CHICAGO, Dec. 11, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), the country's largest Hispanic business organization, today announced that Chicago will be the host city for the organization's 34th Annual National Convention. The three-day convention is slated to take place September 15 - 17, 2013, at the historic Hilton Chicago hotel.
"I am pleased that the USHCC selected Chicago as the host for their national convention in 2013," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. "The USHCC promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of millions of Hispanic-owned businesses across the United States. As we build a 21st century economy, we must work together in new ways to attract and create business in Chicago and across the country. Chicago's economic success has continually been strengthened by supporting the expansion of immigrant and Hispanic-owned business and the USHCC Convention will serve as a springboard for collaboration in building the economic opportunities of the future."
Following a competitive selection process, the USHCC unanimously selected Chicago as the next location for the chamber's 34th Annual National Convention. The USHCC Convention is known as the largest gathering of Hispanic business leaders in America, attracting business associations, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, chamber leaders and members, Hispanic business enterprises (HBE's), and policymakers from across the United States. Approximately 7,000 attendees are expected in Chicago for the program.
"Chicago was a natural choice for the 2013 National Convention. Under the leadership of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago has established itself as a leading home for small businesses and the Hispanic community," said Javier Palomarez, USHCC President and CEO. "The Mayor's record on job creation and sustainable development, coupled with his enthusiasm for working with our members, helped make the decision to select Chicago much easier. He understands that minority enterprises play a crucial role in America's business future. As we continue our Convention planning process, we hope to engage with a wide variety of Chicago's business leaders to ensure the event is a complete success."
During his first 18 months in office, Mayor Emanuel has undertaken a series of initiatives to achieve his goal of improving services for small businesses and the immigrant business community. Mayor Emanuel established the Office of New Americans (ONA) affirming and strengthening Chicago's support for immigrant communities, entrepreneurs, and businesses. Mayor Emanuel and ONA have started the New Americans Small Business Series.
The New Americans Small Business Series is a series of quarterly events that will foster small business growth in immigrant communities throughout Chicago by creating temporary one-stop-shops in community settings. Immigrants in Chicago are 30 percent more likely to open up a small business and the one-stop-shops will ease the process by providing technical advice on how to start a small business, navigate the licensing process, comply with tax laws, interact with chambers of commerce, and access capital.
For the past two years, the USHCC Annual National Convention has had record-breaking attendance, featuring signature events such as the Ultimate Latina Luncheon, Million Dollar Club Breakfast, HBE Elite Luncheon, CEO Circle and Business Matchmaking, among others.
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 over 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses across the United States that contribute in excess of $465 billion to the American economy each year. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers and business associations in the United States and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.ushcc.com.