tulsa hispanic chamber newsleter may 2010
DESCRIPTION
chamber and Imigration newsTRANSCRIPT
The mayor's office has decided to tem-
porarily suspend enforcement of zoning
codes for mobile food vendors, it was
announced Tuesday, and a special April 29
meeting to work on the codes was announced
Wednesday. Many of those targeted with
notices of violation are Hispanic.
A city official announced that a meeting,
including selected food vendors and repre-
sentatives of agencies involved in permitting
and enforcement, would be held April 29 in
City Hall “to develop a permitting and inspec-
tion program for mobile food vendors.” City
councilors were also invited to attend.
Wednesday's announcement was made
by Jack L. Page, director of development
services, who said the meeting on the 29th
would be” the first of several meetings.”
“The first meeting will provide an overview
of the scope of the situation and discuss the
process that we will follow to develop the per-
mitting and enforcement provisions,” said
Page. “Please come prepared to discuss your
particular perspective on the situation and
what you judge needs to be done for either
the protection of the public, the needs of the
business, or the stabilization of the neighbor-
hood.”
Tuesday's announcement of the decision
by mayor's office was made by City Council
Chairman Rick Westcott during a meeting of
the Urban and Economic Development
Committee. He explained that he learned of
the decision in an e-mail message he
received from Susan Neal, director of commu-
nity development, shortly before the meeting
began.
Copies of Neal's e-mail message were
passed out at the meeting.
It said: “Development Services and the
WIN (Working in Neighborhoods) Department
will temporally cease the enforcement of zon-
ing code cases for mobile food vendors.” she
said. “We have come to realize that the zon-
ing code is not the proper mechanism to
address these types of businesses.”
Neal could not be reached for comment.
Francisco Treviño, executive director of
the Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce, has been representing the
Hispanic business owners and operators.
“The temporary suspension of some of the
ordinances is a clear response to find a bal-
ance point between the officials and the busi-
nesspeople,” he said. “The chamber will keep
defending the interests of its members.”
At the meeting, Democrat Maria Barnes,
councilor for District 4, said; “We are moving
in the right direction.”
“If Maria is happy with the decision, then I
am happy,” added Democrat Jack Henderson,
councilor for District 1.
Before Westcott's announcement, District
6 councilor Jim Mautino, a Republican,
repeated a phrase, which he had used a few
weeks back to describe the presence of the
vendors as “Third World stuff,” this time as he
showed some photographs of some of the
mobile restaurants. “I cannot imagine seeing
something like this in Tulsa,” he said.
Mautino had said previously that some
constituents sent him complaints and photo-
graphs regarding the food vendors, so he
contacted the Indian Nations Council of
Government, which started the investigation.
INCOG oversees zoning code matters.
The Greater Tulsa HispanicChamber of Commerce
M o n t h l y N e w s l e t t e rM o n t h l y N e w s l e t t e rMay 2010
PG 1
The Monthly Newsletter is publishedmonthly by The Greater Tulsa Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce.If you would like to place a display ad,
gives us a call 664-5326Francisco J. TreviñoExecutive Director
Juan MiretExecutive Assistant
City suspended enforcement against mobile food vendors
Francisco González, owner of Tacos Fiesta Mexicana.
Health care reform championed by
President Barack Obama was signed
into law on March 23 – but on Nov. 2
Oklahomans will vote on the reform’s
future in the state.
The state Legislature approved
House Joint Resolution 1054, titled the
Freedom of Healthcare Choice Act,
authored by Rep. Mike Ritze, R-Broken
Arrow, and Sen. Randy Brogdon, R-
Owasso. Their proposal will be voted on
as a Constitutional amendment.
“We have the best health care sys-
tem in the world.” Ritze said on April 14
during Tulsa Regional Day at the Capitol
in Oklahoma City. So, he asked, “why
are we going to change it” for the health
reform law that he called ‘ObamaCare’?”
If voters approve the Ritze-Brogdon
question, then no person, employer or
health facility would have to take part in
or be placed under the regulations
imposed by the federal system.
The proposed amendment would
make the purchase of a health care plan
voluntary, and states that “no law or rule
can require a person to purchase health
care insurance. No penalties or fines can
be imposed on a person who chooses
not to purchase health care insurance.”
Sen. Tom Adelson, D-Tulsa, also
present at the event, said of H.J.R. 105:
“It’s not a solution for the health problem
in Oklahoma.”
Private health insurance companies
are still studying the changes proposed
by the new health care system.
For Freddy Valverde, who runs a
financial consulting firm, the reform
“doesn’t offer any benefit to small busi-
nesses. It still will be a heavy burden to
pay for health insurance. The middle
class has been left out.”
“The reform is a complex issue.” said
Laurie Paul, executive director of
Community Health Connection on
Tulsa’s east side. “The community needs
informational forums to understand the
reform.”
Health care reform
• The federal reform was approved by
the Senate Dec. 24 by a vote of 60 to 39.
Then on March 21 the House passed it
by a vote of 219 to 212. None of the
Republicans voted for the proposal.
• The law requires that most
Americans have health insurance.
• It would add 16 million people to the
Medicaid program.
• It subsidizes the coverage for low-
income people (below the poverty line).
• It prohibits practices such as deny-
ing coverage for pre-existing conditions.
• According to the Congressional
Budget Office, the government will
spend $938 billion over 10 years to pay
for the reform. It also estimated that the
measure will help cut the deficit by $138
billion over the next 10 years.
Chamber News
The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
PG 2
Get to know the health care reform: What’s it all about?
The OSU clinic in the Eastgate Metroplex at 14002 E. 21st St. has two bilin-gual speakers on staff.
The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
PG 3
US News
According to comments from key
leaders of the U.S. Senate and House,
immigration reform is not on the legisla-
tive agenda.
The first to make this known was
House leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., dur-
ing a public announcement in front of
the Capitol on April 14.
“I am not sure the Senate can move
an immigration bill,” he said. This was in
contrast to his statements made on
March 23 during a dinner held by the
U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce,
where he said: “We, Democrats, want to
pass an immigration reform and we can
do it. Also, I must say that Democrats in
the Senate want and can pass an immi-
gration bill.”
On April 14 Hoyer said that Harry
Reid, Senate majority leader, “indicates
he wants to try to move an immigration
bill.”
Hoyer’s comments are counter to
Reid’s plans, who said, one day before
Hoyer’s statements: “We won't get to
immigration reform this work period.”
During a press conference at the
national Capitol, Reid said the reason
for delaying the debate on immigration
reform in Congress is because of the
financial reform and proposed legisla-
tion about food security.
Local reaction
“While the government keeps ignor-
ing the problem of immigration, we are
going to end up with worse things like
the anti-immigration bill that was just
passed in Arizona,” said Eduardo Mora,
president of the Coalition of Hispanic
Organizations in Tulsa. “We have to
unite, mobilize and demand a reform.”
“Now is the moment to move immi-
gration reform,” said Drew Diamond, for-
mer Tulsa police chief and security
director at Union schools. “We are wit-
nessing anti-immigration laws.
Congress should face this crisis now,
not later.”
Chris Gentges, a lawyer and manag-
er of the YWCA’s immigration program
in Tulsa, hopes that Congress will act
soon, so it can put a halt to “anti-immi-
gration laws against civil rights.”
Immigration reform stalls
Javier Palomares, President and CEO of The Unites States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
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InmigrationUnited States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Dismayed at Arizona Anti-Immigrant Law
PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ --The United States Hispanic Chamber ofCommerce (USHCC), representing the inter-ests of nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned busi-nesses and over 200 local Hispanic cham-bers of commerce nationwide, expressed itsgrave disappointment at the Arizona statelegislature for passing a law that will jeopard-ize the safety of Arizona communities andresult in the racial profiling of Latinos.
If signed into law by Governor JanBrewer, S.B. 1070 -- the so-called "SafeNeighborhoods" bill -- would require stateand local police to pursue every person sus-
pected of being an undocumented immi-grant, rather than keeping our communitiessafe from violent crimes. The legislation wasopposed by police chiefs from throughout thestate because it would certainly discourageimmigrants and their families from reportingcrimes or serving as witnesses.
Attacking the entire Hispanic communityin the zeal for enforcing civil immigration lawsdoes not work and has significant politicalconsequences
Supporters of the legislation have citedclothing, music or an accent as details that
should prompt a criminal investigation.These suggestions alarm not only individualsand organizations representing the Hispaniccommunity, but Americans of every back-ground. From police chiefs and sheriffsthroughout the state, to the National Councilof La Raza and the American Civil LibertiesUnion, there is widespread agreement thatthis law would make for very bad policy andineffective policing.
"I understand the frustration over a bro-ken immigration system, but this is not thesolution. We desperately need comprehen-sive immigration reform instead to secure theborder, ensure a stable labor supply whereand when necessary, and normalize the sta-tus of millions of hard-working immigrantfamilies that contribute to the prosperity ofour nation," said Javier Palomarez, Presidentof the United States Hispanic Chamber ofCommerce. "Clearly, the Governor must vetothis misguided legislation that will underminethe safety of all our communities."
"As a Californian, I remember whenGovernor Wilson pushed Proposition 187. Isincerely hope that Governor Brewer willlearn from history's mistakes: Attacking theentire Hispanic community in the zeal forenforcing civil immigration laws does notwork and has significant political conse-quences," said David C. Lizarraga, Chairmanof the United States Hispanic Chamber ofCommerce.
Javier Palomares. President & CEO of the USHCC.
The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
PG 5
May 20th:Excelencia Awards
Hosted by
Reception Sponsors
The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 11th Annual Excelencia Awards Dinner will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2010 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. at the
Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center, 6808 South 107th East Avenue.
AVANCE AWARDHispanic Business of the Year:
BRONCO AUTO SALES
BENDAÑA AMIGO AWARDCommunity Leader of the Year:
TULSA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
ADELANTE AWARDThe Corporate Partner of the Year
COX COMMUNICATIONS
Keynote Speaker
Javier A. Palomarez,President and CEO
United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
PG 6
Once a month the Hispanic community may learn the latest
news about the Chamber’s programs, services and events.
Our next show will be aired on
Saturday, May 29th from 9 to 10 a.m.
You may listen live at www.quebuenatulsa.com or
on you radio at 1530 AM.
‘Negocio para Todos’ is produced
by Francisco Treviño, President & CEO of the
Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Tulsa
Hispanic Chamber’S
Radio Show
‘Negocio para Todos’
or
‘Business for
Everyone’
This is an informative radio
show recently launched by the
Greater Tulsa Hispanic
Chamber in partnership with
KXTD La Que Buena
1530AM.
The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
PG 7
Won't You Join Us!
Do you have a new business, new loca-tion an expansion or an anniversary?
The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber ofCommerce is pleased to assist you withyour grand opening or ribbon cutting.Here are the answers to a few common-ly asked questions:
WHAT THE CHAMBER DOES:
All free of charge, to our Chambermember
Sends out a broadcast email our mem-bers on our email list to notify them ofyour opening
Provides the “giant scissors” and bowsand ribbon to cut (we usually deliverthem the day before or several hoursbefore the event – please let us knowwhat color bows and ribbon, and howlong)
Podium and microphone
Keeps track of RSVPs, unless you pre-fer to handle that yourself
Attends the event and takes pictures forour e-newsletter and web page
Typically our Chamber ExecutiveDirector, President of the Board, someBoard Members will attend.
Publicizes the event in our e-newsletterand web page with a photo after the factin the next edition
Invite the media
We will help you prepare an agenda
WHAT THE COMPANY DOES
Sets the date and time of the event –typically first thing in the morning (8AMor 9AM), Noontime, end of the day(4PM or later) or evening (7PM) –
please coordinate this with the Chamberif at all possible well in advance to avoiddate and time conflicts
You provide any refreshments for thosein attendance – this is entirely up to you
Invite Your Board of Directors, if applica-ble and friends and family
Those who helped with your new loca-tion like contractors, bankers, etc.
You provide any refreshments for thosein attendance - this is entirely up to you
Provide background information on yourcompany ahead of time to those whoare speaking so they can prepareremarks (we can help with that)
HOW IT RUNS :
Your agenda could be something likethis:
Welcome Guests – done by a companyrep
Intro on the company – done by a com-pany rep – Explain what you do if a newbusiness, about your new location – if asecond location or a move, your hours,introduce your staff
Congratulatory Remarks – fromChamber, other dignitaries – these are1-3 minutes each – very brief
Cut the ribbon – usually done by digni-taries and head company rep, somechoose to have all employees do thecutting
Thank you for attending – by a companyrep
Then you offer everyone to come take alook at your facility, and if large enough,you might want to offer tours
KEEP IN MIND:
Weekend grand openings (includingFriday after 5:00) are harder for theChamber to draw attendance to thanweekday events.
Hanging your ribbon – should be placedin front of the doorway – you and the“cutters” would stand behind the ribbonfacing the crowd
Keep in touch with the Tulsa HispanicChamber as your plans progress
As mentioned above, the Tulsa HispanicChamber will handle RSVPs, unless youprefer to do it yourself. As you mayknow, people will wait until the lastminute to RSVP, or will show up withoutRSVPing. Call the Tulsa HispanicChamber during the morning of the daybefore the event to get the latest count,and add a little cushion before commu-nicating a final number to your caterer. Ifexperienced, your caterer can probablyhelp with your estimate.
Will parking be an issue? If so, pleaselet us know where you would like gueststo park so we can inform them inadvance
The farther ahead you contact us themore publicity we can give your event
If you have a digital version of yourlogo, please email it to the RibbonCutting Coordinator so it can appear onour email
To arrange for your special event,please contact:
The Greater Tulsa HispanicChamber of Commerce918-664-5326 or email
Ribbon Cutting CeremoniesRIBBON CUTTINGS, GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONIES& OPEN HOUSES
The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
Our next monthly luncheon is June 23rd, 2010 at 11:30 am
RenaissanceTulsa Hotel & Convention Center
PG 8
293 Members!
In the 11 years history of the The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, membership levels have had their peaks and valleys, with the 293 membership mark being
achieved. We are extremely enthusiastic.
Thank you for your extraordinary support.
Winner of the Small Hispanic Chamber Award 2008
for Region III, from The United States Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce&
2009 the Whitney M. Young, Jr. award for unselfish service to the youth of America.