Thursday, June 28, 2007

Argentine Native Wins US Army Recognition for Giving Back


On June 21, 2007, Ed Rufo, a native of Argentina who has lived in the US for over 30 years, received the US Army’s Community Service Excellence Award at the ACS Director’s Annual Award Dinner held at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa in the Walt Disney World Resort.

The award recognizes "outstanding" individuals and organizations that provide noteworthy volunteer services contributing to the mission of the Army and to the welfare of the Army’s family in their installations, and support the continued dedicated service to soldiers and families.

Ed Rufo, who currently resides in Clarksville, Tennessee, is President and CEO of Operation Eagle’s Nest (OEN), a nonprofit whose mission is to raise money to support organizations already set up to assist soldiers and their families. Those organizations include:

Army Emergency Relief (AER)
Chaplains Tithes and Offerings Fund
Operation Helping Hand
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
Installation Morale Welfare and Recreation Fund (IMWRF)
Family Readiness Center
Family Readiness Groups
Youth Sports
Teen/Youth Programs
Army Family Team Building
Army Family Action Plan
Installation Volunteer Program
Little Soldier Tree
Respite Child Care
AUSA – Association of the United States Army
Fort Campbell Officers Spouses Club Scholarship Fund

“Operation Eagle’s Nest has been a fountain of hope and support for so many families. Ed gives of this personal time to meet returning flights of Soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a very great and proud American”, says George Heath, Installation Public Affairs Officer at Fort Campbell.

OEN, now in its fourth year of operation, has facilitated more than $300,000 in donations to soldiers and families of Fort Campbell.

Upon presenting Ed Rufo with his award in Orlando, Delores F. Johnson, US Army National Director of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command in Washington D.C., said, “ Mr. Rufo is an invaluable asset to the Fort Campbell Community and to the Army as a whole. Ladies and Gentleman, there are other Ed Rufo’s in every community, all you need to do is go out and find them”.

“It's the dedication of soldiers serving and sacrificing that makes me feel so patriotic”, says Rufo. He's reminded of that every day, especially when he looks at a memorial bracelet given to him recently by Dana Lamberson, a soldier’s widow.

In 2003, at the onset of the Iraq war, Rufo met with other community and business leaders, including then-post commander Gen. David Petraeus, about ways they could support families while the soldiers were away. Many businesses were worried that Army spouses would leave the Fort Campbell area temporarily to go back home like they did in the early 1990s during the first Gulf War. That exodus hit the community and its businesses hard.

The soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and those of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, are known as “Screaming Eagles”. Thanks in part to Operation Eagle Nest and other projects, when about 15,000 soldiers of the 101st left for the Middle East in 2003, most families stayed in Fort Campbell knowing that their nest would be taken care of.

“What an epitome America is, that people from all over can come and truly embrace the strength of the American values”, says Lamberson, “And Ed did just that: he took it and went with it, with the added bonus of his poise, dignity and respect for the American way of life.”

Rufo is also General Manager of James Corlew Automotive Group in Clarksville, and has an extensive history of community service and involvement (please see below).

“I am humbled, honored and excited for such a distinguished recognition”, says Rufo, as he fights back a tear or two. “What a success story about a foreigner who believes in helping others.”

Community Involvements:
- Past Chair, Integrity Institute Foundation, Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee, Inc., 2004 - 2006
- Past Chair, Board of Directors, Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee, Inc., 2005-2006
- Founder, President/CEO of “Operation Eagle’s Nest”, 2003 - Present
- Board of Directors, Fort Campbell Historical Foundation - Wings of Liberty Military Museum 2004-2006
- Clarksville Economic Development Council for the Military Affairs Committee, Member 2001-2007
- Board of Directors, The United Way of Clarksville – Montgomery County, 2001-2006
- Chairman of the Clarksville Athena Award Committee, 2001-2007
- Board of Directors, Clarksville Economic Development Council, Chamber of Commerce 2005-2006
- Board of Directors, Association of United States Army (AUSA), 2005-2006
- Member of the Austin Peay State University Hispanic Cultural Center Advisory Committee 2005-2007
- Past Chairman, Board of Directors, Armed Services USA, YMCA, 2002-2005
- Co-Founder and Spearheaded the Automobile Dealers Business Code of Ethics Program, 2001

Recognitions, Acknowledgments:
- Recipient, US Army Community Service Award for Excellence, 2007
- Recipient, Paul Harris Award, Rotary International for Public Service, 2005
- Recipient, U.S. House of Representatives, Special Congressional Recognition for Public Service, 2005
- Recipient, Secretary of the Army Public Service Award, 2005
- Recipient, Department of the Army Certificate for Patriotic Civilian Service Award, 2004
- Recipient, Artillery Guns Of Glory, 101st Airborne Division Air Assault and Fort Campbell, KY., 2004
- Ambassador of the Year, Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee, 2003
- Recipient, AUSA “Voice of the Army Presidential Award for Excellence”, 2003
- Recipient, “Reverentia Legum Award” in recognition for Ethics in the Marketplace, 2002

ACT NOW - Immigration Votes in Senate!!

June 28th, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:Luis Bustillos Marc Walwyn
Loraine Segovia
Mario Ramos
Yuri Cunza
NAHCC Govt.Relations
615-216-6757 Office
952-216-5737 Fax


ACT NOW - Immigration Votes in Senate!! Take Action!


Last Chance to Keep Immigration Alive in the Senate!!


Senate to Vote on Procedural Votes


The comprehensive immigration reform bill is up this week and will require many votes on procedural motions that could again kill the bill, but this time permanently.This is your last chance to tell Senators to pass immigration reform, and we need to balance the 40 to 1 calls against immigration reform.

Click on "take action" on top right corner of email or bottom of web page, enter your information, and send. It is that simple!!


You can also call your Senate representatives to express your views on this issue.

Let your voice be heard!
Call your Senators today

Call your Senators by using these TOLL FREE telephone numbers:
For instructions in English: 1-800-417-7666For instructions in Spanish: 1-800-882-2005.
TENNESSEE SENATORS:
Lamar Alexander202-224-4944
Bob Corker202-224-3344
You could also give the operator your zip code.

Tell your Senators:We need immigration reform for our businesses, economy and communities. Please work past the problems, bring back to the table workable legislation, do not delay a final vote, and keep the process moving forward.This reform needs to improve the guest worker and employee verification requirements. As a Hispanic (or non-Hispanic) business owner, I will judge Members of Congress for years to come on whether they genuinely helped reform succeed or fail.This is a Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce announcement based in part on a "Call to Action" received from the USHCC. The NAHCC has obtained permission from the USHCC to edit and redistribute this message. The NAHCC is a member of the USHCC.

For additional information about the NAHCC please contact Loraine Segovia or Alejandra Peña by telephone at 615-216-5737 or e-mail: info@nashvillehispanicchamber.com

To learn more about the NAHCC please visit us online at: http://www.nashvillehispanicchamber.com/

The Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)6 non-profit business organization. The NAHCC keeps the highest level of accountability on sponsorship funds received or other corporate contributions. The mission of the NAHCC is to help Nashville become a better place to live, work and visit by creating positive environments conducive to business growth, education, integration, and cultural appreciation. Partnerships with corporate members wishing to fund NAHCC programs and events are subjected to Board of Director's approval and are primarily to support educational causes and/or empower entrepreneurship opportunities as well as mainstream business member initiatives not restricted to the Hispanic enterpreneur or market.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

The Great Inca Rebellion: tonight on PBS

contribution by Cesar A. Muedas

Nashville's Channel 8 will air tonight (7pm CDT) a Nova/National Geographic special that examines a particular chapter in the story of the fall of the Inca empire.
How did the Inca Empire become as vast as the Roman in just over a century? How did less than 150 conquistadors take over the mighty Tawantinsuyo?
If you have to miss some of these answers or the whole show today (and don't get a chance to program your VCR or TiVo) you may catch the webcast version in a couple of weeks directly from the Nova archive online. In the meantime, you can read the candid behind-the-scenes story by Graham Townsley, the show's producer. And for the Ivy League angle, check out the Q&A with Terence D'Altroy, anthropology professor at Columbia University and author of "The Incas".
Furthermore, if you want to befriend a local Peruvian to talk about the show and the rich history behind it, a quick online resource may be the site of the15-month old UPAN (United Peruvian Association of Nashville).
Happy viewing and Que viva el Peru ......!

About Cesar: Born and raised in Lima, Peru, he landed in JFK in August 1986, moved from Houston to Nashville in February 1996, became a US citizen in November 2004, and lives in Davidson county with his wife of 10 years and his 2 children. Cesar is an independent business consultant and is completing his term as first chairman of COPLA (Council of Hispanic parents with children in Metro schools).

Know Your Rights Educational Forum in Shelbyville

ATTENTION SHELBYVILLE!!!

After a successful June 23rd Educational Forum in McMinnville. The Tennessee Human Rights Commission and the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce continue with our "Know Your Rights"series on June 30th in McMinnville.
Thanks to our partners, supporters and volunteers we can inform and help make a better community for all.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: June 25th, 2007Loraine Segovia Luis Bustillos

615-216-6757 Office

952-216-5737 Fax


"NAHCC & THRC team up to educate Hispanic families through Forums"
WHAT: Discrimination. Learn how to protect you and your family from
Employment discrimination, housing, and public accommodations.
Work. Learn about your rights as an employee.

WHO: Frank Guzman, Coordinator of Special Projects
of Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC).
Santiago Rodriguez, TN Labor Department and Workforce
Development

WHEN: June 30, 2007 @ 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Centro de Desarrollo Familiar
100 East Side Square Shelbyville, TN 37160


This event is FREE and OPEN to the public.
For additional information please contact Loraine Segovia or Alejandra Peña by telephone at 615-216-5737 or e-mail: http://www.nashvillehispanicchamber.com/

Special thanks to the following:
Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana - Rev.Hervin Antonio, Patricia Torres.
Centro de Desarrollo Familiar - Centro Latino Y Bedford Bridges
El Paisano - Mauricio Gonzales

"La NAHCC & THRC unen esfuerzos para educar a las familias Hispanas"

QUE: Discriminación. Aprenda a como protegerse y proteger a los
suyos en caso de discriminación en el empleo y la vivienda.
Trabajo. Aprenda cuales son su derechos como trabajador.

QUIEN: Frank Guzman, Coordinador de Proyectos Especiales de la
Comisión de Derechos Humanos de Tennessee (THRC).
Santiago Rodriguez, Departamento de Trabajo de Tennessee

CUANDO: June 30, 2007 @ 5:00 p.m.

DONDE: Centro de Desarrollo Familiar
100 East Side Square Shelbyville, TN 37160

Este evento es GRATUITO y esta ABIERTO al publico.

Para mayor información comuníquese con Loraine Segovia o Alejandra Pena al 615-216-5737 o por e-mail: http://www.nashvillehispanicchamber.com/


####

The Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)6 non-profit business organization. The NAHCC keeps the highest level of accountability on sponsorship funds received or other corporate contributions. The mission of the NAHCC is to help Nashville become a better place to live, work and visit by creating positive environments conducive to business growth, education, integration, and cultural appreciation. Partnerships with corporate members wishing to fund NAHCC programs and events are subjected to Board of Director's approval and are primarily to support educational causes and/or empower entrepreneurship opportunities as well as mainstream business member initiatives not restricted to the Hispanic enterpreneur or market.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Cumberland Region Tomorrow

Six years ago I attended a series of workshops intended to look at the Cumberland Region of Middle Tennessee and Tennessee as a whole. It just so happen that Mr. Fregonese, from Fregonese Calthorpe and Associates www.frego.com happened to have been born in Argentina as well, so we hit it off from the start. It was a great experience and I was able to see that people feel the same way about our region, we live in one of the most diverse and beautiful parts of our country.

As CRT says in its website www.cumberlandregiontomorrow.org “This diversity and beauty are two of our most important assets, whether we consider them from an economic, cultural, environmental or livability perspective. The Cumberland Region - is where we live, share an economy, a transportation network, sports and cultural activities, places to work, and shop, as well as environmental resources. In the global economy, it is our region and state that are competing for new growth and better jobs.”

They continue stating that “at Cumberland Region Tomorrow, we believe that our ten-county region tremendous quality of life is one of our most important attributes that has created and will sustain our long term economic vitality. We also believe that we can preserve our unique communities and beautiful landscapes that are the basis of our quality of life as we accommodate the rapid growth in our region. To do so will require proactive growth planning and collaborative action among many key groups to determine the best locations and approaches for future growth and development. These same groups must then work together for optimal growth to occur.”


CRT’s research … “discovered that current growth trends were destroying the things that citizens of this region value most. The people of the Cumberland Region value their quality of life, which is impacted greatly by this region’s character, heritage, open space, environment, transportation systems, and economic vitality. However, the current growth trends will destroy a significant portion of the land and buildings that define our area. They will be detrimental to our environment and increase the existing problems of our transportation systems. Also, the costs of our current methods of growth will hurt the economies of our communities while taking away the cultural distinctions that bring businesses and new citizens to this region. The decisions that are being made today on how to accommodate the imminent growth of communities will affect the quality of life of every citizen of this region.”

A Toolbox is available at the website www.cumberlandregiontomorrow.org/toolbox.aspx if you are concerned as I am, about out of control growth in our region, please take the time to read it, we can and should do better.

Fabian Bedne

Why Stand Up, Only To Then Lay Down?

By Mack

I couldn't agree less with Eva Melo's post from yesterday. It seems she is calling for the Hispanic Community to voice their collective outrage over drunk driving. I have to ask, why? What exactly does this accomplish? If we allow the xenophobes from talk radio, or, the anonymous comments from some lazily written story in our local rag to define how it is we get "accepted" by mainstream America, then we had all better wear some comfortable shoes, as we will be dancing for quite awhile. Does she not see that we will then have to publicly announce that we are against poor people with TB crossing the border and infecting "Mainstream America"? That logic would have the Irish Community publicly denounce murder if the perpetrator was named Fitzpatrick.

When I was young, the "perception" was that Mexicans were lazy. It only took around 40 years to change that. Now, Mainstream America at least acknowledges that we are hard-working. We didn't change that perception by standing up and proclaiming we were against slackers, we just didn't become slackers. All we need to be is who we are.

It is perfectly fine for leaders in the Hispanic Community to express condolences to the family of the victim, as we grieve with them. However, the ethnicity or legal status of the perpetrator isn't relevant to this tragedy. Would we grieve any less if the crime had been committed by someone named Smith? Of course not.

Lets not play in to the fear-monger's hands.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Stand up and be counted

Kudos and thanks to the City Paper for picking up the always vocal Jose Gonzalez’s comments about drinking and driving deaths and illegal immigrants- City Paper June 19. Jose was dismayed by irresponsibility behind the wheel by members of our community and suggested that education is the best way forward. Thanks Jose.

However, if you read the article on the City Paper website(www.nashvillecitypaper.com) and see the blog comments and opinions the issue has prompted what I fear may be another backlash against immigrants, particularly those from south of the border.

There are those,of course,who will find any excuse to attack another group and find scapegoats. However I believe emphatically that we as a community should take a stand and make it known by everyone that nobody in the Hispanic community in Nashville will tolerate drinking and driving and other criminal activities. We have to stop making excuses about cultural differences and face the issues head on. If we are to win the support of mainstream America we need to be seen to not tolerate illegal activity whether it be gang violence, robbery, drinking and driving, prostitution and particularly those crimes that result in the death of innocent people. If we do not make an issue of this, and condemn our own who refuse to act with responsibilty and concern for others, then don't be surprised when every Hispanic is painted by the mainstream as a potential criminal.

Read the online comments on Jose’s quotes in the City Paper article. The backlash is beginning-let’s deal with this now. I eagerly await everyone's input on this issue.

Eva Melo

Friday, June 15, 2007

Pardon our Amnesty

Posted by Mack

Not that it will matter to the rabid anti-immigration forces, but applying the word amnesty to the proposed immigration bill is factually incorrect. According to Wikipedia:

Amnesty
(from the Greek amnestia, oblivion) is an act of justice by which the supreme power in a state restores those who may have been guilty of any offence against it to the position of innocent persons. It includes more than pardon, in as much as it obliterates all legal remembrance of the offense. (emphasis mine)

Clearly, imposing fines and other "punishments" for this civil infraction in no way resembles the definition or even the spirit of the word amnesty.

That said, I no longer respond to allegations of amnesty by pointing out how wrong it is to apply the term. No, in fact, I now simply ask "well, why not amnesty?"

What part of the amnesty idea is so foreign to the ideals of America? In almost every case, Americans love an underdog. Our movies and novels typically involve some lone hero, fighting overwhelming odds. Don't we find ourselves rooting for him/her to win? The ideas of fairness and compassion appeal to Americans, in no small part because we identify ourselves as a Faith-based society. I do not think it is unreasonable to assume that Jesus surely would have favored bridges instead of walls, and forgiveness over retribution. Even Secularists believe, in the end, that it is "good to do good."

I think many of us have "signed on" to the proposed bill because we desperately want something to be done. A step in the wrong direction is still a step. It breaks the inertia. It requires less energy to correct a ship's course than it does to begin it's journey.

So, we all wait for our elected officials to get to work on this issue, and find a solution that is best for this country. My hope is that enough will find the courage to offer solutions that may at first seem politically risky. I think time will prove that they were the true leaders.





Senate Agrees to Bring Back Immigration Reform Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NAHCC)
Government Relations
615-216-6757 Office 952-216-5737 Fax

CALL CONGRESS NOW AND TELL THEM THAT YOU SUPPORT THEIR EFFORTS TO PASS AN IMIGRATION REFORM BILL NEXT WEEK

"The NAHCC commends Senators Reid, McConnell and the President for showing commitment and leadership by agreeing to revive the immigration reform bill. The critical issue of immigration reform impacts our nation's security, economic future, as well as the lives of millions of undocumented workers and their families.

A joint statement sent to our office by Senator Reid and Mc Connell states: "We met this evening(Thursday 14th) with several of the Senators involved in the immigration bill negotiations. Based on that discussion, the immigration bill will return to the Senate floor after completion of the energy bill."

As the leading Hispanic businesses organization in Nashville, we at the NAHCC are hopeful that our nation's leaders will agree to recognize the need for a realistic, workable immigration legislation that recognizes the labor needs of our country, the imperative need to secure borders, as well as the importance to remain open to international trade and business, Our country needs legislation that respects the rights of immigrant workers and their families.

Contacted this morning by our office both Senators expect the bill to be discussed as early as next week. This is a time in which we all, concerned citizens should exercise our right to tell our government to take inmediate action and set differences aside to pass comprehensive legislation that will bring a solution to an immigration problem that can not longer wait.

We encourage Congress to move forward with comprehensive immigration reform that protects our borders and acknowledges the rights of undocumented workers forced to live in the shadows. A realistic path to national security can be made possible if we approach the issue in a inclusive and embracing manner. The value and contributions made by immigrants to the cultural richness and diversity of this great nation are undeniable, their support and role once given the chance to a lawful presence in our country will lead them back to support and embrace our american values much in need of a unified effort in fighting common challenges".

On behalf of the NAHCC and the Board of Directors

Marc Walwyn
Chairman

Luis Bustillos
Vice-Chairman

Loraine Segovioa
Treasurer

Chalene Helmuth
Secretary

Yuri Cunza
President


Listen to audio message

Let your voice be heard! Call your Senators today

Call our representatives from Tennessee Senators Corker and Alexander and ask them to support the passing of workable legislation that will help resolve this problem once an for all. Ask your Senators to help pass a comprehensive reform bill next week that will keep families united, protect workers rights and respect due process. Ask them to pass an immigration reform that is fair.Many controversial amendments have both passed and failed, and this in turn has complicated the negotiations over the immigration bill. We need you to tell Congress to work past the problems and pass an immigration reform now.
Please call your Senators by using these TOLL FREE telephone numbers:

For instructions in English: 1-800-417-7666 For instructions in Spanish: 1-800-882-2005.
TENNESSEE SENATORS:
Lamar Alexander 202-224-4944
Bob Corker 202-224-3344

Tell our Senators:
We need immigration reform for our businesses, economy and communities. Please work past the problems, vote for sound immigration reform legislation next week, keep the process moving forward, keep our nation united.
.........................................................................................................................................................................
This is a Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce announcement. The NAHCC has joined national efforts in support of the passing of a Comprehensice Immigration Reform. To learn more about the NAHCC please visit us online at: www.nashvillehispanicchamber.com






Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Editorial Says A Lot in a Few Words

Posted by Diana Holland

I usually swing by a store around the corner of my house to pick up The City Paper. I already receive The Tennessean, and sometimes it piles up like dirty laundry – no pun intended! – before I have a chance to read it, but I seldom pass a newspaper without reading it, even if it is 2 weeks later.

Yesterday, I was finally able to read last Friday’s City Paper, and encountered a pretty well written, to the point editorial. It made me nod and then smile. There is hope for immigration, and it is coming soon. The last sentence of this editorial is what made my day yesterday. Read along, and keep your spirits up. This is good news. Saludos.



Extracted from The City Paper - June 8, 2007 Edition

Do not give up on immigration reform

The U.S. Senate and our country’s national leaders have taken another false step in the quest to reform immigration policy in our country. And the matter of America’s millions of illegal immigrants really cannot wait.A far-reaching immigration bill suffered a surprising set-back Thursday when the U.S. Senate failed to pass a procedural motion to limit debate on the legislation, the first sign to a lack of support.Ironically, amid a remarkably partisan atmosphere in Washington, D.C., the deal to reform immigration policy in America was a deal cut between Republican George W. Bush’s White House and Senate Democrats. Most of the Senate's Republicans voted against cutting of debate.The legislation is actual compromise on an issue which has become one of the most divisive of our time. It combines measures to actually get tough on immigration while also creating a realistic path for illegal immigrants to become citizens. It would strengthen our borders and create a new system to prevent companies from employing illegal immigrants. At the same time, the bill would give some 12 million illegal immigrants a path to becoming legal immigrants.Republicans in the Senate argue more time is needed to make the bill tougher with tighter mandates for border security. Some Democrats in the Senate share those concerns.U.S. Senators – including Tennessee’s – do not need to give up on this bill and the promise of compromise it holds. Illegal immigration is a problem that needs to be addressed in a reasonable rational manner. We cannot as a country allow our borders to be open and our immigration laws meaningless. We also cannot as a people enjoy the fruits of immigrant labor while not including them as part of our society.

Link to online editorial: http://nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cfm?section_id=38&screen=news&news_id=56592






Refresh with Argentine Tango Workshops



Tango Nashville will be holding workshops on Saturday, June 16, 2007.
Workshops are progressive, i.e. you can take the beginners and then the intermedite one following it.

Don't forget to wear comfortable clothing and shoes that slide easily with a closed-heel/strap in the heel.

Location for both workshops is:
Global Education Center
4822 Charlotte Pike
Nashville, TN 37209
**Entrance around alley in the back**
For directions, please visit: http://www.globaleducationcenter.net/

Beginner Argentine Tango Workshop
Saturday, June 16, 2007
1:00 to 2:30 PM
Led by Instructors from Tango Nashville's Troupe, this workshop is geared especially to new dancers. It deals with connecting in Tango, and all the basic information needed to understand the Argentine Tango: lead, follow, walk, front and back cross.
Price: $12 for Tango Nashville Members$15 for non-Tango Nashville Members.

Intermediate Argentine Tango Workshop
Saturday, June 16, 2007
2:30 to 4:00 PM
Led by Instructors from Tango Nashville's Troupe, this workshop is for dancers who already posess some experience in Argentine Tango and for more advanced levels who want to explore the fundamentals more deeply. Includes turns and "ochos."
Price: $12 for Tango Nashville Members$15 for non-Tango Nashville Members.

For more information, please contact Diana Holland at 615-889-3390, or visit http://www.tangonashville.com/

Thursday, June 7, 2007

Bring Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill Back to the Table

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: NAHCC
Loraine Segovia
615-216-6757
Take action now, the negotiation is not over !
CALL CONGRESS NOW AND TELL THEM NOT GIVE UP ON IMMIGRATION REFORM!!
A vote of 45-50 against a motion for cloture lead to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to pull the immigration reform bill last Thursday night.

"We are to hold our Senators responsible for the well being, stability and further development of our nation placed on a state of denial of our inherently related labor and immigration reform needs. The same Hispanic population who has been conveniently welcomed to help us grow is now in need of our reciprocity. We are not asking for charity or pity, we ask for what is due. Millions of hard working families who live in the shadows need us to step up for them to get what is fair. This is how we start building a real pathway to national security: By creating a nation in which we all are in, in which we are all equal. In which we all defend the same cause because we know we all belong". Yuri Cunza, President, Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

We are not to lose the hope that maintaining the interest on the issue and expressing our views to our representatives in Congress will lead to workable legislation that respects the rights of immigrant workers and their families. This is a time in which we all, concerned citizens should exercise our right to tell our government about the need for real and immediate solutions to an immigration problem that can not longer wait.
Let your voice be heard! Call your Senators today
Express your views about how they voted. Our representatives from Tennessee both Corker and Alexander voted against cloture. Ask them to no longer delay a final vote to resolve this problem. And ask them to keep working to achieve a comprehensive reform this year that will keep families united, protect workers rights and respect due process. Ask them to pass an immigration reform that is just and fair.

Many controversial amendments have both passed and failed, and this in turn has complicated the negotiations over the immigration bill. We need you to tell Congress to work past the problems and to not give up on immigration reform.

Please call your Senators by using these TOLL FREE telephone numbers:

For instructions in English: 1-800-417-7666
For instructions in Spanish: 1-800-882-2005.


TENNESSEE SENATORS:

Lamar Alexander
202-224-4944

Bob Corker
202-224-3344


You could also give the operator your zip code. Click on the names above to visit your senator web page.

Tell your Senators:

We need immigration reform for our businesses, economy and communities. Please work past the problems, vote for cloture, and keep the process moving forward.

This reform needs to improve the guest worker and employee verification requirements. As a Hispanic business owner, I will judge Members of Congress for years to come on whether they genuinely helped reform succeed or fail.


This is a Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce announcement based in part on a "Call to Action" received from the USHCC. The NAHCC has obtained permission from the USHCC to edit and redistribute this message. The NAHCC is a member of the USHCC.

For additional information about the NAHCC please contact Loraine Segovia or Alejandra Peña Rodriguez by telephone at 615-216-5737 or via e-mail at: info@nashvillehispanicchamber.com
The Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)6 non-profit business organization. The NAHCC keeps the highest level of accountability on sponsorship funds received or other corporate contributions. The mission of the NAHCC is to help Nashville become a better place to live, work and visit by creating positive environments conducive to business growth, education, integration, and cultural appreciation. Partnerships with corporate members wishing to fund NAHCC programs and events are subjected to Board of Director's approval and are primarily to support educational causes and/or empower entrepreneurship opportunities as well as mainstream business member initiatives not restricted to the Hispanic enterpreneur or market.

To learn more about NAHCC programs, events and initiatives please visit us online at: www.nashvillehispanicchamber.com

Monday, June 4, 2007

The Official Language

Guest Post by Sean Braisted

For those of you who decided not to sit through the Democratic debate this Sunday (I was one of those who did not) there was a key moment during the debate where there was near unanimous agreement on an issue; whether or not English should be the "official" language of the United States.

Sen. Mike Gravel, the obligatory rube of the debates, was the only one to raise his hand in support of English as the "official" language. Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton rose in defense of inclusion:



What is funny is that I would be shocked if one person in the GOP debate would raise their hand in opposition to such a move. The differences between the two parties on who welcomes immigrants to the United States, and who spurns them couldn't have been clearer this Sunday. Look for this same question to be asked this coming Tuesday, and look for a disturbingly different result.

Friday, June 1, 2007

Nashville Symphony Presents Rick Treviño in "Streets of Laredo"



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Elaine Wood 615-292-2095
Brenna Davenport-Leigh 615-726-0727
Contact: NAHCC Loraine Segovia 615-216-5737
info@nashvillehispanicchamber.com

Nashville Symphony Presents Rick Treviño in
"Streets of Laredo"
June 6th at Schermerhorn Symphony Center
NAHCC to present Award of Recognition
~Members get 50% from admission~

Celebrating the Hispanic Roots of Country Music with Special Guests, Riders in the Sky, Johnny Rodriquez, Jim Lauderdale and Elizabeth Cook. Show includes tribute to Freddy Fender.

Austin, Texas native Rick Treviño will showcase the diversity of his repertoire, from honky-tonk to Hispanic and beyond, in a special June 6 concert at Nashville Symphony's Schermerhorn Symphony Center as the kick off concert to the Symphony's first ever Target World Music Festival.

Treviño has enjoyed mainstream country success ("She Can't Say I Didn't Cry," "Doctor Time," "Running Out of Reasons to Run") and has explored his Mexican roots with the all-star Grammy award winning ensemble, Los Super Seven. Upcoming for Warner Nashville is a new CD, Whole Town Blue.

The Hispanic influence in country music from "The Streets of Laredo" to "Ring of Fire" to the bolero groove of Brook's and Dunn's "Neon Moon" is prevalent and deep. Rick and his special guests will explore this exciting musical thread, showcasing the contributions of Latin rhythms, song forms and instrumentation to the country music songbook.

Guest artists, Riders in the Sky, the multi Grammy Award winning Western music group whose music is firmly grounded in the rich American music traditions of such legendary cowboys singers as Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and the Sons of the Pioneers-and whose fun-filled performances have enchanted audiences of all ages-are themselves the stuff of legend.

The show will include Rick's tribute to his friend and Los Super Seven member, the late Freddy Fender. There will also be a rare appearance from Johnny Rodriguez, an influential artist who recorded 11 consecutive #1 singles and became a country music super star before his 22nd birthday. Other special guests include Elizabeth Cook and Jim Lauderdale.

The Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NAHCC) is helping to promote this memorable event to Nashville's multi-cultural community. NAHCC board member, Puerto Rican born composer Gil Veda, the Grand Ole Opry's first Hispanic performer, will present Treviño with a Special Award of Recognition on behalf of the NAHCC.

Tickets for "Streets of Laredo" are $10-$35 and can be purchased by calling the Nashville Symphony box office at 615.687.6400 or by visiting www.nashvillesymphony.org

NAHCC members receive 50% their tickets by going by the Schermerhorn Symphony box office or calling 615-687-6400 and mentioning this special offer for NAHCC members.

Parking for all events is free at the SunTrust parking garage located at Fourth Avenue and Commerce.

NAHCC members and media are invited to attent. For additional information please contact Loraine Segovia or Alejandra Peña Rodriguez by telephone at 615-216-5737 or via e-mail at: http://us.f318.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=info@nashvillehispanicchamber.com

To learn more about NAHCC programs, events and initiatives please visit us online at: www.nashvillehispanicchamber.com

The Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)6 non-profit business organization. The NAHCC keeps the highest level of accountability on sponsorship funds received or other corporate contributions. The mission of the NAHCC is to help Nashville become a better place to live, work and visit by creating positive environments conducive to business growth, education, integration, and cultural appreciation. Partnerships with corporate members wishing to fund NAHCC programs and events are subjected to Board of Director's approval and are primarily to support educational causes and/or empower entrepreneurship opportunities as well as mainstream business member initiatives not restricted to the Hispanic enterpreneur or market.




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