History
In 2009, Maria Conchita Mendez and Dr. Leida Javier-Ferrell met with some local businessmen to propose forming a professional Hispanic Business organization. With a group of professionals and a vision of network and service, and the support of the Alabama Port Authority and the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, among other businesses, The Hispanic American Business Association of the Gulf Coast was born.
The first official meeting of the Hispanic American Business Association was hosted by Ralph Hargrove, President of Hargrove and Associates. A group of Directors volunteered to take the helm of this new organization under the leadership of Manny Estrada, VP of International Shipping. The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce hosted many meetings and provided support in the management of membership and other administrative procedures. In 2010, the first annual meeting was hosted and sponsored by the Battle House Hotel downtown Mobile, under the initiative of Mariluz Hilbun. With the attendance of over 100 people at the Crystal Ballroom, local Hispanic businesses and organizations that support the Hispanic community were recognized.
In the last years, HABAGC has organized several successful meetings and conferences including economic development conferences around doing business with Panama, Cuba, Pemex in Campeche Mexico and discussion conferences with business leaders such as the top executives of Airbus. Funds collected in these activities have been dedicated to providing scholarships to college-bound Hispanic students and support to the community.
Mission
“To foster Hispanic economic and cultural development and to create sustainable prosperity for the benefit of the Gulf Coast region.”