The Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) held its 28th Annual Conference July 16-19. The conference is an opportunity for Hispanic business-owners to network with each other and, as 19-year-old college student Sandra Medeles discovered, meet and discuss employment opportunities.

Medeles was attending the conference to help at Disability Law Resource Project's exhibit booth. While providing information about Proyecto Visión's employment resources, Medeles networked with Latino businesspeople. "The conference," Medeles said, "was a great place to explore potential employment options and opportunities." Medeles was able to talk with businesspeople and important community leaders including Robert Gamboa of the League of United Latin American Citizens.

There were between 3,000-3,500 attendees at the conference each day. Informative business seminars featured expert keynote speakers including the Honorable Alberto R. Gonzales, Counsel to President George W. Bush, Javier Loya, Co-owner of the Houston Texans and CEO of Choice! Energy, and Tina Cordova, President of Queston Construction, Inc. Despite the line-up of heavy hitting speakers, the conference provided Medeles and other attendees with a balance of work and cultural experiences.

TAMACC organizers hosted a conference festival to provide an opportunity for casual interaction among people who attended the conference. Festivalgoers enjoyed traditional Mexican foods, ornaments, folkloric dancing and music. Most people brought their friends of families with them to the festival. "Participating in conference activities help me gain work experience, knowledge, and skills crucial to develop a successful personal and professional life," Medeles said. "It is an experience I will never forget," she added.

To obtain information about the 2004 TAMACC conference, visit www.tamacc.org.

printer friendly format