ABOUT US |
1939Founded in Dallas in 1939 with a simple but powerful idea, that Hispanic businesses deserved a voice, a community, and a future.
That idea became the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. 87 years later, that mission has never changed. |
Our History
87 years of vision, leadership, and impact.
The Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a story of vision, leadership, empowerment, and pride, and of success we are all a part of today.
In September 1939, a group of founders met at El Fenix Restaurant on McKinney Avenue with a simple but powerful idea, to develop, promote, and protect Mexican businesses in Greater Dallas. They held their meetings in Spanish and discussed civil rights, cultural preservation, and collective buying power. Determined to improve the social and economic conditions of their community, they turned that vision into action, and from that action, The Mexican Chamber of Commerce was born and a new trend for minorities was set.
Much has changed over the last 87 years, but one thing has not: an unwavering belief in and support of Hispanic business.
The Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a story of vision, leadership, empowerment, and pride, and of success we are all a part of today.
In September 1939, a group of founders met at El Fenix Restaurant on McKinney Avenue with a simple but powerful idea, to develop, promote, and protect Mexican businesses in Greater Dallas. They held their meetings in Spanish and discussed civil rights, cultural preservation, and collective buying power. Determined to improve the social and economic conditions of their community, they turned that vision into action, and from that action, The Mexican Chamber of Commerce was born and a new trend for minorities was set.
Much has changed over the last 87 years, but one thing has not: an unwavering belief in and support of Hispanic business.
1930s
The founding, a vision born in Dallas
Founded in Dallas in 1939 with a simple but powerful idea, that Hispanic businesses deserved a voice, a community, and a future. That idea became GDHCC. 87 years later, that mission has never changed.
Meetings held in Spanish, focused on civil rights, cultural preservation, and collective buying power.
1960s
Delivering real economic results
Secured $700,000 in contracts for minority-owned businesses in Dallas
Consistently improved economic conditions for the Mexican business community across the city
1970s
Jobs, growth, and economic development
Local Economic Development Program generated over $15M in gross sales for participants between 1972–1977
Bilingual Job Placement Center launched in 1977, placing 450+ Hispanic men and women in jobs across Dallas
1980s
A new name, a stronger voice
1982: renamed Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to better reflect the evolving community
Expanded advocacy in economic development, education, and local government representation
1990s
National recognition and landmark programs
1993: recognized as both Texas State and National Hispanic Chamber of the Year by TAMACC
1994: City of Dallas selects GDHCC to pilot the Business Assistance Center (BAC)
Helped found the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association
2000s
Federal recognition and national reach
2007: U.S. DOT awards GDHCC the Gulf Region SBTRC, serving minority contractors across TX, LA, NM, and OK
2008: Receives Small Business Award from Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives for best new chamber program in Texas
2020s
The Empowered CEO™ Institute era
2020: Launched the Small Business Support Program to help members navigate pandemic challenges
2023: Funded ScaleUp and Dallas Accelerator cohort programs by Dallas County and City of Dallas
2024: The Empowered CEO™ Institute launched, consolidating five programs into one structured ecosystem for North Texas entrepreneurs
Awards & Recognition
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1993
National Hispanic Chamber of the Year
Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC), recognized as both Texas State and National Chamber of the Year. 2018
USHCC Local Chamber Grant Award
ESL Entrepreneurship Program was recognized during the Opening Reception of the 2018 Legislative Summit in Washington D.C. |
1994 - 2017
City of Dallas Business Assistance Center
GDHCC was selected to operate the Business Assistance Center for over two decades, supporting aspiring and existing entrepreneurs across low to moderate income communities. 2024
Dallas County proclamation
At the 85th Anniversary Gala in October 2024, Dallas Councilmember Dr. Elba Garcia presented a Dallas County proclamation honoring GDHCC's 85 years of service. |
2007
U.S. DOT Gulf Region SBTRC Award
U.S. Department of Transportation, selected GDHCC to operate the Gulf Region Small Business Transportation Resource Center serving four states. |
2008
Best New Chamber Program in Texas
Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE), Small Business Award for the GDHCC Business Assistance Centers program. |
BE PART OF THE NEXT CHAPTER
87 years of history and a future being built every day.
Join the community that has been driving Dallas forward since 1939.
Join the community that has been driving Dallas forward since 1939.
