WASHINGTON, March 4, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On April 2nd the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC) will host its Fourth Annual Business Expo: Connections, Opportunities and Growth. The Expo is the Washington Hispanic business community's premier event for showcasing businesses and building connections with participating government agencies, corporations, embassies, non-profits, small businesses, and local Hispanic business community members.
According to Global Insights, Washington Metro Hispanic Average Household Income is the highest in the country, reaching $84,000 annually. The region also boasts of being the fourth fastest growing Hispanic market in the country, according to Nielsen. "Every day more organizations are realizing the value in reaching out to the Hispanic business community. This is why we created the Expo four years ago," stated Angela Franco, President and CEO of the GWHCC. "We wanted to create an event where participants and attendees could connect with the area's Hispanic business community, find procurement opportunities at a local and international level, and grow their businesses – all in one place," she added.
The Expo has continued to grow at a fast pace, increasing participation from 2010 with 500 attendees and 70 exhibitors to 1,300 attendees and 100 exhibitors in 2012. This year, the Expo is anticipating 2,000 attendees and 110 exhibitors and has secured the support of three major companies as Presenting Sponsors: Erie Insurance, Pricewaterhouse Coopers and El Zol 107.9 FM. "At Erie Insurance, we've seen the value in supporting organizations such as the GWHCC. We highly share and support their mission to helping the growth of Hispanic and other minority-owned businesses," said Sandra Dorsey, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Erie Insurance. She added, "As one of the sponsors of this event, Erie Insurance invites all business owners in the area to participate. They will find unparalleled opportunities for their businesses."
Throughout the day, the Expo will offer panels and business development activities designed to guide participants in securing government and corporate procurement contracts, promoting their own businesses, doing business overseas, and more. The Chamber partners with local organizations and agencies that serve businesses in the metropolitan area to assure that the quality of the content helps local small and minority-owned businesses.
"The Prince George's County Supplier Development and Diversity Division is looking forward to participating in this event and supporting the Chamber in their activities," said Roland L. Jones, Executive Director of Prince George's County Supplier Development and Diversity Division (SDDD). "This event demonstrates the importance of Hispanic businesses by providing the resources, opportunities and key connections for them to grow and help our economy," he added.
For more information on the GWHCC's Fourth Annual Business Expo visit www.gwhcc.org/expo.
Sponsors supporting the Expo as of March 4, 2013 include: Presenting Sponsors – Erie Insurance, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, El Zol 107.9 FM; Gold Sponsors – Telemundo Washington, Events DC; Silver Sponsor – DiReggio Advertising; Breakfast Sponsor – Aetna; Internet Café Sponsors – Verizon, Verizon Wireless; Lanyard Sponsor: Wells Fargo; Media Sponsors – Washington Business Journal, El Tiempo Latino, La Nueva 87.7, Supercanal, Radio America; Sign Sponsor – Gerlberg Signs; Business Reception: Comcast; Corporate Sponsors – State Farm Insurance, Aeromexico, BB&T; Workforce Row Sponsor: National Children's Center; Business Matchmaking Sponsor – My Business Matches, Dynamic-Pro Inc., John Marshall Bank. Partner organizations include Washington DC Economic Partnership, Prince George's County Supplier Development and Diversity Division (SDDD) and Department of Economic Development of Montgomery County. Expo Organizing Partners include DSLBD and Arlington Economic Development.
About the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a membership driven organization that supports the economic development of the Greater Washington metropolitan area by facilitating the success of Latino and other minority-owned businesses and the communities they serve through networking, advocacy, education, and access to capital. The Chamber was founded in 1976 and is 501(C) 6. For additional information visit our website www.gwhcc.org
The Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=17350