WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Last week in San Francisco, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation concluded the sixth Chamber Training Institute (CTI) of 2015. The Chamber Training Institute (CTI) is a program designed with the University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business and sponsored by Wells Fargo. The CTI program develops and empowers diverse chamber leaders while providing unique educational opportunities on how to grow and build their local organizations for the benefit of its small business community members. The training institute was expanded this year to include chamber leaders from the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC); U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC); and National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). Click HERE for program details.
The latest session of CTI saw the participation of 61 leaders from 31 chambers across the country. Since its inception in 2010, CTI has allowed more than 890 leaders from 294 chambers to participate in this free, two-day training.
The CTI is one part of Wells Fargo's four-point plan, introduced earlier this year to address key findings in the Wells Fargo-sponsored Small Business Diverse Segments Lending Study conducted by Gallup. The investment is also part of Wells Fargo's ongoing commitment to train leaders of diverse-segment chambers of commerce that includes more than $6 million in grants and sponsorships since 2003.
"We're proud that our partnership with the diverse chambers of commerce enables us to reach community leaders who, like Wells Fargo, are committed to supporting diverse small business owners," said Gigi Dixon, Director of Partnerships for Wells Fargo. "The expansion of the Chamber Training Institute allowed us to make an even deeper impact in our communities as we continue the important work of addressing the needs of diverse small business owners."
"Since USPAACC's partnership with Wells Fargo began in 2001 to encourage entrepreneurship through education, training and recognition of uncommon corporate responsibility, hundreds of thousands of small and minority businesses have been elevated to a higher level playing field. The Chamber Training Institute is the latest proof that when people of diverse backgrounds come together for a common purpose to serve the greater good, everybody wins. USPAACC is honored to be a team player in this ground-breaking program with USHCC, US Black Chambers and the NGLCC, on a platform provided by Wells Fargo," said USPAACC National President & CEO Susan Au Allen.
USHCC Foundation Chairman Nina Vaca said: "This valuable program, in collaboration with our fellow diverse chambers is another great example of what can be accomplished when all our communities work together. We demonstrate that we work best when we cooperate, and our businesses succeed when we all do. While they may have some unique circumstances, Minority entrepreneurs share the same challenges and aspirations as all American business owners. Their success is instrumental in creating jobs and driving economic development in some of our country's fastest-growing markets – frankly where it's needed most."
About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The USHCC Foundation is the philanthropic and educational arm of the USHCC. The mission of the USHCC Foundation is to enrich experiences of current and future leaders in the world of business through life-long learning and support. The Foundation's initiatives awaken and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit, support business growth, strengthen local chambers and foster leaders. For more information, visit www.ushccfoundation.org