The Latino Voice for Contra Costa A look at our local Hispanic Chamber of Commerce By Matt Larson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce For 30 years the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Contra Costa County (H5C) has been dedicated to supporting its members by developing, enhancing and promoting their business opportunities for the greater economic prosperity of not just the Hispanic community, but the county as a whole. And they cover the entire county—19 cities totaling a population of 1.2 million people, 25% of which are Hispanic. “We aim to represent all the constituents of Contra Costa County, Hispanic or not, and we aim to be the Latino voice in the conversation,” said Evodio “Vo” Walle, Vice President and Treasurer of H5C. “What we’re capitalizing on the most now is the longstanding relationships with local government—that’s taken quite a bit of time to get the recognition from the municipalities.” They’re now in a position to really make a difference and help their members get their voices heard. “When we call upon a mayor in any particular city we can get their attention. We get their support.” At just over a year with the chamber, Walle is proud to be a part of it. “My coming to the chamber is primarily a manifestation of my desire to give back something to my community,” he said. Giving back does run in the family, as his brother is a police lieutenant in Richmond where Walle was born and raised. “My brother has been living a life of service. This was something that, for me, was a way to give back.” Walle is also President/CEO of Commerce Logistics in Concord, founded in 2003. It’s a communication platform specializing in marketing and consulting, skills which he has been using to help benefit H5C. “One of the things that I think defines my approach with the Hispanic Chamber is that I see things being more as one,” said Walle. “I reinforce the fact that we’re giving back to the community in a way that enhances the quality of life for not just the Hispanic merchant, but also for well-established, non-Latino owned businesses to gain access to an ever increasing Cont ra C osta C ounty
Contra Costa Marketplace - Nov 2015
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