Getting to know: Luis Lopez

Luis Lopez, 61, has been leading the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for the past year, which has its main office in Lynbrook. Lopez, who owns Alante Security Group Inc. in Westbury, sat down with the Herald to tell us about what the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce — which has more than 1,000 members — can do for local business owners of Latin descent. Lopez moved to New York from Puerto Rico in 1958.

The Herald: When and why did you join the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce?
Luis Lopez: I was introduced to it about ten years ago by a member. Once he explained to me what it was about and what it stood for, in terms of the Hispanic community, I knew I wanted to join.

H: What are your main responsibilities as president?
LL: I've been president since January 2009. I basically guide and oversee the operations of the executive board and facilitate individual Hispanic business owners to do business in Long Island. I also try to solidify scholarship opportunities for members of the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce so it opens up avenues to their siblings.

H: What are the benefits of having a Hispanic Chamber?
LL: It's important because when I was growing up, I didn't know these type of opportunities existed. We need to take care of our own. We need to cultivate our individuals to give them the opportunity to succeed and be able to compete within the workplace. The Chamber gives guidance to business owners and provides them with different courses that show them how to make their businesses flourish.

H: If you had a ticket to anywhere in the world, where would you go?
LL: It would probably be a ticket around the world. I'd like to start in New York, then travel throughout the country. There's just so much beauty here, every state has its own niche.

H: What do you listen to on your drive to work?
LL: I listen to talk radio, 770 AM, as well as 97.9 FM and 96.3 FM.

H: What is your favorite meal?
LL: I'm a basic kind of guy. I love breakfast. Ham and eggs, home fries and a cup of coffee. I don't know why, but I enjoy breakfast more. I can enjoy it night or day.

H: What was the last good book you read?
LL: John Sanford's "Wicked Prey." It's a novel about law and order.

H: What's the television show you can't miss?