The original Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Colorado Springs was founded in 1988 and incorporated in 1989 in a response to promote and assist minority-owned small business development, specifically Hispanic - owned businesses in the Colorado Springs area. Founders, Lionel Rivera, first Hispanic Mayor of Colorado Springs, Fred “Johnny” Garcia, Henry Quintana, Patricio Smith, and Rudy Trujillo provided the passion, commitment, and dedication to build the Hispanic Chamber. This handful of eager and energetic business entrepreneurs provided the vision, platform, and structure of what was known as the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Colorado Springs.
In 2004, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce named the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Colorado Springs, Medium Hispanic Chamber of the Year, Region ll. From 2005 and beyond, the Chamber continued to evolve and worked to foster business support to small businesses and Hispanic-owned businesses. In 2007 under the leadership of President and CEO, Joe Aldaz, the Hispanic Chamber hosted one of its largest galas with over 500 guests featuring the legendary Latino actor, Esai Morales as keynote speaker and the King of New Mexico music, Tobias Rene. In 2009 after 20 years of providing support to small minority businesses in the region, the Chamber ended its services.
In January 2016, local Hispanic entrepreneurs led by Anthony Perez, Gene Sanchez, Steven Sanchez, and Cory Arcarese resurrected the Hispanic Chamber as the Concilio Hispano de Empresas de Colorado Springs affectionately known as "The Concilio." The Concilio is a noble grassroots effort to launch and grow small businesses and Hispanic-owned businesses, but also serve as a resource to all businesses in the Pikes Peak region.
In June 2018 under the leadership of Joe Aldaz, the Hispanic Chamber membership has increased by 89% with revenue increasing by over 95%. The Hispanic Chamber was recognized by the Association of Colorado Chambers of Commerce with the 2019 Largest Increase in Membership and Best Idea Awards. Subsequently, the Concilio added the tagline “The Hispanic Chamber” The organization is now known as The Colorado Springs Hispanic Business Council - The Hispanic Chamber.
Over the past 33 years, the number of Colorado Springs Hispanic owned businesses has increased significantly and with Hispanics as the largest minority group in the Colorado Springs area, this phenomenal growth signifies a more diverse marketplace.
In 2021, the Hispanic Chamber hosted its inaugural La Vida in partnership with the Country Club of Colorado at Cheyenne Mountain Resort, an outdoor summer soiree celebrating the Latino culture with featured guest, “The Latino James Bond,” Alejandro de Hoyos with over 300 guests.
