Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce elects new board chair

The Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has elected Erika Velazquez as the new chair of its board of directors.

After two years as the business organization’s director of education, she moves into this new leadership role with the goal of expanding membership, especially in Upvalley cities and American Canyon.

A Napa-born first-generation Mexican American, she is an account executive for insurance brokerage Relation Insurance Services. As an active member of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, she works closely with the local community.

“I want to lead with purpose and listen with respect,” Velazquez said in a statement. “This chamber will be a place where Latino businesses are not only supported, but elevated; not only included, but empowered to thrive. For me, this role is not just a title; it’s about service and ensuring our contributions as Latino business owners are valued and heard.”

The Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce works to promote, support and advocate for Latino-owned businesses in the valley through education, networking and civic engagement. At present, the chamber has about a hundred active members.

Velazquez succeeds Bernie Narvaez as the chamber’s board chair. Narvaez, a councilmember for the city of Napa and owner of Narvaez Insurance Services, took over as the chamber’s board chair in 2019.

He led the chamber through the challenging period that the COVID-19 pandemic brought with it. Providing support to small businesses and nonprofit organizations during that time remains his biggest achievement as board chair, he said.

While stepping down as chair, Narvaez will continue to serve on the board as the government affairs director. In this role, he will focus on legislative advocacy, public policy awareness and strengthening the chamber’s voice at the local, regional and state level.

“I am incredibly proud of our board and excited for Erika as she steps into this role,” he said. “The chamber is stronger today because of the collective work of dedicated leaders, members, and partners. Erika brings vision, integrity, and heart to this position.”

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