American Edge Project Releases Economic Policy Agenda for Supporting Innovation and Strengthening America’s Technological Edge

Our friends at The American Edge Project (AEP), a coalition of two dozen domestic organizations, announced a new comprehensive economic policy agenda to secure U.S. leadership in technology innovation. The policy framework, An Economic Policy Agenda to Accelerate Innovation, is written in collaboration with some of the nation’s most respected public servants, including former U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) and former Governor Susana Martinez (R-NM).

The policy hinges on three main pillars: 1) strengthening American leadership in innovation policy, 2) promoting dynamism in the tech industry that will strengthen the startup ecosystem, and 3) sharing the benefits of the innovation economy more broadly across geography and demographic groups. See AEP’s policy framework in its entirety here.

Verizon Program Helps Bridge Digital Divide

Through Fios Forward, Fios customers who qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) can now receive free Internet

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5G Home and mobile customers can also receive discounts via ACP

NEW YORK, March 15, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon is committed to helping bridge the digital divide by making high-quality connectivity more affordable for customers in need. That’s why we’re participating in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which helps low-income households pay for Internet and mobile service. As part of the program, for the first time, Verizon is offering free Internet with its Fios Forward program to qualifying ACP customers. These efforts are part of Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental, and social advancement. The company’s total 2020-2025 responsible business investment is slated to exceed $3 billion.

With Fios Forward and ACP, qualifying customers will have access to premium high-speed Internet without data caps, extra fees, or equipment costs, helping them maintain connectivity for virtual learning, remote work, telehealth visits, and more.

Fios Forward brings the fastest speeds available at zero cost
Qualified ACP customers can now get free access to Verizon Fios’ 100% fiber-optic Internet, with speeds starting at 200Mbps for downloads and uploads, crucial bandwidth for video-heavy applications. Fios is not only offering faster Internet speeds than competitors in the marketplace – unlike other providers who offer ACP, we are also removing hidden cost barriers, with no extra fees, no contracts, and no router costs.

To qualify, a customer must first be approved for ACP and have a Fios Mix & Match plan. Once their service is active and they are approved for ACP, customers must call 1-800-VERIZON to have the Fios Forward discount applied. For additional information visit: www.verizon.com/fiosforward.

ACP discounts for home and mobile – wherever you are
ACP discounts are available to all eligible customers on home and mobile postpaid and prepaid plans. Customers outside of the Fios footprint can apply the ACP discount to Verizon data plans including 5G Home, LTE Home, HSI/DSL, mobile prepaid, and postpaid unlimited and metered plans.

Who qualifies for Affordable Connectivity Program discounts?

ACP eligibility is determined by the FCC and verified by Universal Service Administrative Co. (USAC). New and existing Verizon customers can qualify if they meet any of the following criteria:

• Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) enrolled customer

• Lifeline enrolled customer

• Participants of other Federal assistance programs (Medicaid, SSI, etc.)

• HHI (Household Income) < 200% Federal Poverty Guideline

How to confirm eligibility for ACP and enroll
To confirm eligibility for ACP, check out ACPBenefit.org. Once approved, customers can complete enrollment in ACP by visiting: www.verizon.com/affordableconnectivityprogram.

Additional programs
Additional discounts may be available through Lifeline or other state grants. If customers are eligible for Lifeline, they can receive an additional $9.25 off their bill. Eligibility for Lifeline and state programs can be confirmed by visiting: www.verizon.com/lifeline.

Plus, Verizon customers who live in Maryland and are enrolled in ACP receive an additional subsidy discount of up to $15 per month from the Maryland Broadband Benefit program.

Supporting digital inclusion
Verizon is committed to creating a digitally inclusive and equitable society, helping more people than ever stay connected and thrive in today's virtual learning environment. To learn more about Verizon’s Digital Inclusion efforts, visit CitizenVerizon.com.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $128.3 billion in 2020. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

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NPR Chamber partners with ALVA in an effort to support Latino Veterans in the US and Puerto Rico

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce has always been a strong supporter of Puerto Rican veterans, their families, and their businesses. Whether through our own Hispanic Veterans in Entrepreneurship (HVET) program in coordination with the George Washington University, our work with the Borinqueneers, or direct assistance to veterans and their families after natural disasters, we have a heart for helping those who have served. NPR Chamber National Director of Operations, Joel Berrocal had this to say:

"Today, we are proud to announce our partnership with The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA), whose mission is to honor those who have served by providing assistance in workforce development and job placement, help growing businesses, and promoting our communities' contribution to the greater good. We cannot be prouder to partner with an organization willing and able to support our communities' veterans and advocate on their behalf and we look forward to joining its efforts."

NPR Chamber partners with re+connect to streamline disaster relief efforts in Puerto Rico

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce our partnership with re+connect! Re+connect is a civic technology platform that connects people and data to close the last-mile disaster relief gap and builds long-term resilience for underserved communities.

Their mobile & web applications and data-driven intelligence connect residents, community groups, and disaster management and aid organizations through collaborative processes to direct the right responses to the right places at the right time. With a long-term vision for global impact, they tailor their solution to areas that suffer the greatest losses to disasters, starting in Puerto Rico, where they aim to reach 1 million residents within the next 5 years.

Through this partnership, the NPR Chamber aims to streamline its disaster relief efforts and processes by supporting re+connect in growing and building awareness of their platform. We hope to solidify our disaster relief infrastructure of volunteers, non-profit organizations, and community leaders throughout Puerto Rico and the United States.

Excelsior College Launches ¡Adelante!, an Online Bilingual Program

Albany, New York—Excelsior College, based in Albany, New York, has launched its first bilingual degree pathway in Spanish, called ¡Adelante!, to help Spanish-speaking students achieve their educational aspirations in the United States. Online courses begin on March 7 and the enrollment period is now open to students: https://www.excelsior.edu/adelante/.

Students will be able to increase their English language proficiency over time while starting their program with college courses in Spanish. The goal of ¡Adelante! is to help Spanish-speaking students be successful in earning their degree with initial courses in Spanish. At the same time, students will build their English language confidence. While initial courses are in their native language, students then transition to complete their degree requirements in English.

Students who have some college-level credits from educational institutions outside of the United States, or those who attained their college degree in their countries of origin but haven’t been able to transfer their degree to the U.S., could transfer in their previous learning for college credit. Like all Excelsior programs, ¡Adelante! is flexible and online.

“By helping Spanish-speaking students move forward with their academic programs in the U.S., we help them find better-paying jobs that are more well-suited to their educational level, which in turn helps create more wealth within the Latinx community in this country,” said Lisa Braverman, vice provost for academic and faculty support.

Excelsior College knows that sometimes language can be a barrier preventing people from completing their academic courses even when they do have some functional knowledge of English. For that reason, initial courses are in Spanish with students receiving ESL (English as a Second Language) classes before transitioning to courses in English.

“Many Spanish-speaking immigrants in this country don’t know they can access education in their native language,” said Pamela Jimenez, senior director of the ¡Adelante! program. “Many of them are left out of the higher education system due to the language barrier or not having finished their degrees. Excelsior support staff help students to navigate challenges such as credit for previous courses, workplace training, and military experience, or financial hardship.”

Like all Excelsior students, students who enroll through the ¡Adelante! program are eligible for financial aid as well as flexible financing options.

¡Adelante! offers six bilingual degree programs:

• AAS Administrative /Management Studies

• BS in Business

• AS in Health Sciences

• BS in Health Care Management

• AS in Liberal Arts

• BS in Liberal Arts

To obtain more information about ¡Adelante! and the academic programs, visit https://www.excelsior.edu/en/adelante/.

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Media Contact Excelsior College:

Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

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NPR Chamber Small Business Members, their employees, spouses/domestic partners are eligible for up to 20% off of tuition at Excelsior College.

New Report Highlights Opp to Improve Healthcare Costs to Employers/Employees

As part of the NPR Chamber’s mission to support our business members, employers within our networks and their employees, and individuals within our communities, we frequently discuss and advocate for beneficial policy solutions. In an effort to help control increasing healthcare costs and access across the board, we have issued the following statement:

“In light of a new report released by the PBM Accountability Project detailing the outsized role that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) play in influencing patient access and the cost of prescription drugs by consumers and supported by employers, we ask policymakers to consider meaningful industry standards and oversight, ensuring that greater industry transparency helps controls costs and improve transparency. Per the recently released report, PBMs engage in a variety of tactics that too often put profits ahead of our community members’ and businesses’ interests. In order to improve transparency and improve pricing, improved standards should be considered.”

For further information, or to request further comment, please email us at: policy@NPRChamber.org

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce encourages you to support National Small Business Saturday!

This #SmallBusinessSaturday, the NPR Chamber urges you to consider supporting Latino & Latina small businesses in your community! As you complete your holiday shopping, #ThinkBig by #ShoppingSmall.

Your support keeps your local businesses thriving. This year, we know that small businesses need our support now more than ever as they navigate, retool and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Join the NPRCC and organizations across the country in supporting your local small businesses by shopping at a small business.

Founded in 2010 and officially sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration since 2011, Small Business Saturday has become an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season. Historically, reported projected spending among U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $19.8 billion according to the 2020 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey.

The survey also found that 97% of shoppers recognized the positive impact they can make by shopping small and 85% of them reported they also encouraged friends and family to Shop Small® as well.

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How You Can Participate

For Shoppers:

• Find participating small businesses in your area

For Small Business Owners:

• Get free Small Business Saturday marketing materials - including sample posters, and social media resources

Highlights of Small Business Saturday and its impact on the U.S. economy:

Since 2010, Small Business Saturday has been an annual celebration of America’s small business community. Last year, the total reported projected spending among U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $19.8 billion.

Today, there are over 32.5 million small businesses in the United States. About half of all American workers are either employed by a small business or own a small business, and two out of three net new jobs are created by small businesses. To learn more about Small Business Saturday, visit www.sba.gov/saturday.

NPR Chamber Partner BĀSED Officially Launches at The Landmark in San Juan

SAN JUAN - The NPR Chamber was proud to join BĀSED and Founder, Gustavo Diaz at their official launch event held at The Landmark co-working space in the Miramar section of San Juan.

I founded BĀSED. knowing - through data and experience - that Puerto Rico holds the potential to transform into one of the top innovation and technology leaders in the world. It has done so in the past, and now, with a quickly changing global environment, it can do it again. Puerto Rico is expanding fervently into the future because it must and it can do so -- since it has learned valuable lessons through adversity. Lessons with which other parts of the world are just now starting to grapple.

The event was attended by some of the best business and non-profit leaders Puerto Rico has to offer. It was a true showcase of the island’s abundance of talent. Thank you to Gustavo and his team at BĀSED, the Puerto Rico entrepreneurial ecosystem has a place to be showcased, highlighted, and archived for readers to see not only where we came from, but also where we’re going.

Be sure to stay tuned for updates regarding our partnership with BĀSED. We have a lot in store for our Small Business Members, including discounted subscription costs, sponsorships, opportunities to be interviewed, and so much more!

In BĀSED’s inaugural issue, NPR Chamber National Director of Small Business Development, Joel Berrocal was interviewed by BĀSED writer Rosa Monique Varela Henriquez. In the interview, Berrocal, discussed our current economic development initiatives, our role in the Puerto Rico small business ecosystem, our work after Hurricane Maria, and much more! #GrowPR

NPR Chamber Statement on Potential Changes to Medicare Part D

Washington, DC (November 3, 2021) – The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce has released the following statement in response to potential changes around the Medicare Part D program: 

“Our organization is deeply concerned by the rumored proposals to alter Medicare Part D as part of lawmakers’ plans to address the rising cost of prescription medications. Specifically, proposals allowing government-enforced price controls are onerous and counter-productive. The robust health care system we have in place serves to provide the highest quality care at the most affordable price. Patients, including those who drive and employ the tens of thousands of small to large business members of the NPR Chamber, deserve better than the potentially harmful changes that we believe will limit access to certain prescriptions.  

Moreover, the proposed changes could affect newer, breakthrough medications, potentially hampering future R&D efforts to develop innovative and increasingly effective drugs.  The opinion of the NPR Chamber and its advisors is that there are other, less disruptive ways to address Part D beneficiaries’ out-of-pocket costs that also enjoy broad support. Proposals that tie beneficiary out-of-pocket costs to the negotiated price, an out-of-pocket cap in Medicare Part D, and smoothing beneficiary costs out over the year are all winning alternative proposals for patients.

We urge you to focus on these proposed common-sense approaches, ensuring that patients are able to reliably access the prescription drugs they need.”  

Aquí Nos Cuidamos Lanza Nueva Campaña Por El Bienestar Emocional Y La Salud Mental

Nuestros amigos en Ciencia Puerto Rico recientemente lanzó la nueva campaña educativa de la Colección Aquí Nos Cuidamos, llamada “Salud mental es plenitud”.

‘Salud mental es plenitud’ busca facilitar que las personas cuiden de su salud mental y emocional, mediante herramientas prácticas, científicas y relevantes a su realidad. La campaña se compone de una serie de recursos gratuitos como videos, audios, infografías, guías educativas y contenidos para redes sociales que son fáciles de utilizar y de divulgar.

NPR Chamber partners with Ciencia Puerto Rico to strengthen COVID-19 awareness and education

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with Ciencia Puerto Rico along with several other government entities and non-profit organizations to help strengthen the capacity of responses, particularly around education about COVID-19, its prevention, and promotion of vaccination, using the educational collection on COVID-19 and vaccines.

Además de la Cámara de Representantes, Ciencia Puerto Rico ha firmado acuerdos colaborativos para el uso de Aquí Nos Cuidamos con entidades como True Self Foundation, Ayuda Legal Puerto Rico, Asociación Puertorriqueña de Consejería Profesional, National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, Asociación de Psicología de Puerto Rico y el Municipio de Villalba, por medio de su Sistema Municipal de Investigación de Casos y Rastreo de Contactos. Otros colaboradores de Aquí Nos Cuidamos incluyen a Taller Salud, el medio Es Mental, Fundación Atención Atención, Centro para una Nueva Economía, Instituto Nueva Escuela, el Fideicomiso de Salud Pública, Mercy Corps y VOCES PR.

NPR Chamber mentioned in The Conway Daily Sun

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce was recently mentioned in a recent Conway Daily Sun article regarding our work helping businesses and non-profit organizations recruit talent.

“In addition, the chamber is researching opportunities to work with the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce. With the challenges to recruit J-1, H-1B and H-2B staff, the National Puerto Rican Chamber has created a program in hopes of supporting workforce recruitment in the states. The chamber encourages any member struggling with staffing to reach out to them and share their experiences to help build on this initiative and tell a more complex story.”

NPR Chamber offers assistance with Google Ad Grants to 501(c)3 Non-Profits Organizations

Do you run a Non-Profit Organization? We are excited to announce, The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce can now assist our Non-Profit Small Business Members to apply for the $10,000 a month Google Ad Grant. We can also help set up, manage, and monitor your ads campaigns to ensure they are running efficiently. Contact us today to learn more about Google Ad Grants:

NPR Chamber and Excelsior College Launch "NPR Chamber Certificates"

You can now advance your career with the new NPR Chamber Certificate! The certificate program gives you the entrepreneurial and leadership skills you need as a business owner and also starts you on your path toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Online courses are a flexible and affordable option for working adults who need to expand their job competencies in Business Leadership, Marketing Concepts and Application, Management Concepts and Applications, and Financial Accounting. The courses in the National Puerto Rican Chamber certificate programs align with Excelsior undergraduate or graduate programs, creating a seamless pathway to degree completion. Employees of NPR Chamber members are eligible for up to a 20% tuition discount on the undergraduate certificate and up to a 15% tuition discount on the graduate certificate.

NPR Chamber joins Vice President Kamala Harris, SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman, and Business Leaders for "Getting Back On Track" Webinar Series

Washington, DC (July 29th, 2021) - The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce joined our friends at Public Private Strategies and the U.S. Small Business Administration for “Getting Back on Track: Help Is Here Educational Webinar Series.” We joined dozens of panelists and thousands in attendance as Vice President Kamala Harris and SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman discussed various programs, initiatives, and legislation aimed at getting small businesses in the U.S. back on track.

Besides learning about the wide array of resources available to small businesses through the SBA, Vice President Harris had an opportunity to discuss the importance of the Historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal currently being negotiated by Congress. She detailed a once-in-a-generation investment in our infrastructure. In total, the deal includes $550 billion in new federal investment in America’s infrastructure. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal would grow the economy, enhance our competitiveness, create good jobs, and make our economy more sustainable, resilient, and just.

One of the most important aspects of this historic bill is broadband in underserved communities such as Puerto Rico. Broadband is essential to the economic growth of American Hispanic Small Businesses. The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce applauds the inclusion of $65 billion in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill for broadband expansion and urges its passage by Congress. #GrowPR

NPR Chamber's Joel Berrocal quoted in recent MarketWatch article.

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.