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The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce picked the local organization from among 250 Hispanic chambers in the nation at its national convention in Chicago on Monday.

“We are thrilled to be recognized for our services to the business community in Southern Arizona and northern Mexico,â€� said Lea Má°ùquez-Peterson, president and chief executive officer of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber.

Má°ùquez-Peterson accepted the award at the convention.

Javier Palomarez, president and chief executive officer of the national Hispanic Chamber, said he trusts Tucson’s organization “will continue to amplify the story of the Hispanic entrepreneur� and remind the nation that the “Hispanic businessmen and women are America’s business future.�

An independent panel of judges chose the Tucson Hispanic Chamber for the award. Among accomplishments the panel recognized:

• The chamber’s international relations program, which assists businesses in Arizona and Sonora with binational trade, advocacy and a business presence at key events in Mexico;

• Its advocacy, which promotes nonpartisan, pro-business community policies.

• Its member services, focusing on the Hispanic market, providing programs and events to assist businesses in reaching the fast-growing Hispanic sector in Arizona.

“I believe that our incredible membership growth to over 1,050 member businesses and our collaborative partnerships throughout the region have been key to our recognition,â€� Má°ùquez-Peterson said.

“Our chamber has built a strong team between our dedicated staff and our board of directors, which is driving our binational, regional vision,� she added.

The Tucson group is the largest Latino business organization in the state, Má°ùquez-Peterson said.

In addition to working with businesses in Southern Arizona, the Tucson Hispanic Chamber has an office in Hermosillo, Sonora. For two years the chamber has worked to promote growth and development of the Southern Arizona-Sonora region, said Má°ùquez-Peterson.