NPR Chamber's National Director of Small Business Development, Joel Berrocal was quoted in a recent MarketWatch article regarding Puerto Rico businesses requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for employees. Read the full article below:
NPR Chamber joins USHCC and Rep. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon for Roundtable Discussion
The NPR Chamber along with our friends at The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce joined Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon for a roundtable discussion during the USHCC 2021 Virtual Legislative Summit. She provided an update on legislation and efforts she is carrying from Washington, DC to promote economic development for Puerto Rico. Stay tuned to the NPR Chamber for future follow-up discussions.
NPR Chamber co-signs letter to Biden Admin. Officials
To help defeat COVID-19, protect Innovation and IP rights, support American Manufacturing, and protect our health, the NPR Chamber has signed on to this letter to Biden Administration Officials - cosigned by our friends at The National Association of Manufacturers, The Latino Coalition, The US Chamber of Commerce, PhRMA, The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, and more.
Policy Brief: Broadband in our Communities
Across the country, one of our impediments to economic development has been a lack of access to fast broadband service, especially within more rural locations. Fortunately, recent investment trends are working to ensure more people have access to high-speed internet service, improving the market for products that our entrepreneurs sell and allowing more entrepreneurs to upgrade their businesses to the digital world.
In a recent example, Charter Communications was awarded $1.2 billion from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), which will be used to expand broadband infrastructure in 24 states. This is part of a larger $5 Billion commitment to expand broadband to more unserved communities, including rural. As companies like Charter invest in our communities, more of us will have access to fast internet and more of us will have the opportunity to grow our businesses.
As broadband providers continue to line up in support of the Emergency Broadband Benefit program, which will provide funding to help low-income families get and stay online, our communities stand to benefit a great deal as well. During these economically precarious times, we have advocated for this much-needed benefit to help keep our families and businesses connected to the world, and will continue to do so until our economy stabilizes.
A connected community will ensure a growing community for our members and their businesses. NPR Chamber will continue to support an all of the above approach to broadband – one that prioritizes adoption and affordability, continued digital skilling, and greater investment and buildout of critical broadband infrastructure. This all of the above approach will help ensure a stronger economic recovery and a bright future for small businesses.
PRESS RELEASE: NPR Chamber Joins Forces with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Washington, D.C., March 1st, 2021 – In an effort to address the need for mental health and suicide prevention awareness in Puerto Rico, the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPR Chamber) has partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP.) Through this partnership, the NPR Chamber will assist AFSP’s efforts to grow its initiative in Puerto Rico. The first step in creating AFSP’s Puerto Rico Chapter will be to establish a Board of Directors.
The NPR Chamber’s National Director of Small Business Development, Joel Berrocal, had this to say about the partnership with AFSP: “After the events of Hurricane Maria, the earthquakes in late-2019, and an ongoing economic crisis, we realized mental health/suicide prevention awareness needed to be made a priority in Puerto Rico. Through this partnership with AFSP, we’re confident that we can bring attention to an issue that has largely gone unspoken. I very much look forward to working with Denisse and the rest of the AFSP team.”
Denisse Centeno-Lamas, a member of AFSP’s National Board and Chapter Leadership Council is excited about this partnership. “At AFSP we understand that suicide and mental health issues do not discriminate, and so we have taken an uncompromising approach to improving cultural competency and organizational diversity and inclusion practices. In the words of Robert Gebbia, AFSP Chief Executive Officer, ‘we all have a role to play and I invite individuals, communities, organizations, and thought leaders to join us in our efforts to create long-lasting changes in mental health equity and to prevent suicide amongst underrepresented communities.’ This new chapter is just one step towards that goal.”
For more information on upcoming events and initiatives, please visit our website at nprchamber.org. If interested in joining our organization with thousands of members (small businesses, entrepreneurs, and corporations) across Puerto Rico and the United States please visit our membership hub.
About The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce
The NPR Chamber 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 us grow.
About American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Established in 1987, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education, and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death.
PRESS RELEASE: NPR Chamber Joins Forces with Brands of Puerto Rico
Washington, D.C., January 25th, 2021 – In an effort to demonstrate its continued focus on small business development and expansion, The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Brands of Puerto Rico, an e-commerce platform based in San Juan which enables Puerto Rican entrepreneurs to market their products to the rest of the world. With this partnership, we look to continue to build a bridge between two distinct small business ecosystems.
The NPR Chamber’s National Director of Small Business Development, Joel Berrocal, had this to say about the partnership with Brands of Puerto Rico: “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be able to work with Brands of Puerto. When I first met Alan and Nestor, I knew that there was an incredible synergy between our two organizations. With our footprint in the United States and theirs in Puerto Rico, we have an incredible opportunity to truly develop Puerto Rico’s small business ecosystem.”
Brands of Puerto Rico co-founder Alan Taveras added his own thoughts about the benefit of the new partnership with the NPR Chamber: “We have been aggressively implementing a “growth by partnering” strategy since we launched our company with the mission to help local companies in Puerto Rico export their products. We are honored to announce our first partnership with a US-based organization. Aside from having a shared vision, empower Puerto Rican entrepreneurs, this partnership will strengthen the bridge of collaboration between entrepreneurs on the island and those who live on the mainland while adding value to the brands that are part of Brands of Puerto Rico.”
For more information on upcoming events and initiatives, please visit our website at nprchamber.org. If interested in joining our organization with thousands of other members (small businesses, entrepreneurs, and corporations) across Puerto Rico and the United States please visit our membership hub.
About The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce
The NPR Chamber 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 us grow.
About Brands of Puerto Rico
Brands of Puerto Rico is a virtual platform whose objective is to create cultural experiences by providing access to local products while empowering SMEs and recognized brands by offering them strategic advice, targeted E-Commerce platforms, logistics services, and digital resources necessary for the success of a brand. We make those who we serve feel like home!
NPR Chamber and Homebase kick-off 2021 with the first presentation in a two-part web series.
National Director of Small Business Development, Joel Berrocal and Homebase founder Axel Rivera joined SEO specialist Giancarlos Merced for the first part of a two-part web series called “Leveraging Your Website with SEO.” He discussed real, practical, doable SEO techniques, and tools. The full PDF presentation is available to members in the video/pdf archive.
NPR Chamber y CUD Puerto Rico Comienzan Su Asociación con un presentación de Grow with Google
Comenzamos nuestra asociación con Centro Unido de Detallistas con un taller de Grow with Google. El Director Nacional de Desarrollo de Pequeñas Empresas, Joel Berrocal, se unió a la Presidenta-Electa de CUD, Lourdes Aponte, y Grow with Google presentadora de Google Sixcia Devine para un taller llamado “Cómo Publicar, Vender, y Tener Un Perfil de Negocio en Google.” Nosotros aprendimos cómo hacer que su empresa aparezca en Google. Aprendimos a compartir publicaciones en vivo en Google. ¡Y aprendimos a vender en línea! Nosotros exploramos Google Mi Negocio, una herramienta gratuita para empresas que desean conectarse con clientes en Google Search y Maps.
PRESS RELEASE: NPR Chamber Joins Forces with Centro Unido de Detallistas
Washington, D.C., December 11th, 2020 – In an effort to demonstrate its continued focus on small business development and expansion in Puerto Rico, The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Centro Unido de Detallistas (CUD). CUD is a Puerto Rico-based non-profit organization created to encourage and promote the economic development of Puerto Rico and the growth of the business class.
The NPR Chamber’s National Director of Small Business Development, Joel Berrocal, said this about the partnership with CUD: “The NPR Chamber is very excited about its partnership with CUD. With their long history of supporting Puerto Rico’s small business ecosystem, we feel this partnership allows the NPR Chamber to organically grow its footprint in Puerto Rico, and provide more value to our small business members. Together, we can truly accomplish a lot of good for small businesses in Puerto Rico.”
CUD President, Jesus E. Vazquez added his own thoughts about the benefit of the new partnership: “We are very happy and honored to be part of the collaborative agreement. We need to join forces to help improve and develop small and medium business owners and entrepreneurs. We will exchange resources, information, technology and provide tools through seminars and workshops for the optimal development of businesses in Puerto Rico”.
For more information on upcoming events and initiatives, please visit our website at nprchamber.org. If interested in joining our organization with thousands of other members (small businesses, entrepreneurs, and corporations) across Puerto Rico and the United States please visit our membership hub.
About The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce
The NPR Chamber 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 us grow.
About Centro Unido de Detallistas
CUD is the largest and oldest non-profit organization in Puerto Rico. It is dedicated to defending small and medium-sized businesses. We serve 5,000 partners, who represent 15,000 businesses on the island. CUD Puerto Rico is aimed to ensure the achievement of the greatest economic, technological, social, and cultural progress of the groups it represents. This way companies and professionals can best position themselves in their area of expertise and in all markets.
NPR Chamber statement on recent prescription drug executive order
Washington, DC (October 6, 2020) – The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce released the following statement in response to the recent executive order establishing a foreign reference price list for certain prescription medications:
“The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce has consistently supported policies that help to reduce the cost of prescription medications. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic-induced recession has increased the burden on household budgets – especially across disproportionately impacted Puerto Rican and Hispanic communities – furthering the need for financial relief related to drug pricing.
While we are encouraged by related policy positions from the White House, we are concerned that this order will result in several unintended consequences.
Applying foreign price controls to medications covered under Medicare Part B and Part D will likely discourage the research and development of new, lifesaving drugs necessary to the well-being of our populations. Further, Puerto Rico is currently home to 12 of the world's 20 top-grossing drug developers which make up over 30% of total GDP. A policy that encourages firms to scale back or move operations elsewhere will have profound economic consequences on Puerto Rico’s already fragile economy.
For these reasons, we respectfully call on the administration to reconsider this executive order.
About the NPR Chamber
The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce 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.
NPRChamber's Statement on the "Buy American" Proposal
March 19, 2020--Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the administration has announced an executive order that would extend “Buy American” provisions to pharmaceutical companies, an industry that relies heavily on the global supply chain. While we commend efforts to diversify the flow of resources that may impact our current and future economic and health interests, this particular mandate may cause undue harm to the drug supply chain if not carefully considered. At a time when U.S. pharmaceutical companies are depending on accessibility to supplies and swift distributions to work to find solutions, the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC) believes the mandate, as currently proposed, will impede such progress during a critical stage of the public health crisis.
After Hurricane Maria, many pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities were affected, but companies were able to source from facilities in several different countries, limiting the number of resulting shortages. Patients and businesses in Puerto Rico already experience delays in access to medications and we fear restricting flexibility in the supply chains will exacerbate issues and limit our community’s ability to receive timely care. Not to mention, this action comes at a time when the U.S. global trade and financial systems are under tremendous strain; disrupting trade amongst the world’s strongest economies will likely result in retaliatory measures that may further exacerbate supply shortages.
While we understand the need to examine the global drug supply chain—which includes ensuring appropriate diversity to foster continuity in times of global health emergencies—revisions today may jeopardize efforts to combat this crisis. On behalf of our members and the thousands of Puerto Ricans we represent, we urge the administration to reconsider the timing and wording of such Buy American provisions to ensure any future proposed changes to the supply chain allows our research and development intensive industries to remain collaborative and globally competitive.
Congress's Prescription Drug Plan Will Have a Devastating Impact on Puerto Rico's Economy
Washington, DC (December 11, 2019) – The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement, opposing Congress’s plan to alter Medicare, as proposed by H.R. 3:
“Congress’s H.R. 3 prescription drug plan attempts to tackle the issue of increasing healthcare costs, but does so in a way that will severely limit the incentives needed to improve research, innovation, and better treatment for patients. Price controls and restrictive barriers will have the opposite of intended effect and will actually increase the cost to the taxpayer as more limits are placed upon healthcare investment and economic growth is limited.
Specifically, Puerto Rico’s fledgling economy will be harmed the most, as pharmaceutical manufacturers located on the island are incentivized under H.R. 3 to shift operations to overseas locations, resulting in an estimated, direct loss of thousands of jobs and nearly $10 billion in economic output. A 10% reduction in Puerto Rico’s economy would send the island hurtling back into a severe depression, reversing positive trends since Hurricane Maria and requiring a larger investment from U.S. taxpayers in the recover of the island and its 3.5 million American citizens.
The NPRChamber favors policies that encourage innovation, and opposes those that limit innovation and development within the healthcare sector, such as would result from H.R. 3. For our communities across the U.S. mainland and in Puerto Rico, we are asking members of Congress to reconsider real solutions that promote economic stability and safety for Puerto Ricans and American consumers everywhere.”
NPRChamber Announces New Partnership to Reduce Energy Costs and Improve Energy Efficiency for Local Businesses
The NPRChamber Opposes Medicare Plan by Speaker of the House
Washington, DC (September 20, 2019) – The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement opposing Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s plan to alter Medicare:
“Speaker Pelosi’s plan would fundamentally upend the incentives needed within our health care system to research and discover new, innovative treatments for patients. Instituting onerous price controls and administrative barriers to treatment may diminish the quality of care that patients have come to expect from the Medicare program. Our health care system’s greatest asset remains its leadership driving medical progress forward. The NPRChamber favors policies that encourage innovation, and opposes those that limit innovation and development within the healthcare sector. For our communities across the U.S. mainland and in Puerto Rico, we are asking Speaker Pelosi to reconsider real solutions that promote stability and safety for American consumers.”
NPRChamber statement on recent prescription importation proposals
Washington, DC (August 1, 2019) – The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce made the following statement in response to proposed changes to prescription medication importation policies:
“The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce supports policies that lower the cost of prescription medicines while preserving competition, access, and safety. We are concerned, however, that the drug importation proposal announced this week will compromise the quality of medications that Puerto Ricans across the country receive and may damage the vibrant pharmaceutical manufacturing sector that is intricately woven into the current economy of Puerto Rico."
Op-Ed: One Way to Improve Competition and Investment in Puerto Rico
NPRChamber Opposes Recently Proposed Bills that Will Alter Healthcare and Economic System
Washington, DC (January 10, 2019) – The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce made the following statement in response to the recently proposed bills that would alter our health care and economic system:
“Recently proposed legislation promoting foreign drug importation, international pricing comparisons, and government interference within the health care market would not only affect businesses that are essential to our economy but also impede a physicians’ ability to offer safe and effective care to patients. International reference pricing could hinder scientific progress by disincentivizing future medical innovation, which would stifle economic growth and prevent patients from accessing new, potentially life-saving cures and therapies. Additionally, government negotiation is likely to have a negligible effect on spending unless medication restrictions are also implemented. This would further limit access to new medicines as well as drugs patients depend on currently. Further concerning, the introduction of drug importation would invite potentially unsafe, untested medications into our drug distribution system. Health care policy changes must seek to improve the lives of patients and the market as a whole. The proposed legislation falls short in both and should be rejected by Congress.
NPRChamber Releases Statement Opposing Proposed Changes to Medicare Part B Program
Washington, DC (October 29, 2018) — The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce has released the following statement regarding the Department of Health and Human Services’ announcement on changes to the Medicare Part B program:
“The Medicare Part B program is an important program that provides patients with the most effective drug and treatment options available. However, recent proposals by the administration may negatively impact patient access to Part B drugs by altering reimbursement structures, allowing third party drug distributors to come between doctors and their patients, and limiting an open and free economy that has successfully provided the best products to American consumers for decades. Our organization is concerned that these changes will create additional roadblocks for Hispanic beneficiaries who already face barriers to quality care. We urge Congress to reject this proposal and encourage the administration to seek changes that benefit patients.”
NPRChamber Releases Statement Supporting the US-MX-CAN Trade Agreement
Washington, DC (October 22, 2018) – The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement supporting the Trump Administration’s recent United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement:
“President Trump’s recent introduction of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a positive contribution to our mission of encouraging businesses throughout Puerto Rico, the U.S., and all of North America to innovate and grow. It is encouraging to see the Administration’s support of research and development initiatives, strong intellectual property protections, and American innovation through the USMCA. We commend President Trump on this new trade policy and are eager to see the progress it will bring to Puerto Rican businesses and our economy as a whole.”
NPRChamber Announces New Program to Assist Members with Hurricane Disaster Relief
October 16, 2018, San Juan, PR. The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce a free program to assist businesses in the evaluation of newly available Employee Retention Benefit funding.
The Employee Retention Benefit has been announced for Employers in Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria. The Department of Treasury of Puerto Rico's program is designed to assist employers in recovery efforts for those who have retained employees with a benefit up to $1,920 for each qualified employee.
“Employers across the island worked hard to maintain operations and support their employees after recent disasters. Now we want to reward these economic contributors by helping them take advantage of this benefit with the assistance of an experienced company,” said National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Justin Vélez-Hagan. “Any business that was disrupted due to the hurricane, but was able to retain employees, is eligible. We are proud to announce that we can now offer free evaluations to our members to assist them in maximizing the benefits that may be available.”
The free evaluations being offered through Synergi Partners Puerto Rico evaluate eligibility for businesses in all affected hurricane disaster areas, which includes the entire island of Puerto Rico. A small business with 25 employees could realize as much as $48,000 in directly deposited cash benefits, increasing as the number of employees increases.
“While nearly every business with employees is eligible, the evaluation of the benefits can be very complex,” states Vélez-Hagan. “That’s why we’re offering a unique, free consultation to our members that will help them receive every available dollar to improve operations and grow our businesses together.”
Hacienda has distributed more than $227M in benefits so far, a fraction of what is still available. It is estimated that over 75% of employers on the island have not yet filed, while many of those who have filed, have either under-filed or misunderstood the processes along the way.
Employers must act quickly to take advantage of this program as the fund is available on a first come first served basis.
To learn more about the free evaluation of your business visit Synergi Partners of Puerto Rico at: https://www.synergipartners.com/NPRC or call 787-520-7503.
About the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce
The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRChamber) is a non-profit organization created to promote entrepreneurship and economic development throughout the U.S.
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