Mendoza leaves for Pasco

Community leader engineered Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

MOSES LAKE - Gilberto Mendoza, manager of the city's branch of Bank of America and the man behind the creation of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is leaving his post and moving to Pasco.

Mendoza, who arrived to Moses Lake in March, 2003, said he was sad to leave but excited to go back to his hometown.

"The opportunity came up and I could not turn the other way," he said.

Although the move represents a change from a larger market to a smaller market, two of Mendoza's children live in Pasco, as well as his parents and siblings.

During his 20 months in Moses Lake, perhaps no accomplishment stands taller than the creation of the Moses Lake Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, officially created in June. Mendoza, along with other Hispanic leaders, put together the chamber and was serving as its treasurer until he decided to take the Pasco job.

"I think the chamber is taking a hold of the community," he said. "We have a lot of support, but we can always be more active."

Although the weather has not allowed the chamber to plan many activities, he said that people were already looking ahead at the 2005 celebrations of Cinco de Mayo and the Mexican Independence Day of Sept. 16.

As far as the chamber having a role in the community, Mendoza said that the group relies on and represents the spending power of the Hispanic community, which, he says, should be the focus of the chamber's support.

Altogether, the 30-year-old Mendoza said he "really enjoyed" his involvement here, adding that he expected to be involved in the civic life of Pasco, as well.

Mendoza said that he hoped the chamber keeps growing under the leadership of Vivian Peterson, its president. As far as his involvement with Moses Lake, it will not completely disappear, as he is scheduled to teach two classes in Spanish at Big Bend Community College.

The classes, "Developing a Marketing-Technology Plan" and "How to Start a Business" are scheduled for February and March of next year.

Replacing Mendoza as head of the Moses Lake branch of Bank of America is Jeff Spencer, head of the bank's branch in Quincy.

Members of the Moses Lake community expressed its dismay at Mendoza's departure.

Alicia Rendon, director of the Columbia Basin Heraldo, the Herald's Spanish publication, said Mendoza had contributed his skills and efforts to the building of the chamber, both in words and deeds.

"I appreciate what he has done," she said. "The chamber will continue because of Gilbert."

Pedro Ayala, a Hispanic businessman, owner of Tacos El Mexicano and Latin Connections said Mendoza was the man who had tried to unite the Hispanics in the area.

"We must follow (Mendoza's) example and not let the chamber die," Ayala said.