Hispanic Business Leaders to Gather in Washington for Economic Summit

(OBSNews.com) —Hispanic business owners, entrepreneurs, and advocates will gather in the nation’s capital next month at the United States Hispanic Chamber of commerce’s 19th Annual Legislative Conference during some of the most historic moments in recent memory. The Conference, organized annually by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), will be held between March 9th and 11th and will provide Hispanic business leaders a prime forum to discuss a wide variety of financial solutions to the country’s current economic downturn with key decision makers.nnDuring such historically significant times - with record numbers of foreclosures, mounting job losses, and a frozen credit market - the Legislative Conference comes at the apex of the first 100 days of the new Obama Administration and the 111th Congress. It will be the largest and most significant gathering of Hispanic business leaders in Washington ever.nn“The first 100 days of any new administration are crucial, setting the tone for the next four years,” said David C. Lizárraga, Chairman of the USHCC Board of Directors. “And with the current economic crisis, the new Obama Administration is working on some absolutely paramount policy decisions as we speak. Together with the new Congress, our elected leaders have a massive task ahead to work together to repair these deplorable economic conditions and stimulate the economy. Our task at the Legislative Conference is clear; we need to make sure the priorities of the Hispanic business community are understood and that they are integrated into the final economic recovery plan.”nnThe Legislative Conference will open by focusing on the current state of the Hispanic economy. Academic experts, former and current administration officials, and other leaders will offer their analyses of the economic downturn’s impact on business, employment, healthcare, and other areas.nn“With so much at stake, the timing of the Legislative Conference is fortuitous,” stated Augustine Martinez, USHCC President & CEO. “We’ll gather in the nation’s capital for an unparalleled opportunity to discuss Congressional programs and priorities in this historic session. This year’s legislative workshops will provide practical and powerful tools for business leadership in the context of the new economic stimulus package. We’ll get up-to-the-minute briefings from Washington insiders, providing a sound basis for strategic business decisions.”nnAmong the critical discussions planned for the Conference are reviews of green energy solutions and assessments of market opportunities that offer existing businesses new tools for stabilization or expansion. The Conference will also tackle several other issues related to access to capital, immigration, education and workforce development, and healthcare reform.nnExperts from Washington, DC-based policy institutes, professional associations, and Capitol Hill will lead the discussions and provide attendees an opportunity to hear firsthand from those who research and help shape national policy from the ground up.nn“It is smart business to get informed about policies which will impact the bottom line,” Chairman Lizarraga said. “Then we need to take action on that knowledge. We can’t overstate the importance of maintaining a high profile inside the Beltway through meaningful working relationships with Congress and the Obama administration. The business leaders and entrepreneurs who gather here will play a vital role in advancing the Hispanic business agenda and lay the groundwork for further analysis and advocacy.”nnTo fulfill this mandate, the Conference provides time for participants to take their case directly to Capitol Hill with a full day of one-on-one visits with Congressional leaders. Over the entire day during more than a hundred individual meetings with lawmakers, Hispanic business leaders will advance their pressing concerns related to the economic stimulus package, access to credit, education reform, and healthcare reform, among other priorities.nnThe three-day Conference will also feature a Latina Luncheon, focusing on trends in employment verification and their impact on immigration. The Conference wrap-up reception and dinner will be dedicated to recognizing Washington leaders who have been trailblazers in advancing the Hispanic business agenda.nnSponsors of the USHCC’s 19th Annual Legislative Conference include: Altria Client Services, Edison Electric Institute, Pacific Gas & Electric, Ford Motor Company, Wells Fargo, Southwest Airlines, and Toyota Motor Sales, Inc.

Sclipo | March 6, 2009

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