Maida is the owner of Minuteman Press, Merced – a full service printing, marketing, and design center.  MMP Merced is an independently owned and operated family  business; she works alongside her son Josh who is the Graphic Designer/Production Specialist.  Minuteman Press, Merced was chosen by the Merced County Hispanic Chamber as their Business/Member of the Year in 2018.

Maida is excited to be a part of MCHCC’s Board of Directors and is looking forward to helping other businesses thrive in Merced.

Ashley Smith is the newest member of MCHCC appointed in April 2019. She is passionate about business development and specializes in social media marketing.
Ashley is from the Merced community, graduating from Merced High in 2012. She went on to further her education while playing Division 1 softball and earned her Bachelors of Science in Social Science from Portland State University in 2016. Since her return home she has worked in real estate finance and is currently a production specialist with Cardinal Financial.
Ashley loves her home city of Merced and looks forward to giving back to her community. Currently involved with Restore Merced an incredible non- profit organization that hopes to achieve their goal of “ Merced residents experience spiritual, social, and economic flourishing through the demonstration of Christ’s love.”

Norma currently works as a life insurance specialist for AAA Insurance providing families lifelong security. She has worked at Devon’s Jewelers since 1995 and has years of customer service, sales, and leadership experience.

She is excited to contribute to the Hispanic Chamber’s mission of empowering local business with the tools and knowledge to succeed in the community. 

Elena joined the Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in late December 2017. She currently oversees daily managerial tasks in the Chamber’s Office along with being the point of contact for board members, new members, chamber events and so much more! Elena is the go-to person whenever a task needs to be completed or started. She has an extensive background in Hospitality, Office Management, and Community Relations.

Elena was born and raised in Madera, CA and moved to Merced in late 2014 to be closer to her fiancée and push her Marketing Career further. In her spare time, she can be found fishing on one of the many local lakes in her 1983 Ranger Bass boat with her fiancée and father-in-law in tow or hanging out at home with her family. She also travels quite often, her next planned trip will be to Enumclaw, WA to visit her bother, sister-in-law, nieces, and nephew. She is the proud cat-mom to an all-black long haired cat name Cruella.

Rene currently serves as President of Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He oversees and manages operations in all aspects of events, public outreach and serves as an Associate Senior Planner at San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission.

He joined the MCHCC to help local business grow and prosper in the community.

He is the owner of two Avis/Budget car/truck rental locations in Merced, CA. Successfully opened since 2007.