Welcome Center kicks off 'working together' effort

By Mia Simpson | Austin Daily Herald

Published Monday, September 8, 2008

The Welcome Center will seek to connect Latino business owners with the wider business community though an effort called “Latino Businesses Working Together.”

Aiming to establish internal networks as well, coordinator Miguel Zarate will assemble businessmen in communities including Austin, Albert Lea and Owatonna in hopes of facilitating relationships and more growth opportunities.

“They didn’t know that they could go to the Main Street Project and talk about loans for their business,” Zarate said.

“This workshop is about what is going on in the area,” he added.

Photo by Eric Johnson

Miguel Zarate, of the Welcome Center in Austin, stands outside El Mariachi Thursday afternoon. Zarate is helping to spearhead a new effort through the Welcome Center called "Latino Businesses Working Together."

Tentatively scheduled for early October, Zarate said he has invited Austin Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sandy Forstner and Main Street Project coordinator Sarah Douty to speak to the group.

Forstner said he welcomes the effort.

“Miguel seems to have a pretty good vision, and got us involved early, and we’re looking forward to it,” he said. “We’d certainly benefit from their participation.”

Currently the only Latino business that belongs to the chamber is El Mariachi, a Main Street Mexican restaurant.

Forstner said the benefits of being a chamber member include more visibility, referrals, business contacts and advocacy.

“We advocate and promote business interests in Austin,” he said.

Zarate said there are 14 Latino businesses operating in locally; they can expect letters soon about the group.

“I want them to meet each other and see if they can help each other,” he said. “That’s my goal, and that’s what I want to do with this program.”

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