Five Questions

Recently installed on the Dominican Advisory Board of Florida by the president of the Dominican Republic, Leonardo García describes himself as a promoter of Southwest Florida.

As executive director of the Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a position he's held since March 2001, he is working to grow the chamber and its ability to assist and influence Latino-owned businesses in the region and around the world.

1. How has the chamber changed under your direction?

The budget [when I started] was $30,000 for the whole year, but I saw the potential for growth. The image [the chamber] had back then was a chamber of social events. Gradually the image has changed. Now our budget is $199,500 [for 2005]. Now when you call the chamber and you have a problem, we are here to help you. The fight is not yours alone; it's our fight.

2. Who uses the chamber's assistance?

Quite a few businesses, and many people who want to look for investment opportunities overseas. Of Latinos looking to open businesses,

the majority are Colombians-professionals looking for opportunities. Companies are promoting Cape Coral big-time in Colombia.

3. What are the current trends for Hispanic-owned businesses?

About four years ago the estimate in the entire region was 10,000 Hispanic-owned businesses. I estimate now that it should be 14,000 to 15,000. [Typical businesses] from Spanish-speaking countries are companies that buy middle to small businesses, or buy products and sell them here, like art.

4. What are the chamber's next challenges?

With the election of the new board, I am going to present the challenge that our top priority is to work on a capital campaign towards owning our own [building]. Another challenge is to find a way to get official data locally. We have generic business statistics, but none specific to Hispanics. Once we have that research we can identify how to help businesses get strong and succeed in our community.

5. Has being appointed to the Dominican Advisory Board brought you insight into that

country's relationship with the United States?

Being appointed with 20 other people in the state of Florida was an honor. The [Dominican Republic] president used to live in New York City and spent some time in Florida. He sees a lot of promise in Dominicans-a lot are very professional.

One of the things I see-looking from far away-is that they are in a situation to be competitive. They are going to tap into [Dominicans] who are holding positions that they see can help not only that country but also the U.S.; opportunities on both sides of the fence.