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

James “Jim” McDonough was born on February 7, 1939 in Huntington, NY, to Mary (Née Fallon) and Walter McDonough. He received his BA in Philosophy from Villanova University in 1960. He then received his MA in Philosophy from the University of Toronto in 1962. In June 1961, Jim joined the Freedom Rider movement. He was a rider on one of the buses that was detained in Mississippi, where he spent three months at Parchman Penitentiary. This became a significant event in his life and sparked a lifelong interest in civil rights.

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 ClĂ­nica 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.

Hispanic Business Foundation

Upcoming Events

Previous Events

Minority Contractor Summit

Hispanic Leadership Awards Gala

Minority Legislative Breakfast