Your Chamber Informs-Newsletter
Boletines y avisos
Presidency: Luis E. Pizarro-Otero, Esq.
@Camarapr wishes to keep its members informed of the notices coming from different government and private entities, so it does not endorse or endorse the notices included.
Editions
December 2024
December 17
Chamber leaders approve this immediate and proactive initiative to seek solutions to the Island’s electric system crisis.
San Juan, Puerto Rico, December 16, 2024—The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce (PRCC), through its President and spokesperson, Attorney Luis Pizarro Otero, endorsed the efforts of the Governor-Elect, Hon. Jenniffer González Colón, regarding today’s significant announcement of the creation of the Working Committee for Puerto Rico’s Energy Transformation. This is a critical measure to urgently address the island’s energy infrastructure.
December 10
New Episode of Cámara ACTIVA
In our last program of the year, we discussed key topics in our areas of interest:
Stay Updated with Your Chamber
Attorney Luis E. Pizarro Otero hosted two distinguished guests:
Max J. (Maximiliano) Trujillo, USDA Rural Development State Director
He shared information about the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which offers loans for renewable energy systems in rural areas of Puerto Rico. This program is aimed at SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) in rural zones and farmers seeking to implement renewable and sustainable energy systems.
November 2024
November 26
New episode of Cámara ACTIVA
Stay Updated with Your Chamber
Interview with Attorney Ángel M. Cintrón-Attorney Margaret Ramírez Báez spoke with Attorney Ángel M. Cintrón, President of the Republican Party in Puerto Rico, about the implications of Donald Trump’s government policies on the Island’s economic development. During the interview, Mr. Cintrón shared his professional journey and discussed the party’s efforts in favor of statehood for Puerto Rico. He also outlined key strategies to improve the economy, including tax reductions, streamlining permit processes, and integrating entrepreneurial education starting in elementary school. His optimistic vision highlights the opportunities available under a new administration.
November 20
Our President, Attorney Luis Pizarro Otero, is in Madrid, Spain, this week, participating in important meetings.
On Monday, November 18, he met with the Ministry of Economy of the Government of Spain, followed by a meeting with the Spanish Chamber of Commerce. Both institutions will review our proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the aim of establishing an agreement between the two entities, allowing us to support each other in the near future.
November 12
In this special episode, we are joined by Rodrigo Zavala, president of the Energy and Water Committee, who provided an overview of the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce’s (CCPR) efforts in renewable energy and strategies to address the energy crisis. Zavala noted, “We have not succeeded in executing the available funds for the reconstruction and transformation of our energy system at the speed needed by the people.” He also recalled recent efforts by the CCPR to request that President-elect Donald Trump create a task force that includes the private sector to help resolve this situation.
November 6
With the goal of helping business leaders understand U.S. Congressional legislative processes and the proposals of the candidates for Resident Commissioner, the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce successfully held its forum, Get Informed and Prepare for What’s Coming: Washington 2025, on Wednesday, October 30, at the Caribe Hilton. Experts and leaders presented critical information on legislative processes and lobbying efforts before members of the U.S. Congress to the island’s business sector. The main objective was to prepare private sector attendees for anticipated changes in the federal government following the November elections.
October 2024
October 29
On today’s episode of Cámara ACTIVA
In the first segment of the program, Attorney Luis Pizarro, Javier Llano – Business Consultant and Health Policy Advisor in Washington D.C. – and Prof. Jorge Colberg-Toro – University Professor, former Legislator, columnist for El Vocero,and analyst on Jugando Pelota Dura and Notiuno – presented a 2025 Pre-Election Analysis: Local and Federal as a preview to the forum Entérate y Prepárate para lo que viene: Washington 2025.
October 22
Our Executive Director, Lcda. Liza García, and former President, Hon. Cameron McKenzie, participated last week in the Europe and Asia Summit of the World Chambers Federation, held in Istanbul, Turkey. The event aimed to finalize the business community’s views on climate change ahead of the B20 Summit in Rio on October 24 and the COP29 Summit in Baku on November 11. Discussions included the roadmap to net zero emissions, climate technologies and innovations, and climate finance. Additionally, the first Women’s Network Summit was celebrated, which began operating within the World Chambers Federation.
October 15
Stay Updated with Your Chamber
In today’s episode of Cámara Activa from the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce, Lcdo. Luis Pizarro, live from Washington, and Lcdo. Ramón Pérez Blanco discussed the importance of the private sector having a presence in the federal capital. They highlighted that the Puerto Rican population in the United States has now reached 7 million, making it essential to understand how we can positively influence legislation that impacts our economic and social development. They concluded by inviting the public to participate in the forum Find Out and Get Ready for What’s Coming: Washington 2025, where crucial topics for business owners will be discussed.
October 8
First Meeting of the Network of Businesswomen and Professional Women of the PRCC
Last Wednesday, October 2nd, the Network of Businesswomen and Professional Women of the CCPR (LA RED), chaired by Adienid Múñiz Cotté, successfully held its first meeting at Madeleine Café Bistro to discuss its 2024-2025 work plan. The cocktail meeting featured the participation of CCPR President, Lcdo. Luis E. Pizarro, who shared the CCPR’s priorities and focus for the new fiscal year with a large group of businesswomen and former presidents of LA RED. As Adienid aptly expressed, “Wednesday was a magical night in so many ways. There was connection, empathy, effective communication, and the great opportunity to touch a life that came to show what we can achieve when we lead with humility, authenticity, and heart.”
October 1
Cámara ACTIVA – October 1st: Advocacy in Washington, Hostos Project, Customer Experience Transformation, and Workforce Training Programs
In today’s episode, several key topics were discussed:
Stay Updated with Your Chamber: Attorney José “Che” Julio Aparicio and Agustín Rojo, president of the Puerto Rico Builders Association, discussed the efforts of the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce delegation in Washington – FACES 8.0. During the meetings, they addressed regulatory challenges and the high cost of doing business in Puerto Rico.
September 2024
September 24
Private sector leadership announces new round of meetings with government officials in the federal capital.
San Juan, Puerto Rico, September 17, 2024 – The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce (CCPR) announced the start this week of a new round of meetings with groups of experts and government officials from the executive and legislative branches in the federal capital, to expedite the disbursement of recovery funds allocated to the island. eliminate bureaucratic processes and direct the construction of works necessary for economic development. The leading private sector entity also seeks to streamline the reconstruction of the energy system and identify alternatives from operators that have been successful in other jurisdictions for possible contracting.
September 17
With four sections full of valuable information for business owners and entrepreneurs:
Stay Updated with Your Chamber: Attorney Margaret Ramírez and Clarisa Jiménez, President of the Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association, discussed the Association’s Annual Convention, which will focus on networking, educational seminars, and business opportunities. Additionally, Clarisa shared the history of the Association, which will soon celebrate its 75th anniversary of supporting the tourism industry on the island. She highlighted how, despite recent challenges, the tourism sector has grown and recommended further product development and increasing room capacity to meet rising demand.
September 10
Access today’s episode with four sections of interest for business owners and merchants:
Last Wednesday, September 4, the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce held a Roundtable with members of the U.S. President’s Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunities for Hispanics. The discussion focused on Workforce Development, Career Pathways, and Economic Development.
September 3
Access today’s episode with four sections of interest for business owners and merchants:
Stay Updated with Your Chamber:
Lcdo. Luis Pizarro and Lcdo. Jaime Plá-Cortés, Executive President of the Puerto Rico Hospital Association, addressed crucial topics related to energy and other public policy recommendations. Lcdo. Plá shared his perspective on energy instability from the hospitals’ point of view, highlighting the need for significant investment to establish independent energy systems. He explained how energy alternatives for hospitals differ from those available to the general community, and concluded by inviting the public to the Hospital Association Convention, to be held from October 2 to 4, where these and other relevant topics will be discussed.
August 2024
August 27
On Wednesday, August 21st, the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce and its Membership Committee successfully held the first Business After 6 under the presidency of Lcdo. Luis E. Pizarro at Banesco USA in Hato Rey. Members and guests enjoyed an evening filled with camaraderie. We would like to express our gratitude to Banesco USA for their excellent hospitality and service, as well as the delicious appetizers and beverages that delighted our guests.
Don’t miss the photo video to relive the best moments! And remember to stay tuned to our social media channels so you don’t miss the next event.
August 20
In today’s episode, we are joined by exceptional guests who enrich our segments of interest.
Stay Updated with Your Chamber – Our President, Lcdo. Luis E. Pizarro, and Lcdo. Raúl Candelario, Founder and President of The RCL Group LLC, and Advisor to the President of the CCPR, provided us with an in-depth analysis of the conclusion of the last legislative session in this election year. Raúl also highlighted the importance of the global minimum tax and the urgency of addressing its effects on Puerto Rico.
August 13
Government updates information on the progress of Tropical Storm Ernesto across Puerto Rico
August 6
Brand new episode: Cámara ACTIVA
In today’s episode, we had special guests who provided valuable content in sections of interest to our followers:
Update with Your Chamber – Attorney Luis Pizarro spoke with Paola Morales Carvajal, President of the University Chapters and the Young Entrepreneurs Committee of the CCPR. Paola highlighted how to join the university chapters, which are celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year. She also explained the committee’s objectives, membership requirements, the benefits offered, future plans, which universities have chapters, and how to contact them.
July 2024
July 23
Brand new episode: Cámara ACTIVA
In today’s episode, we had special guests discussing crucial current issues for the country’s entrepreneurs:
Pica y se Extiende: LUMA and the Electrical Service in Puerto Rico
Engineer José “Pepe” Izquierdo, along with Engineer Juan F. Alicea Flores, Energy Consultant at BDJ Energy Services and former president of CIAPR and PREPA, addressed various aspects related to energy instability in Puerto Rico. They discussed how this uncertainty affects everyone and what measures can be taken to solve the problem. Alicea Flores provided examples of similar situations in Long Island and how they were resolved, highlighting the importance of a smart grid and the issues renewable energy is causing in the current electrical system. He concluded by explaining why it is necessary to restore control of the energy system to the country.
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July 16
Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce seeks to influence political platforms to promote the return of Puerto Ricans to the island and facilitate economic development.
In preparation for the November elections, the private sector institution aims to include its proposals to enhance quality of life and foster greater economic development.
[READ MORE]
July 9
Multisector Letter to Judge Laura Taylor Swain Regarding Electricity Rate Increase
We are writing to you as representatives of various sectors of Puerto Rican society to reiterate our strong opposition to further increases in electricity rates to pay off debt bonds of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA).
Many of our organizations, along with nearly 800 individuals, have already submitted objections to the proposed Debt Adjustment Plan (DAP) of PREPA because it will impose an unsustainable burden on our archipelago’s economy and electrical system. We are deeply concerned that PREPA bondholders, emboldened by the recent ruling of the First Circuit Court of Appeals, are pressing for an even greater payment.
[READ MORE]
July 2
Private Sector Associations File Legal Action to Halt Implementation of New Minimum Wage Increase
San Juan, PR – July 1, 2024 — In a significant move, six private sector associations have joined forces to file a legal action in the San Juan First Instance Court to halt the implementation of the new hourly minimum wage, scheduled to take effect tomorrow, July 1. The petition requests the Court to stop the current minimum wage increase to $10.50 per hour.
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