LATINO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

The Pajaro Valley Chamber Board approved the Latino Business Association Business (LBA) Plan in May of 2004. The LBA is a division of the Pajaro Valley Chamber and the chairperson, Jorge Reguerin of Heritage Bank of Commerce, is a member of the Chamber Board.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Latino Business Association is to promote the growth, development and success of Latino businesses by providing networking, educational and leadership resources.

Vision

To become the leading economic development resource for the Latino Business Community in the Pajaro Valley.

Events:

The LBA host networking breakfast events every other month (February, April, June, August, October, December) at the Green Valley Grill. The cost is $12 per person and the program begins at 7:30 a.m. Surveys are completed at the end of each breakfast, which enables the LBA committee to coordinate presentations that are based on the needs and interest of its' members.

Richard Vasquez, City of Watsonville, Sandra Coley, Transportation Management Association; Jorge Reguerin LBA Chair (Heritage Bank); Jhonee Fillmore, Cruzio (Table Sponsor); Joe Partida, Regional Chair of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce; Kristen Collins, CEO PV Chamber; Jerry Beyersdorff, Chamber Chairperson (Advertising Strategies); Ana Ventura-Phares, City Mayor; Ed Martinez the Spot.

The LBA works in collaboration with the City of Watsonville and assists with the Monterey Bay Strawberry festival by facilitating the Gooey Pie eating contest.

In partnership with the Association of Mexican American Educators, a New Teacher Reception is held at the beginning of the school year. The event was designed to welcome new teachers into the community and establishing relationships, which will empower teachers to remain in the Pajaro School District.