By David Ball

david.ball@panews.com

The attendees of the Hispanic Business Council think there is much untapped potential in the Hispanic community.

The first meeting, before Hurricane Harvey, was intended to share a vision and to develop a mission statement. This week’s meeting on Thursday focused on developing a long-term strategic view and nominating officers for the structure of the council at the next meeting.

The council falls under the aegis of the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce.

The mission statement is to unify the Hispanic business community. In order to establish local economic growth, assist in community outreach, business mentorship and leadership development throughout the Southeast Texas area.

A chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, community outreach, business mentorship and leadership development officers will be nominated for election.

It was decided any Hispanic business can take part in the council, but only members of the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce may vote. Officers will be elected to one-year terms the first go around.

Fernando Ramirez said the council can do outreach and mentor the new members so the community can be stronger and better. The council will include membership from throughout Southeast Texas.

“Everyone is welcome. It’s open to everyone,” he said. “We can help our businesses and help our community.”

Bruce Reyes said he doesn’t see any reason the Port Arthur Hispanic Business Council can’t grow the way the Houston Hispanic chapter has.

“We have a lot of talent, we just don’t have a method to bring it out and develop it,” Ramirez said. “We can work with Hispanic kids.”

He told some young interns with the Port Arthur Chamber they are the future and Port Arthur will grow because of them.

“The Hispanic community never had the clout and strength until today,” he said. “Rotary Clubs and Kiwanis Clubs help each other first and then they help the community. We need to make sure the Hispanic businesses don’t fall through the cracks. There’s a lot of potential; it only takes time.”

Krystle Villarreal Muller said the council has gotten off to a good start since there has been a lack of the Hispanic voice in the community.

“We need to get more out there,” she said.

Raquel Ochoa with the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce said the first two council meetings have been fantastic.

“We’ve had a good turnout for both meetings. There’s a huge need in the community for this,” she said.

The Hispanic Business Council meets from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month on the third floor of 501 Procter St.