The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and Latin American Business Organization (LABO) announced an exciting new partnership during LABO’s Annual Expo at the DCU Center. The partnership establishes LABO as an affiliate partner organization of the Chamber whereby LABO’s 350 members will have full access and membership privileges to the Chamber’s programs, activities, and services.

“We are really excited about the expanded opportunities this will provide our members as our organization grows,” said LABO Board President Elizbeth Cruz. “We also look forward to collaborating on some joint programming which will further strengthen both organizations and memberships.”

“I want to thank Elizabeth and the LABO Board for working with the Chamber in forming this important new relationship. Our Latino business community is growing and dynamic. Not only will this partnership amplify that growth and our individual organizations—it will also bolster our regional economy,” said Worcester Chamber President & CEO Timothy P. Murray. “Elizabeth and I are deeply grateful to Fallon Health and UniBank for supporting this groundbreaking partnership with their sponsorship. Their commitment to fostering an inclusive business environment that allows a cross-section of companies— which reflect the diversity of this great region—to grow and prosper is at the cornerstone of this partnership.”

“The opportunity to sponsor this exciting partnership is closely aligned with Fallon Health’s long- standing commitment to support local community and business partners that are making a difference in the communities we serve together,” said Fallon Health President & CEO Richard Burke. “We commend and congratulate Elizabeth and Tim for their vision and leadership in creating a partnership that will help to expand vital services and opportunities for the Latino business community.” CEO of UniBank, Michael Welch, said: “We are honored to support this exciting new partnership between the Worcester Chamber and the Latin American Business Organization. We have supported both organizations separately throughout the years. When asked to support this new collaborative, of two outstanding organizations, we immediately were all in. At UniBank, we believe ‘We are Better Together.’ Economic development for all members in our community is central to our mission as a locally based community bank.”

The partnership has been agreed to on a three-year basis, with the intent of renewing upon success.