In an interview with Invest:, Rick Ortiz, president and CEO of the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, talked about the Chamber’s advocacy efforts, the need to see representation and contractual opportunities align with demographic numbers, and characteristics that make North Texas an attractive business place.
Where do you see the greatest opportunities in terms of economic development?
Since our primary focus is on supporting small businesses, particularly those owned by Hispanic and minority entrepreneurs, we have taken proactive steps to actively engage in various contractor and supplier opportunities, especially in the ever-important transportation and infrastructure sector. Our involvement encompasses neighboring states, such as Oklahoma, Louisiana and New Mexico. This extensive reach allows us to extend our assistance and collaborate closely with a wide range of local government partners, including esteemed institutions like Dallas College, the city of Dallas and even prominent entities like DFW International Airport.
Through these strategic alliances, we have established valuable connections, connecting small businesses with lucrative procurement opportunities that might otherwise remain untapped. We actively work toward fostering growth and capacity building by supporting major endeavors like the remarkable renovation project currently underway at the city of Dallas’ iconic Convention Center. This ambitious undertaking represents the largest project in its history. Naturally, it is imperative that the businesses we represent capitalize on the potential for significant growth and expansion.
How is the Chamber doing advocacy work to support its mission across the public-private and nonprofit sectors?
Our success stems from the collaborative efforts and partnerships we establish with various organizations and stakeholders. Advocacy plays a crucial role in our work and we actively engage with the city of Dallas and numerous partners to ensure that the participation numbers of small businesses remain aligned with their stated goals and aspirations. Our dedication to advocacy extends beyond the local level. We actively pursue regional opportunities, such as our involvement with the prestigious DFW Airport.
One essential program that has had a significant impact on small businesses is the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program. This program serves as a key catalyst in helping these businesses build their capacity by providing access to projects across the state of Texas.
Furthermore, as Texas operates on a legislative schedule that occurs every other year, with 2023 being a legislative year, we have strategically developed our legislative agenda. To ensure effective representation and advocacy, we collaborate closely with the Texas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Coalition, a prominent group composed of various Hispanic chambers from across the state, including the notable San Antonio Chamber. This collaborative effort allows us to stay well-informed and involved in key legislative matters that directly impact the businesses we serve. For example, Bills like 5140, which posed a threat to minority businesses by potentially excluding them from the HUB program, was successfully opposed. By actively engaging with legislators, we not only inform them about the potential consequences of such bills but also facilitate opportunities for business owners to share their stories, allowing legislators to witness firsthand the positive impact these businesses have on our communities.
How would you describe Hispanic representation in the business community?
Hispanic representation is not where we want to be. While we acknowledge that we are starting to witness positive outcomes with the businesses we support, there is still much work to be done. Success stories are emerging, particularly among the businesses we have directly engaged with. Our role in connecting businesses varies, from making simple introductions to providing extensive assistance, depending on their specific needs. This involves not only helping them enhance their capacity but also guiding them to overcome self-imposed obstacles.
However, we recognize that we have yet to achieve the level of equity and representation that we aspire to see in our region’s business landscape. For instance, in Dallas County, where about 43% of the population belongs to certain demographics, the business representation and contractual opportunities do not proportionally align with these numbers. We are dedicated to rectifying this disparity and striving for greater representation and opportunities for our businesses. It is crucial that our community’s economic growth is inclusive and reflective of its diverse population.
These efforts extend beyond Dallas County, as we collaborate with partners in Fort Worth and other regions to collectively address the challenges and opportunities we observe. By fostering open lines of communication and collaborative initiatives, we can work together to identify gaps and drive progress across the region.
What are some of the challenges or issues that you’re seeing in the region, especially those affecting Hispanic businesses?
The data we receive from our partners, including disparity studies, provide valuable insights into the current landscape. For instance, Dallas ISD (Independent School District) recently released its disparity study, which sheds light on the market composition, spending patterns and the broader market outlook. Based on these numbers, the challenge persists in terms of insufficient representation of businesses from our community in securing contracts and opportunities. We strive for greater inclusion, not only in subcontracting roles but also in reaching the level of prime joint ventures. This is where significant growth is needed and it remains an area that requires substantial attention and effort.
What are some of the defining characteristics of North Texas that make it a great place to do business in?
The business climate in this region is highly favorable and conducive to growth. We continue to witness positive indicators for the area, such as ongoing expansion and economic growth, as reflected in the data from sources like the Federal Reserve. Additionally, there is still a significant influx of people migrating to Texas, with recent reports indicating around 107,000 individuals coming in. This continuous population growth contributes to job opportunities and economic prosperity, which are beneficial for the overall economy.
Moreover, the diversity of the region is also evident, and we are witnessing an increase in corporate partners establishing their presence here. However, it’s important to acknowledge that this growth also brings challenges, particularly the limited availability of resources in the area. Despite this, the overall outlook remains promising.
What is your outlook for the Chamber in the near term and your top priority going forward?
Overall, we do not see any signs of recession. Our focus remains centered on three key priorities, which are structured into three pillars. First and foremost, advocacy is immensely important to us. We strive to be a strong voice for Hispanic and underserved businesses, working closely with partners like the Black Chamber and North Texas LGBT Chamber. Collaboration is a significant aspect of our work, as we actively engage with various partners across different segments of society in the region. Enhancing advocacy efforts and ensuring accessible opportunities are crucial components of this pillar.
Secondly, capacity building stands as a cornerstone for us. We take pride in our ability to help businesses scale through accelerator programs and targeted capacity-building initiatives. We offer specialized education programs focused on bonding, which is particularly valuable for infrastructure and transportation-related businesses. By assisting them in becoming bondable, we significantly increase their chances of securing contracts and becoming part of funded projects.
Lastly, we emphasize access. Providing access means connecting our partners and members, facilitating networking opportunities and serving as a bridge between investors and Hispanic small businesses. We understand the importance of fostering connections and enabling businesses to thrive through mutually beneficial relationships.
Advocacy, capacity building and access form the core of our strategic approach, allowing us to effectively support and empower businesses in the region.
