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Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce briefs Indio council on valley outreach; Pickering previews Tamale Festival
Summary
Leaders of the Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce presented membership, bilingual business services and upcoming events to Indio city officials; organizers also previewed the 33rd Indio International Tamale Festival, scheduled for December at Miles Avenue Park.
Leaders of the Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce gave the Indio City Council an overview of their work in the Coachella Valley on Nov. 19, highlighting bilingual business resources, educational programs, mentorship, and a newly formed foundation for youth and family services.
"My name is Rafael Lascal. I'm the chair and the president of the Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce," Lascal said, introducing the chamber to the council and describing its foundation and partnership network. Chamber members said the organization, formed in 2002, works across the valley and currently counts roughly 20–25 Indio businesses among about 90 valleywide members.
Rudy, the chamber’s vice president of government affairs, described a 2026 tentative calendar that includes quarterly breakfasts, a scholarship gala and cultural events such as Cinco de Mayo, and invited council participation in a January 'State of the District' event.
Separately during public comment, Chris Pickering, CEO of Pickering Events, previewed the 33rd annual Indio International Tamale Festival at Miles Avenue Park. He described free admission and parking, free shuttles, expanded vendor participation, youth dance groups, scholarship support and headline entertainment. "This year's programming includes... Santa's Village and headline performances," Pickering said, and noted the festival’s role supporting local businesses and nonprofits.
Council members praised the chamber's bilingual outreach and said the organization presents an opportunity to collaborate on small-business and workforce programs.
What happens next: Chamber leaders said they will share event flyers and invited council and staff to collaborate on upcoming outreach and scholarship activities.
