Pedro Turushina, President & CEO, Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando

Invest: spoke with Pedro Turushina, President & CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, about how the chamber is a backbone of local businesses. He also discussed the chamber’s strong partnerships with local corporations on workforce development and the increased business success that comes with the Hispanic population growth in Central Florida.

What recent achievements and milestones are you most proud of for the chamber? 

In the past year, the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando has achieved significant milestones that we are incredibly proud of. We have solidified our position as one of the Top 10 Hispanic chambers in the nation and one of the largest in the region. Our mission to strengthen the Hispanic business community in Central Florida has led to the establishment of valuable partnerships and increased support from our corporate investors. This support has been instrumental in our growth, with our investor base reaching an all-time high of 49 corporations, including many minority-owned businesses.

How do you differentiate yourself from other chambers in the region? 

We differentiate ourselves from other chambers in the region in several ways. Firstly, our longstanding presence in the business community of over 30 years has allowed us to establish deep roots and strong connections. Our founders have been instrumental in bringing attention to the Hispanic business community in Florida, which is a significant part of the state’s economic landscape. With approximately 650,000 Hispanic businesses in Florida and nearly 40% of Central Florida’s population being Hispanic, we are uniquely positioned to represent and advocate for Hispanic businesses.

Moreover, our focus on building solid partnerships and relationships sets us apart. We have cultivated strong ties with corporate investors, government affiliates, and business owners & professionals at various levels. These relationships have been instrumental in our ability to support and promote the growth of Hispanic businesses in the region.

Overall, our impact, focus on the Hispanic business community, and strong partnerships make us a unique and valuable resource for businesses in the region.

What is on the chamber’s advocacy agenda? 

Our advocacy agenda for this year focuses on several key initiatives to empower our members and foster growth within the Hispanic business community. One of our primary goals is to educate our members on the importance of participating in upcoming elections and encourage them to take on elected roles. We believe that by empowering our members to engage in the election process, we can ensure that their voices are heard and that they have a seat at the table when decisions that impact their businesses are being made.

In addition to our focus on elections, we are also committed to providing our members with education and coaching opportunities. We want to deepen our connections with our members and create opportunities for them to learn and grow. Our Hispanic Business Advocacy Committee plays a crucial role in this effort, as it helps us stay informed about new trends and identify priorities for government advocacy.

Furthermore, our Commercial Mission Trips are another vital aspect of our advocacy agenda. These trips bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds and fields to other countries, such as Panama, Mexico, and, this year, Spain. By exploring these countries and understanding their business landscapes, we can identify similarities and opportunities that can benefit Central Florida businesses.

Our advocacy agenda is focused on empowering our members, fostering growth, and creating opportunities for success within the Hispanic business community. 

How do you see the local markets changing with the massive growth in the Orlando area? 

The rapid growth in the Orlando area, with nearly 1,000 new residents per week, attracts attention from big corporations eager to establish a presence here. This influx is bolstering our local markets and creating a unique business opportunity. Our collaborative community, including organizations like Prospera, The Hispanic Economic Advancement Foundation, and the National Entrepreneur Center, are working together to advance Hispanic interests in the business sector. This collaboration, coupled with support from corporate members and business owners, is helping small businesses prepare and secure major contracts, positioning them for success in this thriving market.

What is the importance of nurturing a diverse and equal business community? 

A diverse and equal business community is essential for cultivating growth, achieving success, and expanding opportunities. By embracing diversity and equality, we create a more inclusive environment and unlock our community’s full potential. Recognizing that diversity drives innovation and creativity is crucial, leading to better problem-solving and decision-making. Additionally, promoting equality ensures everyone has fair access to resources, opportunities, and support networks, leveling the playing field for all businesses to thrive. Through initiatives and partnerships to create diversity and equality, we can continue strengthening our community and creating a more vibrant and prosperous business ecosystem. With over 2,600 active members engaged in over 145 events annually, we connect our community and drive positive change. 

What is your outlook for the Hispanic Chamber in the near term? What are your top priorities as CEO? 

In the near term, my outlook for the Hispanic Chamber is focused on two main priorities. Firstly, I aim to expand our reach and impact by leading the chamber into a more regional entity. While Orange County remains our central hub, we plan to expand our presence in Osceola County, which has a significant Hispanic population. This expansion will allow us to better serve and support business owners in that area while continuing our expansion further into Seminole County and other regions.

Secondly, my priority is to enhance the value we provide to our members through our benefits and programming. We will work on refining our member benefits, including access to unique experiences and opportunities that focus on specific business topics that are relevant and beneficial to our members. We aim to provide valuable insights and resources that will help our local businesses and community thrive.