veronica maldonado torres Archives

5th Annual Global Chamber Mixer presented by Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce

November 5, 2025 by Mike

Gwinnett Chamber President Nick Masino (far left) and Gas South District CEO Stan Hall (far right) are joined by representatives from the bi-lateral chambers and international organizations at the Global Chamber Mixer.

Gwinnett Chamber Celebrates Global Business Leadership at 2025 Global Chamber Mixer

The Gwinnett Chamber hosted its annual Global Chamber Mixer at the Gas South District, convening executives, diplomats, and international business leaders for an evening dedicated to global connection, cultural exchange, and economic collaboration. The program featured the Global Mixer Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations demonstrating leadership in global industry, international trade, and government partnership. The awards highlight the growing role of Gwinnett’s global business community in shaping the region’s economic success.

Award winners included:

Global Industry Leader Award – HELI America, Inc.
International Government Partner Award – Global Atlanta
International Trade Award – NEMA, Inc.

Each was recognized for advancing innovation, fostering global partnerships, and strengthening the region’s role in international commerce.

The Global Chamber Mixer underscores the Gwinnett Chamber’s commitment to advancing international engagement and creating new opportunities for business growth. With a diverse, multilingual talent base and a strong concentration of global employers, Gwinnett continues to serve as a gateway for investment, innovation, and economic expansion across borders.

FRANK ZHOU
President
Chinese Business Association of Atlanta

BERTRAND LAPOIRE
Vice President
French Amerrican Chamber of Commerce of Atlanta

VERONICA MALDONADO-TORRES
President & CEO
Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

NICK MASINO
President & CEO
Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce

JOSEY MOUA DO
Board of Directors
Georgia Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce

IMRAN NIAZI
Founding Member
Georgia Pakistan Business Council

CATIE STAHLKUPPE
Executive Director
Belgian American Chamber of the South

YUICHI ARAI
Administrative Director
Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia

NICOLA VIDALI
Managing Director
Italy American Chamber of Commerce Southeast – Georgia

MANORI DE SILVA
Vice President
Netherlands American Chamber of Commerce – Southeast

JAE RA
Board of Directors
Korean American Chamber of Commerce – Georgia

RONALD CETOUTE
President & Chairman
Georgia Haitian American Chamber of Commerce

VAISHALI JOSHI
Board of Directors
Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce

2024 Gwinnett Chamber Global Chamber Mixer

November 12, 2024 by Mike

The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce hosted it’s 2024 Global Chamber Mixer on November 7 at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth, GA. At this annual favorite, attendees enjoyed international tastings while connecting with professionals from the global business community. The event also featured awards recognizing individuals making impactful contributions to the global business landscape.

Business RadioX hosts Mike Sammond, Steven Julian, and Tom Sheldon were on site to interview the leaders of the participating global chambers and business organizations.

NICK MASINO

President & CEO

Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce

FRANK ZHOU

President

Chinese-American Business Association of Atlanta

SOLENE JASPARD

Executive Director

Belgian-American Chamber of the South

KATHERINE LAFOURCADE

Executive Director

French-American Chamber of Commerce/Atlanta-Southeast

MATTHIAS HOFFMAN

President & CEO

German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern US

VERONICA MALDONADO-TORRES

President & CEO

Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

IMRAN NIAZI

Founding Member & CEO

Georgia Pakistan Business Council

HIROSHI KASHIMA

Representative

Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia

ALEJANDRO COSS

President & CEO

Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia

BIOR BROPLEH

Executive Director & CEO

Liberian Association of Metro Atlanta

SILVIA ROSSI

Executive Member

Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast/Georgia Chapter

MARIA LAM

Executive Board Member

Georgia Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce

JACQUES LAURENT

Vice-President & Treasurer

Georgia Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce

MAGDA ODENHAAL

Vice President & Chairman

South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA

LISSA MILLER

Board Chair

US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce/Southeast Region

KIM YI

Secretary General

Korean American Chamber of Atlanta-Georgia

The 2024 Gwinnett Chamber Global Chamber Mixer was held November 7 at the Gas South Convention Center.

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

Procurement Innovation Radio at the 2019 NMSDC Conference

October 18, 2019 by Mike

The nation’s premier forum on minority supplier development, the 2019 National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Annual Conference and Business Opportunity Fair, was held October 13-16, 2019 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.

Over 6,000 corporate CEOs, procurement executives, and supplier diversity professionals from the top multinational companies, as well as leading Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American business owners and international organizations, participated in the 4-day event.

The event marked the launch of “Procurement Innovation Radio” on Business RadioX, hosted by Raj Verma, the VP of Procurement Services with GoProcure.

Christina Morrow, Director of Global Procurement – Ricoh USA

Corey Smith, Senior Director of Supplier Diversity – Major League Baseball (MLB)

Jalal Slade, Assistant GM, Airport Business Diversity – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

J.P. Keating, Manager of Supplier Inclusion & Diversity – Allstate Insurance

Keith Browning, Director, Supply Chain Management – Delta Air Lines

Kimberly Marcus, Director of Supplier Diversity – AARP

Lisa Miller, VP of Supplier Diversity – SunTrust Bank

Veronica Maldonado-Torres, President & CEO – VMT Consulting

SIMON SAYS, LET’S TALK BUSINESS: Jennifer Bailey with Walden Businesses, Veronica Maldonado-Torres with Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection, David Buchsbaum with Atlanta Closet & Storage Solutions and Travis Giles with McMahan’s Clothing

August 18, 2017 by Mike

Gwinnett Studio

SIMON SAYS, LET'S TALK BUSINESS: Jennifer Bailey with Walden Businesses, Veronica Maldonado-Torres with Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection, David Buchsbaum with Atlanta Closet & Storage Solutions and Travis Giles with McMahan’s Clothing

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Travis Giles, David Buchsbaum, Jennifer Bailey, Veronica Maldonado-Torres, Al Simon

Jennifer Bailey/Walden Businesses

Based in Atlanta and serving the southeastern U.S., Walden Businesses specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Their target market is privately-held manufacturing, distribution, technology and select service companies. Walden Businesses is a results-oriented intermediary dedicated to serving owners and buyers of small to medium sized companies with values up to $100 million. Their mission is to provide clients with the best representation possible and assist in attaining their business objective; allowing their clients to exit on their own terms and ultimately recognize their personal goals and dreams.

Walden sells businesses. It’s that simple. Their firm’s reputation for completing transactions with high quality companies sets them apart. Many of Walden’s clients are pre-qualified and referred by accountants and attorneys who are aware of Walden’s impeccable credentials. For over 25 years, ethics, discretion and attention to detail remain the cornerstones of Walden’s success, earning them the reputation they enjoy today.

Veronica Maldonado- Torres/Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection

MPC provides opportunities for Georgia small businesses to benefit from a partnership with a corporate mentor for a period of one year. Emerging firms can build relationships, explore new technologies, learn about best practices, and benefit from the wisdom of corporate executives who are committed to the long-term health and overall growth of small businesses in Georgia.

The mentor corporations are companies that are headquartered in Georgia or have a significant presence in the state. These mentor firms are leaders in their respective industries and are committed to small business development and supplier diversity. They represent a broad spectrum of industry categories, including transportation, education, logistics, manufacturing, telecommunications, consulting services and information technology.

David Buchsbaum/Atlanta Closet & Storage Solutions

Atlanta Closet & Storage Solutions is your local source for high quality custom closet and storage systems. With over 30 years of cabinet and furniture making experience, they have the expertise you can trust. They provide custom designed and manufactured storage systems for closets, pantries, laundry rooms, garages, home offices – anywhere you have a need to get and stay organized.

Atlanta Closet & Storage Solutions offer free in-home consultations and interactive 3-D computer modeling so you can truly visualize your new custom closet or built-in cabinetry with no surprises! They manufacture their own parts, allowing them to truly customize each project. You will find they are highly focused on quality and customer service. Their closet systems provide style, function and value, increasing the value of your home while helping eliminate clutter and mess.

Call today for your free consultation! Or tour their showroom at 2364 John Glenn Drive in Chamblee, GA.

Travis Giles/McMahan’s Clothing

McMahan’s helps step up the image of Gwinnett County men one suit at a time. Maker of bespoke suits, jackets and shirts, McMahan’s Clothing is the culmination of both formal education and 20 years of serving within the retail, buying, and manufacturing sectors of the industry. That experience has allowed McMahan’s to simply be “The Best Value in the Custom Industry”,while providing world-class service and style expertise.

“In order to best understand our client’s needs, we prefer to have one-on-one appointments with them, free of distraction.”

MENTORING TOMORROW’S BUSINESS LEADERS: Veronica Maldonado-Torres with Georgia Mentor Protege Connection

April 22, 2015 by Mike

On the Money

MENTORING TOMORROW'S BUSINESS LEADERS: Veronica Maldonado-Torres with Georgia Mentor Protege Connection

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If you had the opportunity to learn proven best practices from one of America’s top corporations, would you take it? On this episode of “On the Money”, host Joe Moss of Embassy National Bank interviews Veronica Maldonado-Torres about mentoring and the Georgia Mentor Protege Connection.

Veronica Maldonado-Torres/Georgia Mentor Protege Connection

The Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection (MPC) is a business development program administered by the Georgia Education Foundation (GEF) in partnership with the Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Institute of Technology. Emerging firms who are accepted into the program have an opportunity to make tremendous strides in areas such as business acumen, methods and procedures, competitiveness and capability.

In addition, MPC enables Georgia small businesses to benefit from a partnership with a corporate mentor for a period of one year. Emerging firms can build relationships, explore new technologies, learn about best practices, and benefit from the wisdom of corporate executives who are committed to the long-term health and overall growth of small businesses in Georgia. The goal of the program is to help small businesses to be successful over the long haul by helping them to develop capacity, enhance their skill sets, and become more competitive. Research has shown that access to the right kind of coaching and mentoring significantly increases the success rate in small business, while both the mentor and the protégé benefit tremendously from their interaction.

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“On the Money” focuses on topics and issues allowing small businesses to better navigate the financial services minefield, with analysis and opinions from today’s industry experts on banking and loans. “On the Money” also introduces you to some of the top small business leaders in the Atlanta market.

Hosted by Joe Moss, the president of Embassy National Bank, “On the Money” airs live every Wednesday at 3:00 PM EST from the Business RadioX studio in Gwinnett.