The History of Berks County Latino Chamber of Commerce

In the spring of 2005 a group of committed Hispanic community leaders and business owners began to meet and discuss the growing number of Latino business owners and the growing Hispanic Market in the Greater Reading and Berks County area of Pennsylvania. They concluded that the Berks County area needed an organization that would meet the needs and address the concerns of Latino business owners and this the growing market. The group developed a needs assessment to determine a better understanding of the desires of Latino business owners and that information now serves as a blueprint for the public sector in relating to developing public policy that would enhance development and proliferation of small business owners in the Greater Reading area. The Latino Chamber also encourages City, County Government, and the private sector to develop and implement initiatives, promote training, improve demand for products and services, and mobilize financial support for business start-ups and growth. On January 2006, the Berks County Latino Chamber held its first annual event in honor of the Dia De Los Reyes. This event was the first official unveiling of Berks County Latino Chamber of Commerce (BCLCC). The BCLCC will work to provide leadership and support for the economic development of the Latino business community of Greater Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania.