March 7, 2005 – Benjamin Rivera, Jr. is now the executive director of the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce, according to an announcement Monday by Anna M. Hector, president of the chamber.
According to the press release, Rivera, the former executive director of the USVI Economic Alliance, a non-profit organization of EDC beneficiaries, is a staunch advocate of the small business community of St. Croix.
Rivera's family spans four generations on St. Croix. Rivera obtained his bachelor’s degree from Penn State University. He has served in a variety of executive posts in the public and private sectors of the Virgin Islands community, and has been a small business owner since 1999.
"Mr. Rivera is a highly motivated, innovative and results-oriented professional with years of experience in managing the challenges we face in the territorial business community," said Hector. "We have a number of pressing challenges facing the business community of St. Croix and we are confident that Mr. Rivera will be the person to take our Chamber to a higher level of success."
Rivera said, "There are many issues facing our business community that have a direct impact on our immediate and long-term economic futures and the chamber must have a strong voice, a clear sense of direction and a must be the key advocate in the development of our economy and in the strengthening of our small businesses."
He added, "There is strength in numbers, and I am calling on all St. Croix businesses to join the St. Croix Chamber and to support our efforts during this upcoming year."
The St. Croix Chamber of Commerce is the oldest business advocacy organization on St. Croix, having opened its doors in October of 1924.
The announcement also described the chamber's mission as:
– Represent its members and create a positive business climate that fosters private sector growth.
– Advocate on behalf of its members, Governmental policies and Legislative actions that encourage investment, promote economic stability, provide opportunities for business growth, and advance a healthy economy in St. Croix.
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