mr. Mejias’

professional background as a successful business consultant, entrepreneur, public speaker, and

community leader has helped position the RIHCC as a bridge between small businesses,

government agencies, financial institutions, corporations, and community partners; and

     WHEREAS, During its first ten years, the RIHCC has provided direct and indirect

support to hundreds of entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Rhode Island, with a strong

focus on Latino-owned businesses and historically underserved communities. The Chamber’s

more than 1,150 members have assisted more than 3,500 businesses since the COVID-19

pandemic, have supported the creation and retention of more than 500 jobs, and have connected

business owners with training, capital, professional services, and strategic partnerships, by

offering these businesses technical assistance, financial readiness support, business education

workshops, marketing guidance, networking events, referrals, and mentoring; and

     WHEREAS, The RIHCC has played a significant role in helping entrepreneurs access

capital by preparing them for financing opportunities and, through partnerships with

organizations such as the Papitto Opportunity Connection and Navigant Credit Union, has

assisted more than 86 small businesses in accessing or preparing for financial support while

addressing common barriers to entry; and

     WHEREAS, The RIHCC has further strengthened Rhode Island’s economy by elevating

the visibility and contributions of Latino-owned businesses and creating opportunities for

business owners to connect with financial institutions, government, and community partners,

while promoting their inclusion in broader economic development efforts, including through

signature initiatives such as Latina Women in Business, the Latino Financial Summit, the Annual

Breakfast “Café con Leche,” and the Gala de la Hispanidad, which celebrate achievement,

promote leadership, and highlight the economic and cultural value of Rhode Island’s Latino

community; and

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has always been first in

line in responding to community needs. During the most recent COVID-19 challenges, as well as

the disruptions caused by inflationary pressures, workforce challenges, and barriers to access to

capital, the RIHCC became a vital source for trusted information, outreach, and support for

Spanish-speaking and bilingual business owners by helping them access emergency resources,

public programs, grants, loans, technical assistance, and recovery information. Its culturally

appropriate and bilingual approach were vital assets which allowed the organization to reach and

assist businesses that may not otherwise have had access to institutional support; now, therefore

be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby heartily congratulates

the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on the joyous occasion of its 10th

Anniversary; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mr. Oscar Mejias, Founder, President and

CEO, Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

========

LC006395

========

LC006395 - Page 3 of 3