SENATE RESOLUTION JOYOUSLY CELEBRATING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RHODE ISLAND HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 9 co-sponsors

Senate Resolution 3310 commemorates the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 10th anniversary and acknowledges its role in expanding economic opportunity and access to resou

05/21/2026 Senate read and passed

Summary of: Senate Resolution SR 3310 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose

JOYOUSLY CELEBRATE the 10th anniversary of the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (RIHCC).

Recognizes the organization’s contributions to economic opportunity, business development, and community empowerment for Latino, immigrant-owned, and underserved businesses in Rhode Island.

Acknowledges leadership, impact, and ongoing role in fostering financial inclusion and connecting small businesses with resources.

Key Provisions and Provisions of Change

Formal statement of congratulations from the Rhode Island Senate.

Acknowledgment of RIHCC’s mission and work since its founding in 2016, including:

Support for Latino entrepreneurs, immigrant-owned and underserved businesses.
Expansion of economic opportunity, business ownership, and access to resources and visibility.
Leadership under Oscar Mejias (Founder, President, and CEO/Executive Director).
Evolution from a community initiative to a statewide business support organization with more than 1,150 members.
Focus areas: economic development, entrepreneurship, education, community empowerment, and cultural representation.
Programs and initiatives: Latina Women in Business, Latino Financial Summit, Café con Leche, Gala de la Hispanidad, and other events that celebrate achievement and leadership.
Role in helping businesses access capital and navigate financing, with partnerships (e.g., Papitto Opportunity Connection, Navigant Credit Union) assisting dozens of small businesses.
Support during COVID-19, inflation, workforce challenges, and capital access barriers, including bilingual and culturally appropriate outreach and emergency resources.

Affected Parties

Primary: Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (RIHCC) and its members (over 1,150 listed).

Broader impact on Latino-owned businesses, immigrant-owned businesses, and underserved business communities in Rhode Island.

No regulatory or financial obligation placed on the organization; the resolution serves as formal recognition by the Senate.

The Secretary of State is authorized to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to Oscar Mejias (Founder, President, and CEO of RIHCC).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced in the 2026 session by Senator Lammis J. Vargas (Co-sponsor).

Referred for Immediate Consideration and recommended for immediate consideration on May 21, 2026.

This is a Senate resolution (nonbinding), serving as an official commendation rather than legislation imposing requirements or funding.

Notable Details

Highlights the organization’s measurable impact, including:

Support to hundreds of entrepreneurs and small businesses since inception.
Creation/retention of more than 500 jobs.
Assistance to over 86 small businesses in obtaining or preparing for financing through collaborations with financial institutions and community partners.

Emphasizes ongoing contributions to economic development, visibility, and inclusion for Rhode Island’s Latino community.

Bottom Line

SR 3310 is a ceremonial Senate resolution commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. It publicly acknowledges the organization’s leadership, services, and impact in promoting economic empowerment, inclusion, and cultural representation within Rhode Island’s business landscape. It directs the Secretary of State to provide a certified copy to Oscar Mejias.