The impact of the Hispanic Business Association as it fosters growth and success
The Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Hispanic Business Association (HBA) is a vital committee dedicated to supporting Hispanic-owned businesses in Prescott Valley and its surrounding areas. With a mission to foster growth and success, the HBA focuses on education, training, networking, and community outreach to empower local entrepreneurs.
The idea for the HBA originated with Chamber CEO Marnie Uhl, who identified an opportunity to engage with the local Hispanic business community. In 2021, the Chamber partnered with Yavapai College’s Lisa Raygoza and Alianza’s Rosanna Feyerbend to visit Hispanic-owned businesses in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. During these visits, Marnie shared her vision of establishing a committee within the Chamber to provide tailored resources and educational programs specifically designed for Hispanic entrepreneurs.
This vision quickly gained momentum, thanks to the collaborative efforts of then-Chamber staff member Kim Menosky, along with local business owners Lucy Leyva and April Chavez. Together, they began shaping the structure and goals of the HBA. The association officially launched its first event in 2021, supported by a grant from APS, introducing the group to the community and setting the stage for future initiatives.
Since then, the HBA has grown, offering programs like “Conferencias y Cafecito” for educational discussions and Fiesta Networking events to promote community engagement. Collaborations with the Prescott Valley Police Department for “Puente de la Comunidad” and the upcoming Día de los Muertos event showcase its commitment to the local Hispanic business community.
In 2024, the HBA welcomed Credit Union West as a premier partner. This partnership has significantly enhanced the association’s reach and programming capabilities, allowing for a broader array of educational initiatives, community events, and networking opportunities. With this support, the HBA is poised to make even greater strides in fostering economic growth and community engagement.
The HBA board consists of dynamic Hispanic businesswomen who work tirelessly to uplift their community. Their leadership and commitment are essential to advancing the association’s mission of empowering Hispanic-owned businesses and creating meaningful opportunities for growth. These women not only advocate for their peers but also serve as inspiring role models, showcasing the strength and impact of community-focused leadership in Prescott Valley. Through their efforts, the HBA continues to make a significant difference, fostering connections and providing vital resources to the local Hispanic business community.Bottom of Form
HBA President Blanca Pennington said, “Empowering and advocating for our Hispanic community and businesses feels natural to me, as it’s rooted in my belief that we rise by lifting each other up, not only in businesses but every area of life. Serving as president of the board of the Hispanic Business Association is very rewarding, and I am honored to serve with an amazing group of dedicated women.”
