SAN DIEGO COUNTY – The San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SDCHCC) is San Diego’s largest business association representing the San Diego County and Tijuana Hispanic Business community.
Founded as a not-for-profit legal entity in 1989 by a group of business owners who felt a need for an organization to assist and promote the interests of the Hispanic entrepreneur in San Diego County, the SDCHCC has elevated itself to become the leading Hispanic organization in the county, advocating for the Hispanic businessperson and the Latino community.
The diverse organization comprised of more than 400 active members and affiliates is a mixture of small business owners, corporate representatives and government leaders.
Hispanic-owned businesses are a significant force in San Diego County with more than 50,000 employees. They generate more than $4 billion in annual gross sales with a collective annual payroll in excess of $1 billion.
Josie Flores-Clark is the president of both the National Latina Business Women Association San Diego and the San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Driven by the belief that her parents’ struggles – and her own – should not be others’ burdens, Flores-Clark is committed to sharing resources and uplifting businesses in her community.
Originally from Calexico, Flores-Clark’s early experiences working in the fields alongside her family and overcoming periods of homelessness have instilled in her a profound appreciation for hard work and determination. She remains dedicated to ensuring that the resources she has gained are shared to foster growth and resilience for others in her community.
Flores-Clark grew up in central California with several siblings and her parents, working in the agricultural fields of Modesto, Salinas and Gilroy. Living out of their father’s pickup truck, Flores-Clark recalls waking up at 3 a.m. and working until 7 with her siblings before finding a canal to wash up in and then head to school.
“My parents were saving money to start their own business, they always had that dream, but their money was taken away by someone they trusted,” Flores-Clark said. “I’ll never forget how devastated they were. Now that I know what I know about resources that are out there for business and people who are there to help, who knows? Maybe their end wouldn’t have been the way it was.”
Flores-Clark said she went through her own struggles as she moved through her own life as a single parent with three children and an adopted nephew she raised as her own, but always persevered. She now has a thriving career – and nine grandchildren.
“I just go and go, and I don’t think about what I do,” she said. “I just do it. I just help people.”
Flores-Clark’s professional journey includes her current job – what she calls “a transformative tenure” as executive assistant to the mayor of National City, where she has the opportunity to drive initiatives that benefit the South Bay region.
Flores-Clark’s passion for community welfare focuses particularly on seniors, children and families. One of the achievements she said she is most proud of was launching a financial literacy program in partnership with the Mexican Consulate, which has garnered recognition from the Office of the Governor, members of Congress, Senators, Naval Base San Diego, Department of the U.S. Army, Consulate General of Mexico and mayors throughout the region.
Flores-Clark’s dedication to leadership has been recognized in prominent publications such as Celebrano Latinas, Gente Bonita Magazine, Latinas Con Poder, North County Informador and The Face of San Diego. She has received accolades including being named one of the San Diego Business Journal’s Top 50 Latino Leaders of Influence, recipient of the 2023 East County Regional Chamber of Commerce Women in Leadership award and recognition in the SDBJ’s 500 Most Influential and Women of Influence 50 over 50 lists.
Her work has also been featured in La Revista Binacional and Blu Lapis Magazine.
Flores-Clark’s impact throughout the county has been acknowledged with proclamations from both National City Mayor Ron Morrison and Chula Vista Mayor John McCann.
Flores-Clark said she has been involved with the SDCHCC for many years, first as a member and then as a board leader.
“I was appointed President at the end of May 2023, following a significant shift in leadership, and a pivotal moment of transformation for the Board,” she said. “I am committed to restoring trust, moving the organization forward to better serve our community and re-building programming that characterizes the success of the Chamber.”
What are the main points of focus for the San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce?
The main points of focus for the SDCHCC include promoting economic development, advocating for the interests of Hispanic businesses, providing resources and support for entrepreneurship, and fostering networking opportunities within the community. We are committed to working with other non-profit organizations to strengthen our shared goals.
As president, what are your goals, immediate and long-term for the SDCHCC?
My immediate goals include enhancing our support programs for small businesses, expanding our outreach initiatives, and strengthening partnerships with other organizations. Long-term, I aim to create sustainable economic growth within our community and ensure that Hispanic businesses thrive. We have historically been, and will continue to be, a strong voice that stands firmly with the diverse needs of the Hispanic business community in our region.
What are the challenges of being president of the SDCHCC and how are you facing them?
One of the challenges I face is addressing the diverse needs of our members, especially in a rapidly changing economic landscape. To tackle these challenges, I prioritize open communication and collaboration, ensuring that we adapt our programs to better serve our members. I encourage business owners to become members of the Chamber and allow us to elevate your voice, alongside our more than 400 members.
What has the SDCHCC found to be local businesses’ most pressing challenges and in what ways are you able to help them?
Local businesses often cite access to capital, workforce development, and navigating regulatory environments as pressing challenges. We provide resources, workshops and connections to financial institutions to help them overcome these hurdles.
The SDCHCC is a large organization – What programs do you offer that have proven to be most successful?
Our business educational programs and mentorship initiatives have been particularly successful. These programs empower business owners with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive. Our programs broaden your network, providing access to technical expertise and consulting. We had a successful one Financial Education event in April with San Diego County Assessor Jordan Marks, and in conjunction with US Bank and Catherine Arambula, it was the talk of the town.
What do you see as needs in the Latino business world that the SDCHCC looks to address?
The SDCHCC seeks to address the need for greater access to funding, networking opportunities, and business education. We strive to create an environment where Latino businesses can flourish and are recognized for their enormous contributions to the economy.
What are the main businesses you represent? How many different types of businesses does the SDCHCC represent?
The SDCHCC represents a diverse array of businesses, including small entrepreneurs, corporate partners, and government entities. We serve over 400 active members from various sectors, including retail, services and technology. We’ve signed up 30 new members in the last few weeks through our mixers. We’re bringing in those behind-the-scenes businesses that are working hard and giving back.
What do businesses typically come to you for help with and what are the ways you serve them?
A. Businesses often come to us for assistance with funding opportunities, networking connections and guidance on navigating regulations. We serve them through workshops, resources and one-on-one consultations. We pride ourselves in our relationships across private, public, and not for profit sectors and will leverage every relationship to ensure the success of our members. We got a Capacity Building Grant from the city of San Diego last September. They gave us money for small businesses, we put it out there, and we were able to help 15 businesses that were either start-ups or businesses that had started up and needed a website or bookkeeping or be legalized with a (business) license.
What have been some of your defining moments during your tenure at the SDCHCC?
Some defining moments for me have been organizing the “Latinos Unidos US” mixer, which brought together seven different organizations across various industries. This event attracted hundreds of attendees, providing valuable networking opportunities and resources for our community. It was a powerful reminder of the strength we have when we come together.
What are the reasons why the SDCHCC runs so well?
The SDCHCC runs smoothly due to our dedicated team, strong leadership, and the collaborative spirit of our members. We foster a culture of support and empowerment that drives our success.
What else should our readers know about the SDCHCC?
The SDCHCC is not just a chamber; it’s a community. We are here to advocate for our members and to create opportunities for growth and collaboration. We invite all businesses to join us in this mission and create a prosperous region for everyone.
