HCCMC's Milestone Anniversary
Celebrating 25 Years of Empowering Success
in Montgomery County
On October 12, 2023, we joyfully celebrated our 25th anniversary at the Hispanic Leadership Awards Gala. Since our establishment, HCCMC has been at the forefront of fostering economic growth, promoting diversity, empowering businesses and providing a platform for Hispanic entrepreneurs to thrive and succeed. As a chamber, we have consistently advocated for the interests of our diverse community, recognizing the integral role Hispanic businesses play in the vibrant tapestry of Montgomery County.
HCCMC owes its existence to visionary leaders who foresaw the importance of creating a supportive network for Hispanic businesses. Over the years, our chamber has evolved and adapted to the changing landscape, always staying true to our mission of empowerment and community building.
Throughout this journey, HCCMC has achieved significant milestones. From hosting impactful networking events and seminars to initiating community outreach programs, we’ve been a catalyst for positive change. Our efforts have contributed not only to the success of individual businesses but also to the broader economic landscape of Montgomery County.
In recent years, HCCMC has expanded its horizons with innovative initiatives aimed at addressing the evolving needs of our community. The establishment of the Hispanic Leadership Awards Gala has become a cornerstone event, recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements of Hispanic leaders who make a difference in Montgomery County. Additionally, our commitment to fostering growth led to the introduction of the Maryland Contractor Summit, a groundbreaking initiative designed to support entrepreneurs and small businesses in the construction sector, an area where many Hispanics contribute significantly.
These are just a few examples of the numerous initiatives we’ve launched and the accomplishments we’ve achieved in recent years. We can’t wait to unveil the exciting ventures planned for the years ahead.
As we mark this momentous occasion, we invite you to join us in acknowledging the present and setting the stage for an even more impactful future.
Honoring James McDonough
Founder of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Montgomery County
February 7, 1939 – May 5, 2022
After graduate school, he became a journalist not only for his love and skill of writing, but because of the important role that journalists play in upholding the First Amendment. His first job was for a newspaper in New Jersey. In 1966, he got a job with the San Juan Star and moved to Puerto Rico. He fell in love with the island and lived there for the following 19 years. All three of his children were born on the island. In 1985, Jim returned to the United States as a speech-writer for the Puerto Rican President Commissioner Jaime Fuster. He continued to live in Washington, DC until 2021.
Jim was an active member of the National Press Club, the Rainbow Coalition, the Takoma Village Cohousing, the Irish American Unity Conference, and founder of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Montgomery County. Jim was an exceptional person who had a thirst for knowledge, a love of reading, a passion for justice and equity, lived an altruistic lifestyle, was always helpful, and remained extremely humble. He also loved hiking at home and abroad with special hikes including Angel Falls in Venezuela, El Camino de Santiago in Spain, and the West Highland Way in Scotland.
Jim passed away on May 5, 2022, at the Clínica Comfamiliar in Pereira, Colombia.
Images of the McDonough family at the 2023 Hispanic Leadership Awards Gala (HLAG)
Message From
Governor Wes Moore
Proclamations
HCCMC received commendations from the Governor of Maryland, the Comptroller of Maryland, the Montgomery County Executive, and the Montgomery County Council in recognition of the Chamber’s contributions to the county and the state on its 25th anniversary.
Click on the images below to view the proclamations.
