Sparks, Hispanic chambers wrap up merger agreement

The Sparks Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Northern Nevada last week announced a merger agreement designed to save costs and provide increased business exposure and services for members of the Hispanic chamber.

The combined group will operate under the name of the Sparks Chamber of Commerce.

"Many of our members were members of both chambers, and now they don't have to pay double membership fees," says Andres Gonzales, former president of the HCCNN. "This benefits Hispanic Chamber members because they now will have more opportunities to expose their business to more members."

The HCCNN had more than 360 members, while the growing Sparks Chamber of Commerce surpassed the 1,000-member mark earlier this year.

The HCCNN struggled over the past few years to offer the programs and services desired by its membership.

As part of the merger, the Sparks Chamber of Commerce will introduce the Hispanic Business Network, which will continue much of the HCCNN's programming and events, such as the HCCNN scholarship program, Desayuno breakfast series and Fiesta Golf Tournament.

The Sparks Chamber of Commerce also expanded its board, adding eight new members selected from the HCCNN board.

"As we are currently experiencing difficult economic times, it is crucial that we look for ways to broaden our professional network and increase our entrepreneurial opportunities," said Len Stevens, executive director of the Sparks Chamber of Commerce.

Manny Martinez, vice president and general manager of Charter Communications and a member of both chambers, said the two business groups have had a shared commitment to personal service to their members and each has encouraged active community involvement.

"The new Sparks Chamber of Commerce is now one of the largest business organizations in Northern Nevada and, with more than half of our members from Reno, we are truly a regional chamber of commerce," he said.