The Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SWFLHCC) is a non-profit, non-sectarian, and non-partisan organization for the purpose of promoting, advocating, and facilitating the economic advancement of its members and the Hispanic community of Southwest Florida.  The SWFLHCC, the only regional Hispanic business organization, was established in 1989 and covers five counties: Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee. 

The Hispanic Community in Southwest Florida

The Hispanic Population and Concentration in Southwest Florida is as follows:

Lee: 91,000 (16%); Collier: 77,000 (24.4%); Hendry: 17,336 (40%); Charlotte: 6,667 (4%); Glades: 2,594 (15%), and includes a great diversity: Mexican: 46.26%; Puerto Rican: 20.24%; Cuban: 12.6%; Central American: 5.82%; South American: 5.22%; Dominican: 0.3%; Other: 9.54% (2000 US Census).  Recognizing the cultural diversity of the Hispanic community, the SWFLHCC strives for unity and inclusiveness of the people of the Americas while serving as a link between Hispanics and the larger community.

The Chamber at the Local Level

At the local front, the SWFLHCC enjoys outstanding working relationships with State, County, and City Government.  Since its inception, the SWFLHCC has worked toward bringing issues of concerns of the Hispanic-owned businesses to the forefront of the local economic agenda.  The Chamber has also provided the forum for Hispanic businesses and the larger community to explore business avenues with each other.

Florida, Gateway to Latin America

Recognizing that Florida is the Gateway to Latin America, Florida’s important trade partner, the SWFLHCC has taken the initiative to promote Southwest Florida in Latin America by facilitating two-way trade missions to and from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.  With many of these nations, our Chamber has sponsored trade promotion trips to Washington, D.C. The SWFLHCC continues to promote trade with other countries in Latin America.

Chamber’s Past Speakers and Special Guests

Many recognized leaders have spoken at various SWFLHCC business functions. To name a few:

Dr. Milagros Ortiz Bosch, Vice President of the Dominican; Ruben Barrales, Deputy Assistant to President Bush; Jeb Bush (before elected Florida Governor); Alfonso Martinez-Fonts, Special Assistant to Tom Ridge, Secretary of Homeland Security; Congressman Porter Goss; George Herrera, President/CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and elected officials (mayors, county commissioners, senators) from Florida and Latin America.

Chamber Membership and Recognition in Florida

 The SWFLHCC has an active membership of 650 businesses and an extended list of 350 people, totaling 950. Also, the chamber has an electronic mailing list of over 7,000 people.  The SWFLHCC is the only regional Hispanic chamber with an established reputation in Southwest Florida.  The Chamber’s annual convention honors Hispanic and non-Hispanic business and community leaders and brings economic opportunities for all citizens.   Known as one of the most active chambers in Florida, the SWFLHCC is the powerful voice of the Hispanic business and professional community in Southwest Florida.

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