“The whole point is to represent our Hispanic business owners’ needs, which are a little bit different,” added Leyva.
The HBA emerged in 2020 as a vision of Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Marnie Uhl, inspired by her upbringing in diverse San Diego. During the pandemic, Uhl collaborated with Lisa Raygoza, director of Hispanic Initiatives and Outreach Programs at Yavapai College, to visit and thank local Hispanic businesses for their community contributions. This gesture of appreciation evolved into the foundation of an association dedicated to empowering Hispanic entrepreneurs.
By 2021, the idea of forming an official organization under the chamber’s umbrella gained momentum. HBA leaders began actively engaging Prescott Valley’s Hispanic business community, eventually visiting 65 businesses this year. “We wanted to keep it simple yet impactful,” Uhl said.
From the beginning, the HBA focused on inclusivity, emphasizing that the goal wasn’t separation but integration. Former Prescott Valley Councilmember Lucy Leyva explained, “This is about connecting Hispanic businesses with the wider business community, exchanging resources and growing together.”
From Vision to Action
The HBA formally launched in 2022 with grant support from Arizona Public Service and Credit Union West. The group now boasts 38 members and hosts culturally relevant programs like “Café y Conversaciones” and bilingual financial and marketing workshops.
In June 2023, the HBA hosted its first Fiesta Mixer, inviting Hispanic businesses to learn about its mission. The event was held at The Warehouse, owned by Leyva, a former Prescott Valley Councilmember, whose personal dedication reflects the HBA’s mission.
The group also played a pivotal role in growing events like Fiesta del Pueblo and Puente de la Comunidad, fostering cultural celebration while strengthening ties between the Hispanic community and local institutions.
Meeting Unique Needs
Recognizing the culture and traditions of many Hispanic entrepreneurs, the HBA shifted its programs to encourage participation. “A lot of people are working all day in family businesses, so ‘Lunch and Learns’ and morning breakfasts don’t work. We had to do more evening things,” Uhl said.
“The whole point is to represent our Hispanic business owners’ needs, which are a little bit different,” added Leyva. “Sometimes people need Spanish speaking resources or knowledge about where to go to get things done.”
This year’s Día de los Muertos celebration, organized in collaboration with the Fain Signature Group, exemplified the HBA’s mission to unite the community. The successful event featured mariachi music, traditional foods and local talent. Meanwhile, plans are in the works to enlarge the celebration next year.
HBA President Blanca Pennington said the association came to fruition because of Uhl. “We were all in different places and she brought this together and made it happen.”
Uhl said Lisa Raygoza also was a catalyst. “She really supported this vision from the beginning. We were looking at how we could support Yavapai College with the business community and help Hispanic community members understand that they can go to college right here and still support their family businesses.”
Looking Ahead
The HBA has ambitious plans for 2025, with a focus on creating more events that celebrate Hispanic culture while building bridges with the larger community. “We are all so different, but we come together like a puzzle,” said Pennington. “We do life together now.”
“The bottom line,” Uhl said, “is that all of these businesses contribute to a strong local economy and prosperity in Prescott Valley.” QCBN
By Heidi Dahms Foster, QCBN
For more information about the Hispanic Business Association and a directory of members, visit pvchamber.org/hispanic-business-association.
Courtesy Photo: Key supporters of the Hispanic Business Association include Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Marnie Uhl, Prescott Maid to Order and The Warehouse owner Lucy Leyva, HBA President and State Farm agent Blanca Pennington, Designs by Chavez owner April Chavez, HBA Vice President and Alianza Spanish News Co-founder/Publisher Rosanna Feyerabend and Yavapai College Director of Hispanic Initiatives and Outreach Programs Lisa Raygoza.
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