Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Archives

Spotlight on the Georgia Hispanic Chamber’s 40th Anniversary with CEO Verónica Maldonado-Torres

October 1, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Spotlight on the Georgia Hispanic Chamber's 40th Anniversary with CEO Verónica Maldonado-Torres

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Spotlight on the Georgia Hispanic Chamber’s 40th Anniversary with CEO Verónica Maldonado-Torres (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 99)

In this episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider, host Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, welcomes Verónica Maldonado-Torres, President and CEO of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. They discuss GHCC’s impactful 40-year journey, upcoming celebrations during Hispanic Heritage Month, and the initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and community support. Verónica shares her personal journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family to leading the Georgia Hispanic Chamber, highlighting the importance of community, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. The episode also covers various programs, events, and the chamber’s strategic goals to support Hispanic businesses and promote cultural integration.

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) serves as a vital resource and advocate for Hispanic-owned businesses in Georgia, promoting economic development and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Established over four decades ago, GHCC is dedicated to empowering its members through various programs, networking opportunities, and educational resources. The chamber connects Hispanic entrepreneurs with key stakeholders, including government entities, corporate partners, and community organizations, facilitating partnerships that enhance business growth and sustainability.

In addition to its commitment to economic advancement, the GHCC actively engages in advocacy efforts that address the unique challenges faced by Hispanic businesses. By providing a platform for voices within the community, the chamber works to influence policy decisions and promote equitable access to opportunities. Through events such as workshops, seminars, and networking gatherings, GHCC not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic community but also strives to create an inclusive environment where all members can thrive and contribute to Georgia’s diverse economy.

Verónica Maldonado-Torres, President and CEO, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Verónica Maldonado-Torres is the President and CEO of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC), where she brings over a decade of experience as a small business champion and supplier diversity advocate. With a legacy of entrepreneurship spanning over 60 years in her family, Verónica is a dynamic leader who fosters growth for both small businesses and large corporations through thought leadership and innovation. Her work focuses on building strategic alliances, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and accelerating businesses to thrive in corporate America.

Prior to joining GHCC, Verónica led the Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection (MPC), where she guided the development of over 150 firms and built relationships with 131 Fortune 500 companies. She also served as Director of Strategic Alliances for the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, where she established partnerships among minority business associations and organizations dedicated to small business development. Additionally, Verónica is the CEO and founder of VMT Consulting, where she empowers businesses to secure contracts, increase sales, and achieve sustainable growth, with a focus on supplier development and diversity initiatives.

A passionate community leader, Verónica serves on multiple boards, including the American Heart Association and the Hispanic Corporate Council of Atlanta. Her leadership has earned her numerous accolades, such as the Corporate Diversity Champion Award and being named one of the “Top 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia.” A sought-after speaker, Verónica frequently addresses topics such as small business, diversity, servant leadership, and women empowerment, and she has collaborated with Fortune 500 companies and organizations worldwide.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the GNFCC 400 Insider
00:30 Meet Verónica Maldonado-Torres
01:07 Verónica‘s Journey to Chamber Leadership
04:49 Overview of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
09:14 Impact and Initiatives in North Fulton
12:13 Celebrating 40 Years of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber
17:29 Hispanic Heritage Month Explained
23:09 Verónica‘s Personal Journey and Musical Passion
27:35 How to Connect with the Georgia Hispanic Chamber
28:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

**Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC**

The GNFCC 400 Insider is sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), and the host of the show is Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC.

The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1,400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth, and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

As a five-star accredited chamber, GNFCC’s vision is to be the premier organization driving member and community success across the region, and they are dedicated to pursuing this vision based on the guiding principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and operational excellence.

GNFCC promotes the interests of their members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play, and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision-makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events, follow this link.

2023 Gwinnett Chamber Multi-Chamber Mixer at After Hours

November 5, 2023 by Mike

Gwinnett Studio

2023 Gwinnett Chamber Multi-Chamber Mixer at After Hours

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Business RadioX at the Gwinnett Chambers’ Multi-Chamber Mixer at After Hours.

The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce celebrated the community’s global business scene with the annual Multi-Chamber Mixer at After Hours on November 1, 2023. Nearly 400 attendees from different nationalities, cultural backgrounds, and organizations came together to recognize the vibrant and diverse business community in Metro Atlanta’s fastest-growing county.

The event allowed attendees to interact with the Gwinnett Chamber’s bi-lateral business partner organizations, sample international cuisine from some of the region’s most authentic restaurants, and network for business growth among peers and business executives.

Bi-lateral chamber partners introduced themselves from the stage and representatives from the organizations were interviewed on Business RadioX.

Michael Chen – Executive Director/Belgian American Chamber of the South (0:25 – 4:30)
Jian Ni – President/Chinese Business Association of Atlanta (4:30 – 8:33)
Katherine Lafourcade – Executive Director/French-American Chamber of Commerce Atlanta-Southeast (8:33 – 12:53)
David Yang – Executive Board of Directors/Atlanta Chinese Entrepreneurs Club (12:53 – 17:15)
Veronica Maldonado-Torres – President and CEO/Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (17:15 – 22:53)
Derek Wilson – President/Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce (22:53 – 25:30)
Imran Niazi – Founding Member/Georgia Pakistan Business Council (25:30 – 29:47)
Hiroyuki Akiyama – Director General for Community Engagement/Japanese Chamber of Commerce (29:47 – 33:13)
Grace Multani – President/Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (33:13 – 36:23)
Magda Odendaal – Vice President/South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (36:23 – 39:48)
Bill Diehl – Chairman/Southwest Chamber of Commerce (39:48 – 45:10)
Lissa Miller – Board Chair/U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Southeast Region (45:10 – 49:50)
Maria Lam – Board of Directors/Georgia Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce (49:10 – 55:32)
Alejandro Coss – President and CEO/Latin American Chamber of Commerce (55:32 – 1:03:42)
Nick Masino – CEO/Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce (1:03:42-1:08:30)

Event sponsors included Eagle Rock Distributing, Gas South District, Georgia Power, Taillefer Commercial Group, Peach BPO, University of Georgia Gwinnett Campus, Business RadioX, and Global Atlanta.

To learn more about the partnerships between the bilateral chamber organizations, view the Gwinnett Chamber’s news page online at GwinnettChamber.org for feature stories highlighting the formal agreements developed with each organization.

Veronica Maldonado-Torres, President & CEO of Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

March 25, 2022 by Mike

Celebrating Powerhouse Women

Veronica Maldonado-Torres, President & CEO of Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

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Amanda Pearch and Veronica Maldonado-Torres

Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

Veronica Maldonado-Torres/President & CEO of Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Verónica Maldonado-Torres is the President and CEO of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. As a highly versatile and visionary Latina business owner and community leader, Verónica brings her entrepreneurial spirt and tenacity, born from over 60 years of generational entrepreneurship on both sides of her family, to the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC). With over a decade of experience as a small business champion and supplier diversity advocate, Verónica is a catalyst of growth for both small businesses and large corporations, bringing thought-leadership and innovation to the supplier development space. She has also been an avid champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout her career.

Known as the people and business accelerator, Verónica excels at building strategic alliances and fostering win-win relationships between small businesses and corporate America. Prior to joining the GHCC, Verónica successfully guided the development and growth of more than 150 firms across multiple industries ranging from $1M-$100M in annual revenue in her role as Program Director for the Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection (MPC). There, she fostered over 131 Fortune 500 corporate relationships, supported the supplier development efforts of more than 41 corporations, as well as created and produced over 85 small to large-scale business conferences and events including the Georgia Innovation Summit. Before MPC, Verónica served as the Director of Strategic Alliances and Partnerships for the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC) where she fostered partnerships among GMSDC, Minority Business Associations, chambers, and organizations focused on minority small business development in Georgia.

Verónica is also CEO and founder of VMT Consulting and creator of the DRIVEN TO THRIVE™ mindset, model, and way of living where she empowers professionals and businesses to grow, transform and thrive. Through VMT Consulting, Verónica enables small businesses to increase sales, secure long-term contracts, and maximize their growth potential by unleashing the value proposition they bring to corporate America. VMT Consulting also supports large corporations with the creation and implementation of supplier development programs, diversity and inclusion initiatives, cultural mastery trainings, and leadership development programs, with a special emphasis on women and multicultural professionals.

A passionate community leader with a desire to serve, Verónica serves as a board member for the American Heart Association, board director for “The Assembly” Community Improvement District (CID) appointed by DeKalb County, Board member of the Technology Association of Atlanta’s Business Process Management Group, board member of the Hispanic Corporate Council of Atlanta (HCCA). Verónica has earned several accolades for her leadership in championing small business growth and creating community impact. She’s received the Corporate Diversity Champion Award 2021- Atlanta Business Chronicle DEI, distinction of “Top 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia” by the GHCC in 2018, “Diversity Star of Atlanta’ by the Diversity Professional Magazine among Fortune 500 diversity leaders, “40 Under 40 Mover and Shaker” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in 2017, “Keep it Moving Forward-Raising Generations” awardee by the Mary Parker Foundation in 2016, “Top 15 Georgia Latina of Excellence-Rising Star Award” recipient by LISTA in 2016, and, Community Builder Awardee – Business Sector” by GHCA in 2015, among other recognitions.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by

Adrian O’Connor, Global Accounting Network, and Gabriel Vaca, Hispanic Business Center

August 20, 2019 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Adrian O'Connor, Global Accounting Network, and Gabriel Vaca, Hispanic Business Center

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**John Ray, Gabriel Vaca, and Adrian O’Connor**

“North Fulton Business Radio,” Episode 157: Adrian O’Connor, Global Accounting Network, and Gabriel Vaca, Hispanic Business Center

Are you trying to recruit great accounting talent? Are you an Hispanic business looking to learn and to connect? If either of those questions resonate with you, then join us for this edition of “North Fulton Business Radio,” as host John Ray speaks with Adrian O’Connor, Global Accounting Network, and Gabriel Vaca, Hispanic Business Center.

Adrian O’Connor, Global Accounting Network

Adrian O’Connor is the CEO of Global Accounting Network. Global Accounting Network is a boutique recruiting firm specialising in in connecting top tier finance professionals with exciting employers across the US and internationally. With over 60 years of recruitment experience in the finance sector, GAN is able to provide a bespoke service to their clients and candidates with unrivalled recruitment expertise and specific industry knowledge. In a competitive market, GAN has developed relationships with both huge public companies and innovative SMEs through delivering quality where others have not. We offer impartial advice to both active and passive jobseekers, and ensure the recruitment process is one that suits their needs. With excellent attention to detail and a strong network of contacts, we recruit Chief Financial Officers, Finance Directors, Finance Transformation and Change specialists, Financial Controllers, Technical Finance Managers, Commercial Managers, Financial Modellers, Systems Accountants and Financial/Management Accountants.

For more information, go to the Global Accounting Network website, or contact Adrian directly at 404-900-3865.

Gabriel Vaca, Hispanic Business Network

Gabriel Vaca is the Executive Director of the Hispanic Business Center, the programming arm of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The Hispanic Business Center focuses primarily on developing programming, seminars and curriculum that accelerates and transforms small business to profitable growth as well as provides grants to small Hispanic businesses through a Business Accelerator program and offers Health Care programs to Hispanic businesses.

Gabriel was the COO of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce since 2018 and transitioned in 2019 to the Hispanic Business Center. Gabriel retired in 2018 from UPS International after 24 years and was responsible for consulting and supporting UPS’s largest enterprise customers in their logistics and global supply chain. Mr. Vaca has been an integral part of the growth transformation of the GHCC for over 12 years and has held a variety of positions, such as Chairman of the Board as well as Chairman of the Hispanic Business Center. He is a founder and graduate of the GHCC Cultivating Hispanic Leadership Institute and founding member of Crecer, the UPS Latino Business Resource Group.

For more information, visit the Hispanic Business Center website or contact Gabriel directly at 770-375-9067.

“North Fulton Business Radio” is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®, located inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with approximately $12.9 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.