LCCT
The LCCT is to foster the development of vibrant, prosperous Hispanic-owned businesses and to connect businesses throughout East Tennessee to the Hispanic marketplace. We will accomplish this mission through a combination of programs and services including: Networking to engage and build relationships, Education to encourage cultural connections and stronger businesses, Advocacy to support initiatives and legislation that furthers the interests of our constituents, Workforce development to develop and promote the Hispanic workforce and connect that workforce with available jobs, Leadership development, and partnerships and alliances that support our goals and initiatives.
To advocate, promote and facilitate the success of Hispanic businesses by accomplishing the following:
• Providing networking opportunities between Hispanic business owners as well as seeking strategic relationships between mainstream businesses and Hispanic-owned businesses;
• Creating a setting that fosters quality educational activities and technical assistance to Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs in a bilingual and bicultural environment;
• Monitoring legislation, policies and programs that affect Hispanic businesses and seeking ways to strengthen any of these activities that support the economic development of Hispanic firms;
• Working closely with the Hispanic community and other Hispanic organizations in order to support the advancement, education, and economic growth of the Hispanic community in general.
The Latino Chamber of Commerce of East Tennessee (LCCT) was founded in 2019 by a group of Hispanic business owners and professionals working in the Knoxville Metropolitan Area. They recognized the enormous economic potential and impact of Hispanic businesses in the United States and in our East Tennessee region.
LCCT is organized under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code. Its sister 501 (c)(3) organization, The Latino Chamber of Commerce, was founded to facilitate educational outreach and economic development efforts in our community.
According to a recent study released by the University of Tennessee, Tennessee has the third fastest growing Hispanic population in the country and represents one of the fastest growing consumer markets in the United States. Latinos represent 4.6 percent of Tennessee’s population, according to the 2010 Census, up from 2.2 percent in 2000. Even though the growth rate was very high, the number of Hispanic persons is still much lower than the national average 16.3 percent. This growth has driven a sharp increase in the number of Hispanic-owned businesses. These businesses have been drivers of job growth in a difficult economy and represent one of the best opportunities for new jobs in the region. LCCT has a great opportunity to support and promote Hispanic businesses and to help forge strategic relationships between Hispanic and mainstream businesses and government agencies seeking minority vendors, subcontractors and employees.
Our Board of Directors will be expanded to 13 members including a minimum of 75% Hispanic members. In addition, Board committees will be established including Workforce Development, Membership, Education, Events, Database Development, Marketing, Finance and Membership as well as Advisory and Ex-Officia Boards composed of strategic partners, local government agencies and non-govern mental Latino organizations.
There is a growing demand from the local business community to employ bilingual/bi-cultural individuals. Through its Workforce Development Initiative, LCCT will work closely with the community and organizations to support the advancement and education of the Hispanic population in our community and to positively impact workforce readiness and assists businesses in reaching their diversity employment goals. WD programs will include at least two job fairs including one conference and will result in at least five workforce success stories.
There is a growing demand from the local business community to employ bilingual/bi-cultural individuals. Through its Workforce Development Initiative, LCCT will work closely with the community and organizations to support the advancement and education of the Hispanic population in our community and to positively impact workforce readiness and assists businesses in reaching their diversity employment goals. WD programs will include at least two job fairs including one conference and will result in at least five workforce success stories.
Our Board of Directors will be expanded to 13 members including a minimum of 75% Hispanic members. In addition, Board committees will be established including Workforce Development, Membership, Education, Events, Database Development, Marketing, Finance and Membership as well as Advisory and Ex-Officia Boards composed of strategic partners, local government agencies and non-govern mental Latino organizations.
LCCT will conduct a minimum of two Partner events and an Annual Event. At least one of the partner events will be consumer-focused.
LCCT membership will be expanded to a minimum of 1,000 members with outreach to as many Hispanic-owned businesses as possible.
LCCT membership will be expanded to a minimum of 1,000 members with outreach to as many Hispanic-owned businesses as possible.
A marketing plan will be developed including media relations, social media and web marketing.
LCCT will develop and implement an operating budget and budget management systems and will maintain a minimum of three-months operating cash reserve. A minimum of $100,000 in non-member support will be obtained through sponsorship and other fundraising efforts.
LCCT will develop and implement an operating budget and budget management systems and will maintain a minimum of three-months operating cash reserve. A minimum of $100,000 in non-member support will be obtained through sponsorship and other fundraising efforts.