WHAT A YEAR! Many milestones were achieved in 2006. Our first Health Care plan was implemented. Our business educational series increased the capacity of our members to obtain financial and business opportunities. La Oportunidad served more than 5,000 people and had over 200 exhibitors. Career Day and the Scholarship program had more participants than ever; more scholarships were awarded in 2006 than in prior years. Similarly, our annual Golf Tournament had such a phenomenal response that it had to be held on two courses and was sold out for the second straight year. Also very successful were our Annual Awards Banquet and our Installation Luncheon.

Each year since its founding the Latin Chamber of Commerce has improved on its mission to "To develop, advance and promote Hispanics and small businesses, and to enhance the economic, political, social, educational and cultural interests of Hispanics in Nevada." This culminated with the Latin Chamber of Commerce being awarded the best chamber in the United States by the United States Chamber on Commerce on September 23, 2006.

This year, 2007, we plan to further solidify our role as a strong advocate for the Hispanic community and for small businesses by strengthening our traditional programs and exploring new ways to strengthen our community. We will continue to be the artery that feeds information on Hispanic businesses to the general community. We will promote economic growth and will provide support to those individuals who support issues that positively affect Hispanic people and Hispanic businesses. We will also work closely with all of the educational institutions in southern Nevada to ensure that our youth receive a high-quality education.

In closing, I call on all of you to take an active role in our Chamber by serving on one of the Chamber's committees. With your talent, commitment and support our Chamber will continue to excel and maintain its position as the pre-eminent Hispanic organization in the State of Nevada.

Gracias a todos!