The concept for a Hispanic chamber of commerce in Tucson was first developed by Rico Sotomayor, a former Minority Business Enterprise program director of the City of Tucson. A reception for local community representatives and members of the Phoenix-based Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce inspired the formation of a local chapter. On May 18, 1989, the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (THCC) was incorporated in the State of Arizona.

The THCC It is governed by the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and (the Manual of) Policies and Procedures. The initial founders were Fredrick Palafox, Pablo Ortiz, George Lopez and Augustine Garcia. The original purpose of the corporation was to provide, promote and advance, on a nonprofit basis, the general welfare and prosperity of the Tucson area, so that its citizens and business community could prosper. The Internal Revenue Service of the United States of America recognizes the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (THCC) as a 501 (c) 6 non-profit organization.