Mission
The mission of the Salvadoran American Chamber of Commerce is to connect, educate, bring opportunities, and inspire individuals and businesses in the Salvadoran American community. Through our nonprofit organization, we strive to create a supportive network that fosters growth, innovation, and collaboration. Our goal is to empower Salvadoran Americans to achieve their full potential by providing access to resources, education, and mentorship. We believe that by working together, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and our community.
Vision
The Salvadoran American Chamber of Commerce envisions itself as a global catalyst that brings unlimited opportunities to its members and partners worldwide. We strive to be a trusted fountain of resources, knowledge, and connections in the DMV (Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) area and beyond, providing a platform for businesses to thrive and succeed. Our goal is to connect nationwide, promoting a vibrant community of Salvadoran American entrepreneurs and professionals who share a common passion for innovation, growth, and excellence.
Our History
Chamber is Established in 2001
The Salvadoran American Chamber of Commerce of the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area (SACOC) was founded in 2001 as a non-profit business organization. The founders were part of a coalition of entrepreneurs whose sole purpose was to create a unified organization to promote trade, investment, and joint ventures.
In 2009
Mr. Henry Bonilla, a widely recognized entrepreneur within the local business community, became
the Chamber’s fifth president. As a diligent businessman serving major corporations and government agencies, he is aiming to re-establish the Chamber’s importance to the local community as a leader in
assisting the high quality. Mr. Bonilla focused his efforts on expanding international trade opportunities for the organization’s members while enhancing the representation of society’s interest in the Salvadoran business community
In 2014
Mr. Carlos A. Romero, a renowned economist, business owner, Wall Street trader and former Bank Advisor for The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in London, U.K., was named the Chamber’s sixth. Mr. Romero is frequently interviewed on CNN International, Univision and RT on matters relating to international financial markets and investments. Mr. Romero’s mission was to increase the Chamber’s national footprint in the U.S.A. and to establish bilateral economic relationships with our counterpart business owners in El Salvador. Hence, leveraging our mutual economic strength to enhance the prosperity and the wealth of Salvadoran-owned businesses while solidifying the probabilities of business success for the current and next generation of Salvadoran American business owners.
In 2017
Mr. José Campos, is an attorney licensed in Maryland. His practice concentrates in Immigration, Traffic, and Bankruptcy Law. He represents clients before both the U.S. Citizen and Naturalization Service
(USCIS), the Immigration Courts, and before the Maryland Courts in Criminal and Civil matters. Was named the Chamber’s seventh and current president. Mr. Campos also represents clients who file for bankruptcy protection before the Federal Bankruptcy Court. Mr. Campos owns The Law Offices of Campos & Associates in Silver Spring, MD. He is dedicated to helping the immigrant community and likes working with clients from different cultural backgrounds.
In 2021
Juan Umanzor's Presidency
The Chamber’s goal is to evolve with the changing times. The Covid-19 pandemic impacted all sectors of life, and the world is slowly starting to recover. The current President, Juan Umanzor, businessman, real estate agent, and investor has been working diligently since March of 2021. During this short time with his leadership, the chamber has been able to grow ties within the local community, add 7 new ambassadors, grow the board of directors from 7 to 15 members, partner with Chambers nationwide, and incorporate monthly events to empower our community.
President Umanzor along with its new board of directors’ target is to create a unique non-profit organization operating with strong local memberships and a first-rate international network that can effectively serve the Salvadoran American business community in bridging the gap in resources needed to meet the regulatory and fiscal challenges in the current economic climate.