DALLAS, Texas – December 15, 2014 – The Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GDHCC) hosted a special breakfast on December 8^th in honor of Irvin Ashford, Jr., Comerica Bank Senior Vice President responsible for Texas market community development and external affairs..  Top Comerica executives, local community leaders and GDHCC Board members and general members gathered to recognize Ashford’s exceptional leadership and commitment to supporting the Chamber’s efforts.  One of his many contributions was being a pioneer in the GDHCC’s diversity and inclusion efforts when he joined the Board in 2010.

 Ashford was the first African American to join the GDHCC’s Board. Since then, the Chamber has continued to make diversity and inclusion a big part of its overall growth strategy. Today, the Chamber’s Board, staff, membership, and strategic partnerships reflect even broader diversity, with the mission remaining the same – to grow and support the Hispanic Business community in North Texas.

 Ashford’s many contributions during his four-year tenure on the GDHCC Board include making Comerica a significant financial supporter of the Chamber’s Business Assistance Centers (BACs), which provide business development technical assistance and incubator space to microenterprises with less than five employees or people interested in starting a business. 

 “I’m grateful for the wisdom, leadership and support Irvin Ashford brought to our Board and Chamber,” said Rick Ortiz, president and CEO of The Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.  “It is pioneers like him that have made our Chamber the success it is today.”

 Ortiz added, “The Chamber’s partnership with Comerica is also noteworthy because they supported Ashford’s Board nomination and service on the Board at a time when banks were on the frontlines of an economic and financial crisis.  And, the Chamber was also undergoing a period of scrutiny and transition.  I’m grateful Comerica executives continued to recognize the value of the partnership and were willing to think outside the box to find ways to strengthen it during those challenging times.”

 “It’s been an honor to serve on The Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber’s Board for the last four years and contribute to it becoming the largest Chamber in North Texas,” said Irvin Ashford, Jr., Senior Vice President and External Affairs Director for Comerica Bank.  “I’m looking forward to seeing the many great things the Chamber has yet to accomplish.”