- Spring 2005-

Hispanic Business Leaders Announce First Chamber of Commerce on Health

The National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Health (NHCCH) is the country's first chamber of commerce addressing supplier diversity initiatives in the hospital, pharmaceutical, managed care/insurance and health care industries, President and Board Chairman, George A. Zeppenfeldt-Cestero recently announced.

The chamber will assist Latino business owners in obtaining certifications, identifying procurement opportunities, advocating on their behalf with non-profit, corporate and government supplier diversity officers, and promoting employee health insurance coverage.

In order to achieve their mission, NHCCH has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with the Association of Hispanic Healthcare Executives, a professional membership organization of Latino health care executives, physicians, nurses, dentists and mental health professionals in 14 states that was established in 1988. "Supplier diversity programs should be an integral component of every organization's strategic plan if they want to be competitive in today's multicultural marketplace," says Zeppenfeldt-Cestero.

According to Congresswoman Hilda Solis, chair of the Health Task Force for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and a member of the Commerce Committee, "Mr. Zeppenfeldt-Cestero's leadership in establishing this chamber recognizes the growing number and success of the Hispanic business community, which has demonstrated both the business skills and unique community ties to Hispanic consumers."

Alfred Placeres, president of the New York State Federation of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, an organization representing over 40 chambers of commerce and professional membership organizations in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, states, "The hospital and pharmaceutical industries have long benefited from the Latino community as major consumers of health services and prescription drugs. This new initiative to include Latino business owners in their business development efforts is an important next step to insure that we have opportunities to grow our businesses and become partners with major health organizations serving our communities."

Officers of the NHCCH are: George A. Zeppenfeldt-Cestero, president and board chairman; Luis A. Vazquez, vice president; Jeannette Marrero, R.N., treasurer; and Aldo Silvera, secretary. Initial corporate sponsors include Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) from Nashville, Tenn.