McAllen, TX–(HISPANIC PR WIRE)–May 16, 2007–In 2007, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation continues its partnership with Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, by hosting the Youth Entrepreneurship “BizFest” in McAllen, Texas, focusing on the automotive industry. The McAllen “BizFest” is part of a series of automotive-specific training camps created to boost the number of Hispanics employed in the automotive industry. The training camps are funded by a five-year $1 million grant from Ford Motor Company Fund. This will be the first time a “BizFest” will be held in McAllen.
The McAllen “BizFest” will take place May 16-19, 2007 at South Texas College Pecan Campus. The intensive four-day workshop will equip students with tools necessary for success in careers with or in the automotive industry in areas such as, dealership ownership, automotive supplier development, automotive technology, marketing/sales/service, engineering/manufacturing, information technology, and product development. Students will also learn how to launch their own business, establish entrepreneurial and leadership goals, create plans for business and life, become effective leaders and team players, identify investment opportunities, and make public presentations.
“Innovative educational programs are a top priority for Ford Motor Company Fund, and BizFest fits that description well,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, director of Community Development and International Strategy, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “We are proud to support the USHCC Foundation and its innovative BizFest program that provides Hispanic youth with insights to the automotive industry and paves the way for future entrepreneurs.”
Students selected to participate in the “BizFest” will take part in leadership development, entrepreneurship training and creating and presenting business plans. Participants will compete for scholarships, prizes, long-term business support, and the opportunity to participate in the National “BizFest” Competition at the USHCC 28th Annual National Convention & Business Expo September 19-22, 2007 in San Juan, PR.
“The USHCC Foundation is excited to be traveling to McAllen for the first McAllen “BizFest.” Career opportunities in the automotive industry are endless for today’s aspiring young professionals. With the support of Ford Motor Company Fund, we are able to bring this industry and its cutting edge career opportunities to the students of McAllen,” said Frank Lopez, President & CEO of the USHCC Foundation.
The McAllen “BizFest” is one of several regional “BizFests” held throughout the country, and is the USHCC Foundation’s signature youth initiative.
About USHCC Foundation
The USHCC Foundation is committed to the advancement of the Hispanic community’s economic development and entrepreneurship skills through the empowerment of Hispanic-owned businesses, growth of the Hispanic chamber of commerce network and promotion of life-long learning experiences for Hispanic youth and entrepreneurs. The Foundation’s broad-based approach is coupled with a proactive strategy, which is reflected in the diverse number of USHCC Foundation-driven programs created to reach constituencies of all age groups and needs.
About Ford Motor Company Fund
Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services is committed to creating opportunities that promote corporate citizenship, philanthropy, volunteerism and cultural diversity for those who live in the communities where Ford does business. Established in 1949 and made possible by Ford Motor Company profits, Ford Motor Company Fund supports initiatives and institutions that foster innovative education, auto-related safety, and American heritage and legacy. National programs include Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies, which provides high school students with academically rigorous 21st century learning experiences, and Driving Skills for Life, a teen-focused auto safety initiative. The Ford Volunteer Corps, established in 2005, continues Ford’s legacy of caring worldwide. Through the Volunteer Corps, salaried employees, union members, retirees and their families participate in a wide range of volunteer projects in their communities. For more information on programs made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, visit http://www.ford.com.
