From Our President

It is with great pleasure and honor that I announce the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce of Northeast Florida. Our Chamber was founded in 2008, and our mission is to bring positive economic change and prosperity to Jacksonville.

Puerto Ricans recognize themselves as members of the larger Hispanic community. They share a language and a cultural / historical background with other Hispanics, as well as a desire for economic and political empowerment commensurate with their growing numbers within the overall American population.

Where other Hispanic groups are concerned with the issue of immigration – with travel between their countries of origin and the United States controlled by immigration laws and requiring a passport – Puerto Ricans are, on the other hand, natural citizens of the United States.

While all trade to and from other Hispanic countries of origin are governed by the rules of “foreign” trade, all trade and commerce between Puerto Rico and the mainland of the United States is “domestic” trade – with both the buyer and the seller working with the American dollar as a common currency.

Puerto Rico is known for its inclusiveness, and has always welcomed all to its boarder. We are so proud of our Diverse Board of Directors, representing not only Puerto Ricans but Cubans, Afro-Americans and Panamanians. At the end of the day we are all Proud Americans. Our mission is to support and promote the Jacksonville and Northeast area as a vital market for business development, trade, tourism and cultural exchange between Puerto Rico and Jacksonville.

In Miami-Dade County – the Florida County with the largest Hispanic population – there exists a Latin Chamber of Commerce of the USA – along with individual Chambers of Commerce representing practically every country in the Caribbean, South and Central Americas. There also exists the Association of Bi-National Chambers of Commerce – with forty member organizations each representing a country with its individual issues and policies. Similarly, the Puerto Rico Chamber of Northeast Florida is positioned to partner with other Chambers to promote trade, commerce, business, tourism and networking between its members and all other Jacksonville area Chambers of Commerce.

We believe that there is a specific need for a Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce in Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Business Journal in September 2008 pointed out that “trade and commerce between the Island of Puerto Rico and Jacksonville is continuing to grow – cementing Jacksonville’s role as Puerto Rico’s gateway port. New distribution centers in Jacksonville will ultimately be a catalyst for even more Puerto Rico freight to be stored here”. Such a high level of trade and commerce from Puerto Rico demands an office with a special relationship with both the Chamber of Commerce in Puerto Rico and the Government of Puerto Rico. Through its independent existence in Jacksonville – and through its membership in the United States Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce (a national Coalition of Puerto Rican Chambers of Commerce including the Chamber of Commerce in San Juan), and the Florida Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Puerto Rico Chamber of Northeast Florida is in a unique position to assist in the phenomenal growth described in the Jacksonville Business Journal above.

We look forward to working with all the Chambers in Jacksonville, Businesses, and the Community!!!

For more information please contact us via email: prccnef@gmail.com or phone at (904)207-7714.