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H8574
2026 -- H 8574
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LC006461
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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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
Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, Since its founding in 2016, the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of
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Commerce (RIHCC) has served with distinction as one of the leading institutions supporting
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Latino entrepreneurs, small businesses, immigrant-owned businesses, and underserved business
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communities across Rhode Island. Since its founding, the RIHCC has worked tirelessly to expand
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economic opportunity, strengthen business ownership, promote financial inclusion, and ensure
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that Latino businesses have access to the resources, relationships, and visibility needed to grow
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and be successful; and
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WHEREAS, Under the astute leadership of Oscar Mejias, Founder, President, and
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CEO/Executive Director of the RIHCC, the organization has evolved from being a community-
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based initiative into a statewide business support organization with more than 1,150 members.
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Under the leadership of Mr. Mejias, the RIHCC has focused on economic development,
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entrepreneurship, education, community empowerment, and cultural representation. Mr. Mejias’
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professional background as a successful business consultant, entrepreneur, public speaker, and
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community leader has helped position the RIHCC as a bridge between small businesses,
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government agencies, financial institutions, corporations, and community partners; and
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WHEREAS, During its first ten years, the RIHCC has provided direct and indirect
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support to hundreds of entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Rhode Island, with a strong
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focus on Latino-owned businesses and historically underserved communities. The Chamber’s
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more than 1,150 members have assisted more than 3,500 businesses since the COVID-19
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pandemic, have supported the creation and retention of more than 500 jobs, and have connected
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business owners with training, capital, professional services, and strategic partnerships, by
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offering these businesses technical assistance, financial readiness support, business education
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workshops, marketing guidance, networking events, referrals, and mentoring; and
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WHEREAS, The RIHCC has played a significant role in helping entrepreneurs access
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capital by preparing them for financing opportunities and, through partnerships with
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organizations such as the Papitto Opportunity Connection and Navigant Credit Union, has
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assisted more than 86 small businesses in accessing or preparing for financial support while
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addressing common barriers to entry; and
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WHEREAS, The RIHCC has further strengthened Rhode Island’s economy by elevating
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the visibility and contributions of Latino-owned businesses and creating opportunities for
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business owners to connect with financial institutions, government, and community partners,
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while promoting their inclusion in broader economic development efforts, including through
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signature initiatives such as Latina Women in Business, the Latino Financial Summit, the Annual
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Breakfast “Café con Leche,” and the Gala de la Hispanidad, which celebrate achievement,
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promote leadership, and highlight the economic and cultural value of Rhode Island’s Latino
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community; and
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WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has always been first in
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line in responding to community needs. During the most recent COVID-19 challenges, as well as
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the disruptions caused by inflationary pressures, workforce challenges, and barriers to access to
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capital, the RIHCC became a vital source for trusted information, outreach, and support for
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Spanish-speaking and bilingual business owners by helping them access emergency resources,
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public programs, grants, loans, technical assistance, and recovery information. Its culturally
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appropriate and bilingual approach were vital assets which allowed the organization to reach and
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assist businesses that may not otherwise have had access to institutional support; now, therefore
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be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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heartily congratulates the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on the joyous occasion
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of its 10th Anniversary on May 19th, 2026; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mr. Oscar Mejias, Founder, President and
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CEO, Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
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LC006461
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