SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 26 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 29th Annual National Convention and Business Expo, which is being hosted in Sacramento, honored today Latina business owners, and gave business leaders from across the United States great insight into potential for growth.
USHCC leaders David Lizarraga and Augustine Martinez were joined by Lt. Governor John Garamendi and Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration Jovita Carranza to discuss the importance of Hispanic-owned businesses, and the various government-related procurement opportunities available to them.
“Hispanic-owned businesses are a very important part of our economy. We are growing and succeeding, and our influence in business and industry sectors is stronger than ever,” said Lizarraga.
Of the 23 million businesses in the United States, 7%, or 2.5 million, are Hispanic, the largest percentage of any minority group. Of those, 700,000 are in California alone. Revenues for Hispanic-owned businesses in California are at $228 billion per year and almost $400 billion nationally.
The Procurement Breakfast held this morning underlined the importance of generating opportunities for Hispanic businesses. The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Convention’s goal is to bring business owners and leaders together to match Hispanic-owned businesses with companies or agencies — state, national, or private — that have procurement opportunities.
In California, 25% of state contracts for products or services must be destined to small-businesses. A large percentage of small businesses are Hispanic.
In addition, State Senator and Majority Senate Leader Gloria Romero joined USHCC Vice-Chair Elizabeth Gallagher and financial expert Julie Stav to honor Latina business leaders at a special Luncheon.
“Latina-owned businesses continue to lead and make a positive impact in each one of our communities,” said Elisa Garcia of Office Depot.
Ms. Yrma Rico, President of Rico & Rico, received the Ultimate Latina Award for her outstanding service to the Hispanic business world.
Rico overcame adversity to become one of the most successful Latina-business women in California. She is a former migrant worker, who started her television career in Fresno. She went on to become an equity holder at Entravision Corporation.
“Ms. Rico truly exemplifies what hard-work and ambition can do to accomplish the American Dream. Her story is truly amazing, and other women can relate to her, and be inspired to succeed,” said Jeff Byers, Regional Sales and Marketing Manager, BMW of North America.
The USHCC National Convention and Business Expo is one of the largest gatherings of Hispanic business leaders and owners from throughout the country, and it’s expected to bring thousands of people to the Capital, with revenues of $2.5 million for the city.
The USHCC 29th Annual National Convention is being held at the Sacramento Convention Center from September 24-27, 2008, and brings with it workshops on telecommunications, technology, and environmentally friendly business practices, as well as procurement and networking opportunities.
For more information, visit http://www.ushcc.com .
About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of more than 2.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that generate almost $400 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia and Uruguay.
