HispanicBusiness

Jesus Chavarria, Publisher and Editor, HISPANIC BUSINESS Magazine, to George Herrera, President and CEO, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce --> May 10, 2002

Mr. George Herrera
President and CEO
United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
2175 K Street NW, Suite 100
Washington, DC 20037

Dear Mr. Herrera,

Thank you for your letter dated May 8. It is reassuring to know that the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance of providing factual and accurate information.

Unfortunately, the subsequent passages of your letter would seem to contradict your newfound appreciation for veracity. You state that, “the USHCC is not the organizer, nor do we own, control, or have a seat on the board of NAHAD.” The first claim is demonstrably false. In point of fact, you were among five signatories of a letter dated December 21, 2001, inviting Hispanic auto dealers to attend an USHCC-hosted organizational meeting during the NADA convention in New Orleans.

Furthermore, NAHAD’s purported formation was announced via USHCC news release. (I say purported because no one seems to know anything more about the organization; when contacted by our reporter, for instance, Raul Yzaguirre’s office referred all questions on the matter to USHCC staff, who did not return our phone calls.) If, as you suggest, NAHAD is a distinct entity, why is the USHCC overseeing its public relations efforts?

We stand by our story as printed. That said, I would encourage you to contact the editorial staff of Hispanic Business whenever you have relevant information pertaining to this or any other matter of significance to the U.S. Hispanic community. We take our roles as journalists very seriously and would hope that the USHCC is equally committed to providing timely and factual information.

Sincerely,
Jesus Chavarria
Publisher and Editor
Hispanic Business Magazine