Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and I3 Interns Discuss Innovation and Invention
By: Sandra Slattery and Nadine Hernandez
I3 interns with the Lemelson MIT program at Chaffey College met with the president of the Ontario Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Armando Rodriguez. Rodriguez invited I3 interns to meet at his small business located in downtown Ontario, Pixel Vault. The I3 interns used the opportunity to ask Rodriguez and other small business owners who were also in on the conversation about potential issues or problems within Ontario that could use an invention or innovation to better support their businesses.
Suzie, owner of Murrish Maintenance, a small business that handles residential and commercial maintenance repairs, shared her experience with the interns and provides insight of how a small business can benefit from inventions. Suzie also reflected on the challenges that led to the birthing of Murrish Maintenance and the importance of perseverance and learning from others along the way.
Rodriguez encouraged the interns to take risks, learn from teachers, and to keep in mind who it will benefit and how.
Rodriguez says: “Everybody has a different situation… Be out there to hear other people's experiences.”
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the B Street Business Festival on July 11 to create a networking opportunity to the community.