| R 360 |
| 2026 -- H 8574 Enacted 05/21/2026 |
| H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N |
| JOYOUSLY CELEBRATING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RHODE ISLAND HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON MAY 19TH, 2026 |
Introduced By: Representatives Diaz, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale, Edwards, Slater, Giraldo, Alzate, Stewart, and Batista |
| Date Introduced: May 21, 2026 |
| 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 House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby |
| heartily congratulates the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on the joyous occasion |
| of its 10th Anniversary on May 19th, 2026; 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. |
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| LC006461 |
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