Francisco Del Toro, the co-owner of La Providencia, was selected as the inaugural president of the American Mexican Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Here is the speech he gave at the opening event, held in April at El Asadero Mexican Grill in Rochelle Park:
“In light of the need for unity, this organization called the American Mexican Regional Chamber of Commerce has been created. Our goal from today forward is to join forces and mitigate the challenging times in which we find ourselves.
“We are businesspeople and merchants of Mexican origin established in the United States, and, through our effort and dedication, we contribute significantly to economic development at the local, state, regional and national levels.
“The unification of efforts will allow us to strengthen and ensure the longevity of our businesses.
“Now more than ever, our economic influence is increasingly relevant, driven by the constant growth of our community and the significant presence of Mexican culture and tradition in the everyday life of American society.
“I call for unity and constant, strategic, and intelligent effort so that our community is recognized and valued for the important contribution it makes to the development and well-being of this great nation:
- Misson: Our mission is to represent, promote and safeguard the interests of trade between Mexico and the United States, while promoting the economic and business development of our region.
- Vision: We aim to be a chamber of united businesspeople dedicated to fostering the growth, development and strengthening of our community through our companies and businesses.
- Objective: Through training, promotion and networking initiatives, our goal is to provide our members with the necessary tools to consolidate our businesses and ensure that their legacy endures for generations in the United States of America.
“My name is Francisco Javier Del Toro. I have a degree in foreign trade from the University of Colima and an Executive MBA from Westfield Business School and the International School of High Management (EIG) in Granada, Spain.
“Together with my wife, Lilia Ríos, we founded La Providencia, and we are the parents of Lucca and André Del Toro.
“Over two decades as an entrepreneur, and now as a business owner, I have witnessed the impact that our products and services have had on the daily lives of people in this country. We have actively contributed to the development of key sectors such as economic, cultural and educational.
“Today, I call for unity in honor of those brave men who played an essential role in the development of this nation when, during World War II, they responded to the call for solidarity through the bracero program.
“We are no longer braceros. Today, we are second- and third-generation Americans; we are Mexican American entrepreneurs. Our commitment is to build solid companies and create a worthy legacy for future generations.
“If we prove to be trustworthy, hardworking, united, empathetic and supportive, we will be a strengthened version of the Mexican American community. The challenge we face is great, but so are the opportunities. This is a moment that demands unity and a shared vision of what we can achieve together.
“With this vision, today marks the first session of the AMRCC Assembly. My task was to constitute a chamber of commerce, and, today, with pride, we can say that it is officially established.
“This is just the beginning. Neither leadership nor I can carry this project forward without the active participation of you, the founding members. You are essential to ensure the continuity and success of our chamber: the American Mexican Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“Today officially marks the beginning of the AMRCC. Congratulations to all!”
The chamber’s promotional video (view here)
