The History of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The concept for a Hispanic chamber of commerce in Tucson was first developed by Rico Sotomayor, a former Minority Business Enterprise program director of the City of Tucson. A reception for local community representatives and members of the Phoenix-based Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce inspired the formation of a local chapter. On May 18, 1989, the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (THCC) was incorporated in the State of Arizona.

The THCC is governed by the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and (the Manual of) Policies and Procedures. The initial founders were Fredrick Palafox, Pablo Ortiz, George Lopez and Augustine Garcia. The original purpose of the corporation was to provide, promote and advance, on a nonprofit basis, the general welfare and prosperity of the Tucson area, so that its citizens and business community could prosper. The Internal Revenue Service of the United States of America recognizes the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (THCC) as a 501 (c) 6 non-profit organization.

The Tucson Hispanic Chamber Foundation was formed in 1999 as a 501c3 for the purpose of raising funds for hispanic students seeking higher education. It is a separate organization with a separate board of directors.

The Tucson Hispanic Chamber begin operating at its current location (823 E Speedway) in 1996 and begin its capital campaign to renovate the building in March of 2010.

Past Chairpeople of the Board of Directors

Chairperson of the Board President
1989-1990 George Lopez, retired Colonel none
1990 Alfonso Avitia, Avitia Demolition (deceased) none
1991–1991 John Escobedo, Kino Termite none
1991–1992 Bobby Boido, AAA Mattress none
1992–1993 Augie Garcia Eva Macias
1993-1994 Jimmie Gonzalez Heath Eva Macias
1994-1995 Jaime Gibbons, ABCD Realty Eva Macias
1995-1996 Jaime Gibbons, ABCD Realty
1996-1997 Christina Barcelo Jerry Bustamante
1997-1998 Larry Lucero Jerry Bustamante
1998-1999
1999-2000
2000-2001
2001-2002
2002-2003 Raul Aguirre
2003-2004 Raul Aguirre Fred Orozco
2004-2005 Elizabeth Gonzalez Gann Fred Orozco
2005-2006 Bill Holmes, Wells Fargo Fred Orozco
2006-2007 Monica Contreras, Cox Tomas Leon
2007-2008 Taunya Villacana Tomas Leon
2008-2009 Edmund Marquez none
2009-2010 Edmund Marquez Maricela Solis de Kester
2010-2011 Tara Torres Hungate Lea Marquez Peterson
2011-2012 Tara Torres Hungate Lea Marquez Peterson
2012 - Tannya Gaxiola Lea Marquez Peterson


Please contact us with any details at 520-620-0005.