Mr. Merida has an unparalleled record of leadership and achievement with a deep commitment to business and community service. His track record and accomplishments meet the high standards that are required to serve as the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Vice-Chair for the Southern Region.

Business Commitment

Hugo served as a top Officer with numerous organizations. His dedication to the business community transcends twenty years of experience in International Finance, Business Administration. Mr. Merida established business relationships with numerous insurance companies, investment bankers, credit companies, as well as private sector companies for the purpose of providing successful investments in the Latin American region.  

From the Public Accountant to President   

Mr. Merida graduated from the Guatemala Commercial Science School as a Public Accountant and attended California State University majoring in Business Administration. He has been a practicing accountant, by trade for more than thirty years. 

Hugo played a key role in promoting foreign trade in addition to sponsoring investment projects between California and Latin America. These accomplishments paved the way for the signing of the Mutual Cooperation Agreement between the Federation of Central American Chambers of Commerce (FECAMCO) on the year 2000. Subsequent, agreements were signed with the Central America Chambers of Commerce, the Guatemala Chamber of Commerce of Guatemala CA and The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce early this year.

Mr. Merida is a former President and Founder of the Guatemala California Chamber of Commerce. He also served in the following capacities:

• Chairman / CEO for USA-Central American Trade Expo and Conferences for the last 4 years. 
• Executive Director for the Central American Chambers of Commerce in California, 1999-2002
• Board of Directors of the CHCC, Southern Region during the 1999-2001
• President of Central American Relief Foundation, since 1991 to present
• President/ CEO-Elect of The Los Angeles Metropolitan Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, 2002 to present
• International Trade Committee Chairman appointed by the Executive Board to serve during the Administration of Madam Chair Woman Melinda Guzman-Moore. 2001 to present
• Appointed by the President of the Republic of Guatemala as Vice Consul Ad Honorem in Los Angeles, California, USA  February 2004 to present

Hugo’s tenure as Advisor/Director for these organizations, have provided him an unrivaled understanding and sensitivity for the needs of the California Markets. This is also combined with the knowledge of what the Latin American countries have to offer. Therefore, he is the right person to lead our Hispanic businesses and assist in providing the much needed technical assistance to other organizations whose mission is helping Latinos in United States.