\u201cFort Worth is the perfect backdrop for this year\u2019s theme, \u2018Unstoppable,\u2019 because the city captures exactly what Hispanic entrepreneurs bring to the American economy \u2013 tenacity, ingenuity and an unrelenting drive to grow,\u201d Ramiro A. Cavazos, president and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic chamber, said in a statement. \u201cWe\u2019ll bring together the policymakers, corporate leaders and business owners who are shaping the future of access to capital, capacity building, and contracts across the country.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fortworthreport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/20251203_115529-1024x768.jpg\")
Ericka Garza, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, prepares to speak to members during the 2025 State of the Chamber event Dec. 3 at Cullen Yards. (Eric E. Garcia | Fort Worth Report)<\/p>\n
Officials with the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce said they will host a welcoming reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Billy Bob\u2019s Texas in the Fort Worth Stockyards.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are creating an experience that brings together Fort Worth\u2019s Western heritage and the warmth and richness of Hispanic culture,\u201d Ericka Garza, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Hispanic chamber, said in an email to the Report. \u201cGuests will enjoy live entertainment, folkl\u00f3rico dancers, ropers, Mexican dancing horses, local flavors, and the hospitality our city is known for.\u201d<\/p>\n
Garza said the chamber also invited USHCC leaders and special guests to attend the 53rd annual Hecho en Fort Worth Gala on Sept. 12.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a powerful opportunity to introduce national leaders to the entrepreneurs, businesses, and community partners who are helping move Fort Worth forward,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Garza said networking for local businesses will be a key component of the gathering.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe conference creates a valuable exchange. National leaders will experience the strength and momentum of Fort Worth as they consider where to expand, where to invest, and where to bring their next convention,\u201d Garza said. \u201cLocal businesses will gain greater access to relationships, ideas, markets, and opportunities from across the country. Together, Fort Worth and USHCC can demonstrate the growing influence of Hispanic businesses and the important role they play in America\u2019s economy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Business leaders will discuss artificial intelligence, business development and other topics at the convention. The event will also include procurement opportunities for infrastructure and transportation construction projects, a women\u2019s luncheon, awards gala and lots of networking opportunities.<\/p>\n
Garza said Fort Worth will also be well represented at the conference with local leaders, corporate executives, small-business owners and entrepreneurs participating as conference speakers, \u201cgiving them a national platform to share their expertise, tell their stories, and showcase the strength of our business community.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said the Fort Worth Hispanic chamber is also working to make intentional introductions where there is potential for a meaningful business relationship.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe goal isn\u2019t simply to exchange business cards,\u201d Garza said. \u201cIt is to create connections that can lead to contracts, partnerships, investment, mentorship, and access to new markets.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fortworthreport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/citycouncil_Dec10_CamiloDiaz0077-1024x683.jpg\")
Rosa Navejar, a former president of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and current president of civil engineering firm The Rios Group, speaks in support of hiring Jay Chapa as Fort Worth city manager during a City Council meeting Dec. 10, 2024. (Camilo Diaz | Fort Worth Report)<\/p>\n
One Fort Worth business leader \u2014 Rosa Navejar, president and CEO of The Rios Group \u2014 will be among those honored at the awards gala on Sept. 16. She will receive the Ohtli Award,\u00a0an honor from the government of Mexico that recognizes a person\u2019s lifelong dedication to empowering Mexican communities abroad.<\/p>\n
Other awards will honor the year\u2019s top corporation, small-business person, employee resource group, and small, medium and large chambers of commerce.<\/p>\n
Hosting two Latino national conventions in one year says a lot about Fort Worth by demonstrating the city is an important national destination for Hispanic business, leadership and culture, Garza said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese conventions create immediate economic activity for hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, venues, and local vendors,\u201d she said. \u201cThey also introduce national decision-makers to Fort Worth\u2019s businesses, talent, and investment opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Eric E. Garcia is senior business reporter at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at eric.garcia@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n