2024 - Latin American Business Council Meeting

The vision of the Latin American Business Council is to foster the economic growth and development of the Latin American business community in the Cape Fear Region. We are building a multicultural coalition that celebrates the diversity of the Latino community and builds professional leadership through increased access to business and education resources, the establishment of multilingual platforms, and advocacy through public policy. 

Nicolas Montoya, General Manager of the Blockade Runner Beach Resort, which currently is undergoing an extensive renovation and brand transition to Trailborn Surf & Sound, will speak to the LABC about his journey in running a successful business in an ever changing climate and environment.  “We’re incredibly excited to join Trailborn and embark on a joint mission to enhance every aspect of the guest experience and unveil Trailborn Surf & Sound to those who know and love us and to new visitors,” said Nicolas Montoya, Property General Manager. “Coupled with the property’s commitment to providing superb guest service, these updates will elevate our guests’ stays, ensuring the hotel remains a local fixture for many years to come.”

Overcoming barriers and having the resiliency to adapt to cater to the needs to a very specific customer base is not new to Nicolas.  We hope you will join us in celebrating Nicolas’ successes and learn from challenges he has successfully overcome and be inspired by his current innovations for future business.

Nicolas Montoya is originally from Bogota, Colombia. He developed his passion for travel and the hospitality industry through first hand experiences. While attending high school at the American School in London, he travelled through Europe. He landed in the States by way of Boston, Massachusetts where received his B.S. in Hospitality Administration from Boston University.

His 30-year career begun in his native city Bogota, Colombia in a small boutique hotel. This was followed by the opportunity to work at two iconic Hotels; the Fontainebleau in Miami Beach, Florida and the famed Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Here he developed a commitment to customer service and the development of people in the industry. After deciding to relocate to his wife’s home state of NC, he committed himself to the Blockade Runner Beach Resort.

Nicolas has also been an active supporter and participant of locally held athletic events, having participated in the regions’ triathlons, marathons, open water swims and fat bike races.  He is also an active member of the Wrightsville Beach Marketing Advisory Committee, Tourism Development Authority Board, and the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce as 2^nd Vice Chair on the Board of Directors and Chair of the Chambers Membership Development and Engagement work. 


Juntos Prosperamos, Juntos Progresamos, Together we prosper, together we make progress.

This program will be presented in English.

Open to the public. ALL chamber members AND nonmembers are invited to attend this meeting.


SCHEDULE

5:30 PM Arrive and Connect
6:00 PM Program Begins
7:00 PM Networking
7:30 PM Program Ends