The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Granted Observer Status at World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

Washington, D.C. | December 5th, 2025 - The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC) has been granted Observer Status with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This recognition adds an important international dimension to our work and strengthens our ability to support Puerto Rican entrepreneurs, businesses, and partners as they navigate the global intellectual property landscape.

With this designation, NPRCC can attend WIPO assemblies, committee meetings, and other official sessions where intellectual property policies are discussed and shaped. Observers do not vote, but they can follow developments closely, contribute perspectives, and engage with the organizations and experts who help guide the direction of global IP systems. This access keeps our stakeholders informed on trends in patents, trademarks, copyrights, technology transfer, creative industries, and other areas central to today’s economy.

WIPO offers a range of services that help innovators and creators protect their work across borders, along with programs focused on emerging technologies, global IP data, and capacity building for businesses and governments. By taking part in these conversations, NPRCC will be able to strengthen the guidance we offer our stakeholders and expand the educational resources we provide on IP protection, registration, and enforcement. Our observer role also opens the door to networking and collaboration with both public and private sector partners, giving Puerto Rican companies greater visibility and a stronger voice in matters that affect their growth.

“Gaining Observer Status at WIPO is a significant milestone for us. It gives our stakeholders a seat at the table where global IP issues are addressed and opens up resources that can help them protect and grow their ideas,” said NPRCC Executive Director Joel Berrocal.

In the months ahead, NPRCC will take part in WIPO committees and assemblies, host briefings and events, and explore opportunities to bring more Puerto Rican professionals into these conversations under our banner. This role also positions us to engage government partners and the private sector as we look at long term strategies that could strengthen Puerto Rico’s presence in global innovation and intellectual property policy.

NPRCC remains committed to supporting Puerto Rican businesses through advocacy, education, and practical resources. This new relationship with WIPO is another step forward in ensuring that Puerto Rican creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs are represented in the international arenas where ideas, technology, and commerce intersect.

About NPRCC

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization created to support the development of entrepreneurship, innovation, and business expansion throughout Puerto Rico and the U.S. Mainland by providing a comprehensive resource for incubating business ideas, leveraging new markets, taking advantage of new opportunities, and advocating for policies that help our communities grow. We are the bridge between Puerto Rico and the U.S.

About WIPO

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is the United Nations agency that serves innovators and creators around the world. It provides services that help them protect and promote their intellectual property across borders and serves as a forum for addressing IP issues that shape the global economy. Its data and information help guide decision makers, and its programs and technical support ensure that the benefits of IP reach people everywhere.

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OPINION: Puerto Rico’s Golden Opportunity: Why They Should Embrace a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

Puerto Rico stands at a crossroads. The island has weathered a debt crisis, hurricanes, and economic stagnation, yet its resilience and entrepreneurial spirit endure. Now, a bold idea is gaining traction globally, one that could transform its financial future: a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR). There is belief this is not just an opportunity but a necessity for Puerto Rico to secure its place in the 21st-century economy.

More than 28 states have introduced proposals that would allow their treasuries to allocate a portion of public funds to Bitcoin. Of these, 15 bills have advanced to the House of Representatives, where they are now undergoing committee review to shape their legal frameworks. Puerto Rico has an opportunity to lead in this movement, setting a precedent for innovative financial policy in the U.S. and beyond.

Imagine Puerto Rico holding a modest reserve of 3,000 Bitcoin, acquired at today’s prices. If Bitcoin’s value climbs as it has historically, say, from $80,000 to $200,000 per coin by 2030, that’s a $360 million windfall. This isn’t speculative fantasy; it’s a calculated move based on a decade of data. That money could rebuild schools, repair roads, or chip away at the island’s $70 billion debt, real solutions for real challenges.

The benefits go beyond balance sheets. Puerto Rico’s unique status as a U.S. territory, paired with Act 60’s tax incentives, already attracts crypto investors. An SBR would amplify this, signaling to the world that Puerto Rico is open for business in the digital age. Blockchain startups, tech talent, and global capital would flow to San Juan, creating jobs and revitalizing its economy. Puerto Rico could become the Caribbean’s bridge between traditional U.S. finance and the frontier of decentralized assets.

Critics will point to Bitcoin’s volatility, and they’re not wrong to be cautious. Prices swing, sometimes sharply. But a long-term strategy, holding for 10 or 20 years, smooths out those bumps. Look at El Salvador: they’ve bought and held through dips, betting on the future. Puerto Rico can do the same, starting small with 1,000 or 5,000 BTC, funded through budget allocations or innovative tools such as a “Puerto Rico Bitcoin Bond.”

This isn’t just for the wealthy. Bitcoin can empower our communities. An SBR could fund education programs, teaching Boricuas how to use digital wallets, or expand a crypto ATM network. Imagine a fisherman in Loíza paying a supplier with Bitcoin from his phone, or a tourism board accepting it at El Yunque. Financial inclusion, so elusive after Maria, becomes tangible.

Of course, challenges loom. Federal regulations, as a U.S. territory, will require deft navigation. Security demands ironclad custody, think multi-signature wallets, not dusty vaults. And we must address skepticism from those who see crypto as a “colonizer’s game.” Transparency is key: every dollar of profit must benefit Puerto Ricans, not just outsiders. The NPRCC stands ready to advocate for a plan that puts our people first.

Picture this future: By 2030, Puerto Rico’s SBR isn’t just a nest egg, it’s a catalyst. Local businesses opt into it, holding their own Bitcoin under a government-backed umbrella. Tourists pay with digital wallets at beaches. A new Digital Asset Authority oversees it all, ensuring accountability. Puerto Rico not just surviving; but thriving, a model for the world.

Puerto Rico has always punched above its weight. An SBR could be its next big swing, a chance to turn adversity into advantage. It’s ambitious, yes, but isn’t that Boricuas are? Let’s seize this moment. The island deserves nothing less.

Joel Berrocal serves as the Executive Director of The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC.) The NPRCC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization created to support the development of entrepreneurship, innovation, and business expansion throughout Puerto Rico and the U.S. Mainland by providing a comprehensive resource for incubating business ideas, leveraging new markets, taking advantage of new opportunities, and advocating for policies that help our communities grow.

Verizon offers flexible payment arrangements for Federal workers, military, first responders

Our partners at Verizon are offering support to federal employees, members of the U.S. Military and Coast Guard, and first responders affected by the ongoing government shutdown. If you need more time to pay your Verizon bill, you can call 1-800-Verizon to discuss payment deferral options. Verification of federal or military employment will be required.

As Verizon CEO Dan Schulman shared, “We will keep them connected.”

OPINION: Portela, Cutting interest rates will unleash America’s economy

NPRCC Board Member Gus Portela makes the case in this opinion piece featured in The Detroit News that cutting interest rates would ease the burden on families, boost consumer spending, and give businesses the room they need to grow. At the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, we support policies that aim to unlock opportunity for both Main Street and Wall Street.

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Raul "Danny" Vargas to Board of Directors

We are proud to welcome Raul “Danny” Vargas to the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Danny is an accomplished business and community leader, U.S. Air Force veteran, and nationally recognized advocate who has spent his career breaking barriers and creating opportunities. Named among the “101 Most Influential Latinos” in America by Latino Leaders Magazine for four consecutive years and one of the “Most Influential People in D.C.” by Washingtonian Magazine, Danny brings a wealth of experience in business, policy, and public service.

As Founder and President of VARCom Solutions, Danny has led a nationally recognized marketing and public affairs firm, while also dedicating himself to causes that uplift Latino communities. He has chaired and led major organizations such as the Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino, the American Latino Veterans Association, and the Virginia Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

His decades of work in economic development, veterans’ advocacy, workforce initiatives, and civic engagement make him a powerful addition to our leadership team. We are honored to have Danny join the NPRCC Board and look forward to working together as we continue strengthening opportunities for Puerto Rican and Latino entrepreneurs across the country.

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Gustavo “Gus” Portela to Board of Directors

We are excited to welcome Gustavo “Gus” Portela to the NPRCC Board of Directors. Gus brings over a decade of expertise in communications, public affairs, and strategic messaging, having worked with ambassadors, legislators, a U.S. Governor, and one of the nation’s top city governments. His leadership spans municipal government, national advocacy campaigns, and policy work in Washington, D.C., with a focus on issues that matter to the Puerto Rican community.

A proud Puerto Rico native raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Gus now lives in San Diego with his wife and son. We look forward to his leadership and the impact he will make as we continue our mission to empower businesses and professionals across the United States and Puerto Rico.

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Paul McCulloch-Otero to Board of Directors

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Paul McCulloch-Otero has joined our Board of Directors.

Paul is a New York licensed attorney and information systems architect with more than 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, technology, and privacy. As Managing Partner of NYC CyberLaw Group, PLLC, and Managing Member of Cybercheck LLC, he advises clients in banking, finance, healthcare, and government on regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and innovation.

His career includes leadership roles at J.P. Morgan, the U.S. Department of State, and a successful RegTech/FinTech startup he founded and exited. Paul also serves as Chair of the Puerto Rico KnowledgeNet Chapter of the IAPP and mentors technology entrepreneurs.

We look forward to his expertise and leadership as we continue advancing Puerto Rican businesses.

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce statement on Most Favored Nation Executive Order

Washington D.C. - August 12th, 2025 -  The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC) supports efforts to reduce healthcare costs for American families. Proposals that rely on importing foreign price controls risk undermining the innovation and investment that power our domestic life sciences sector.

Rather than shifting pricing power abroad, reforms should focus on addressing the real cost drivers here at home—especially the growing share taken by intermediaries such as PBMs and insurers. Ensuring that more of every dollar spent on medicine goes directly to patients will deliver greater affordability without sacrificing access to future cures.

As the United States continues to lead in biopharmaceutical innovation, it is essential that policy reinforces—not disincentives—domestic manufacturing and investment, which support jobs and strengthen supply chain resilience.

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Rafael “Ray” Collazo to Board of Directors

We’re excited to welcome Rafael “Ray” Collazo to the NPRCC Board of Directors. Ray is the Executive Director of the UnidosUS Action Fund and Action PAC. He also serves as Senior Director of Political Campaigns for UnidosUS, the largest Latino civil rights organization in the country.

He has spent his career building coalitions, shaping policy, and leading voter engagement efforts that empower Hispanic communities. In 2024, his work helped mobilize over 500,000 Latino voters nationwide. Originally from Philadelphia, Ray is a proud Puerto Rican, a dedicated husband and father, and a respected national voice in political advocacy. He also hosts Bomba Live!, a podcast focused on Latino political and cultural issues.

We are honored to have Rafael bring his experience, energy, and passion to our leadership team. Please join us in welcoming him to the NPRCC Board of Directors.

ATO Prime Ya Está abierto Para Aplicaciones!

Las puertas ya están abiertas para ATO Prime, un programa diseñado para impulsar negocios establecidos que están listos para crecer con capital flexible y apoyo estratégico.

Si tu empresa ya genera ingresos, puedes recibir entre $5,000 y $50,000, sin colateral y sin ceder participación. Además, cuentas con un período de gracia de 3 a 6 meses antes de comenzar a pagar.

Solicita ya y lleva tu empresa al próximo nivel.

OPINION: Puerto Rico’s Power Crisis: Small Businesses Need a Reliable Future

In this op-ed, NPRCC Executive Director Joel Berrocal outlines the urgent need for change and the steps we must take to support Puerto Rico’s business community. Small business owners across Puerto Rico are dealing with unreliable power, rising costs, and a lack of transparency. These are not just inconveniences. They are roadblocks to growth and long-term survival.

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Lorena Molina-Irizarry to Board of Directors

The NPRCC is excited to welcome Lorena Molina-Irizarry, Founder and CEO of 1iLabs, as the newest member of the Board of Directors at the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce.

She leads 1iLabs with a mission to transform regional ecosystems into engines of sustainable economic growth. Her work focuses on building partnerships across government, academia, industry, and social sectors to drive innovation and expand opportunity in the digital economy.

Lorena brings deep experience from her time as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Census Bureau, and the White House. In these roles, she advanced economic growth strategies for Puerto Rico, improved data and governance systems, and supported the implementation of the American Rescue Plan.

As co-founder of the Census Open Innovation Labs, she helped launch public-private initiatives that promoted open data, civic tech, and informed decision-making at all levels.

Lorena has spent her career building bridges across sectors to solve complex problems. Her leadership will be a valuable asset as the Chamber continues to support Puerto Rican entrepreneurs, advocate for pro-growth policies, and strengthen our national network.

Please join us in welcoming Lorena to the NPRCC Board of Directors.

NPRCC and Puerto Rico Energy Forum (PREF) Join Forces to Tackle Island’s Energy Crisis

The NPRCC is proud to announce a new partnership with the Puerto Rico Energy Forum (PREF) to confront one of the most urgent challenges facing Puerto Rico today: energy.

Through this collaboration, we’ll host community events, lead virtual workshops, and advocate for real solutions to improve energy reliability and sustainability across the island.

Together with PREF’s expertise and our national network of business leaders, we aim to create a space for real conversation and action. As NPRCC Executive Director Joel Berrocal put it:

“The energy crisis in Puerto Rico isn’t just a technical issue. It’s a humanitarian and economic one.

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce statement on Most Favored Nation Executive Order

Washington D.C. - May 21st, 2025 -  The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC) supports efforts to reduce healthcare costs for American families. Proposals that rely on importing foreign price controls risk undermining the innovation and investment that power our domestic life sciences sector

Rather than shifting pricing power abroad, reforms should focus on addressing the real cost drivers here at home—especially the growing share taken by intermediaries such as PBMs and insurers. Ensuring that more of every dollar spent on medicine goes directly to patients will deliver greater affordability without sacrificing access to future cures.

As the United States continues to lead in biopharmaceutical innovation, it is essential that policy reinforces—not disincentives—domestic manufacturing and investment, which support jobs and strengthen supply chain resilience.

NPRCC Supports President Trump’s Executive Order on Drug Pricing & Urges Action on the EPIC Act

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce stands with President Trump’s Executive Order to correct a harmful flaw in the Inflation Reduction Act that unfairly penalizes small-molecule (oral) medications—lifesaving drugs relied on by countless Latino seniors and working families. Currently, these drugs face price negotiations 4 years earlier than biologics, steering innovation away from affordable options our communities depend on.

We urge Congress to fix this injustice by passing the bipartisan EPIC Act—a commonsense solution that restores fairness, lowers costs, and promotes better health outcomes for all.

Read our full statement:

NPRCC Leaders Meet with Sen. Carmelo Ríos to Advance Tech Innovation in Puerto Rico

This week, NPRCC Board Member Laura Maristany and our VP of Small Business Development, DJ Lampitt, had the opportunity to meet with Senator Carmelo Rios to discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence and technology in Puerto Rico’s economic future.

Together, we explored ways to foster innovation, encourage collaboration, and create opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses across the island.

Stay tuned for exciting events, workshops, and initiatives aimed at empowering our communities through tech and innovation. 🚀 #GrowPR

Uncorrelated Puerto Rico - 2025: A New Era for Caribbean Alternatives

🎉 A Huge Thank You from the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce! 🇵🇷 🌍

We were honored to have co-hosted Uncorrelated Puerto Rico & the Caribbean 2025, and what an incredible inaugural event it was! Over 450+ attendees joined us across two unforgettable days—featuring powerful panels, meaningful connections, and vibrant celebrations. From the Sunset Reception & Opening Cocktails to the Big Party at La Factoría, the energy and engagement from the on-island alternatives community and our network abroad made this gathering truly special.

We're grateful to the investors, fund managers, family offices, and ecosystem leaders who came together to build bridges across Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and the mainland. #GrowPR

NPRCC Joins “Building a Workforce Strategy for a Strong Digital Economy in Puerto Rico" Roundtable

The NPRCC team was proud to participate in the recent Digital Empowerment Roundtable hosted by our partners at Friends of Puerto Rico focused on “Building a Workforce Strategy for a Strong Digital Economy in Puerto Rico.” As Puerto Rico continues to pursue sustainable economic growth, we recognize that technology is no longer just a sector—it’s the engine driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and resilience across all industries.

This roundtable brought together leaders from government, business, workforce development, and nonprofits to discuss actionable strategies in three key areas:

• Workforce Development Aligned with Market Needs

• Supporting Entrepreneurship

• Strengthening Small Business Digital Infrastructure

We’re excited to collaborate on initiatives that will help upskill local talent, empower entrepreneurs, and bolster digital capacity for small businesses across the island. Together, we’re working toward a more connected, skilled, and digitally empowered Puerto Rico. #GrowPR

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Welcomes WindMar Group as New Corporate Member

Orlando, Florida, April 8th, 2025 — The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC) is proud to announce WindMar Group as the newest Corporate Member of the Chamber.

A leader in renewable energy, WindMar Group has been a trailblazer in solar energy solutions throughout the Caribbean and Florida since 2002. WindMar’s commitment to sustainability and innovation aligns with the NPRCC’s mission to foster economic growth, empower Puerto Rican entrepreneurs, and promote forward-thinking business partnerships.

“We’re honored to welcome WindMar Group to the NPRCC,” said Joel Berrocal, Executive Director of the Chamber. “Their leadership in renewable energy is exactly the kind of impact-driven business we aim to amplify. Together, we’re lighting the way toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for Puerto Rican communities across the mainland and the islands.”

As a Corporate Member, WindMar Group joins a powerful network of organizations dedicated to advancing economic opportunity and creating a lasting legacy of Puerto Rican excellence in business.

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Welcomes 3 New Board Members to Advance Economic Empowerment and Innovation

Washington, D.C. - April 7th,2025 – The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC) is proud to announce the addition of three distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors: Dr. José Morey, Laura Maristany, and James Sizemore. Each brings a wealth of experience, innovative leadership, and a shared commitment to economic development and community advancement — strengthening NPRCC’s mission to empower Puerto Rican businesses and entrepreneurs across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Dr. José Morey, a visionary at the intersection of health, technology, and space, is the CEO and Founder of Ad Astra Media LLC and Co-Founder of Ever Medical Technologies. Widely recognized as the world’s first “Intergalactic Doctor,” Dr. Morey has served as a consultant for NASA, Forbes, MIT, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. His groundbreaking work in innovation and medicine has helped position Puerto Rico as the future "Silicon Island," with features in Forbes, CNBC, and Hispanic Executive. He is also the co-author of the best-selling book Latinx Business Success. Dr. Morey’s expertise in entrepreneurship and advocacy for Latino business excellence makes him an invaluable asset to NPRCC’s vision for economic empowerment.

Laura Maristany, a seasoned advocate, community builder, and impact-driven leader, brings over two decades of experience in philanthropy, corporate affairs, and policy. She is the Founder & CEO of Prospera Insights LLC, advising on tech-driven economic growth and workforce innovation. Her tech startup, Katch Skills, is redefining how we capture and value real-world learning. A recognized force in fundraising and public policy, Laura has helped raise millions for global initiatives and has been awarded the prestigious Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit by the King of Spain. Her deep Capitol Hill experience and nationwide influence will amplify NPRCC’s efforts in shaping a stronger economic future for Puerto Rican communities.

James Sizemore joins the board with more than 30 years of leadership in the data management industry, spanning entrepreneurial startups to global corporations. As Chief Strategist at Informatica, he leads the company’s global insurance industry go-to-market strategy. James is a sought-after thought leader, keynote speaker, and evangelist. James had this to say: "I'm the proud son of a serial Puerto Rican entrepreneur from Lares. He was one of seventeen kids raised in a tiny 800 sq. ft. home, where he learned the values of hard work, family, and faith. My dad had an unparalleled work ethic and an even stronger sense of community, his work ethic took him far from the island, but his commitment to uplifting his community always brought him home. I'm thrilled to join the NPRCC board, yes, to support its vital mission, but even more personally, to honor the legacy of my father."

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Dr. José Morey, Laura Maristany, and James Sizemore to our Board of Directors,” said Joel Berrocal, Executive Director of NPRCC. “Each of them brings a powerful blend of innovation, advocacy, and personal passion for advancing Puerto Rican prosperity. Their leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Puerto Rican businesses and entrepreneurs.”

As NPRCC continues its work to foster economic opportunity, support entrepreneurship, and advocate for policies that uplift Puerto Rican businesses, the guidance of Dr. Morey, Laura Maristany, and James Sizemore will be instrumental in driving meaningful impact.

#GrowPR