WASHINGTON, March 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 7th Annual Business Expo, one of the biggest events hosted by the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC), is revving up to attract 2,000 attendees, 170 exhibitors, 90 sponsors and partners, and dozens of speakers. This year’s Expo, themed “The Value of Hispanic Businesses: Social, Economic, and Political Power,” expands on the Chamber’s momentous year of growth and partnership-building across the tristate region.
“As Mayor, I continue to champion opportunities that support our diverse businesses and enrich the lives of all District residents,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “As we work to create more pathways to the middle class, I applaud the Hispanic Chamber and the Expo for providing Latino businesses with a valuable platform to learn, grow, and contribute to the District’s diverse economy."
GWHCC Chairman, Alfredo Casta, reflects on the Expo’s importance that extends far beyond a one-day event, “The Business Expo is our premier event for businesses to connect, network and grow: locally, nationally and internationally. The Chamber’s extensive reach has benefited Hispanic businesses of all sizes and at all levels of development. As catalyst for growth and development, we are committed to moving Hispanic businesses forward so they may succeed in this dynamic and invigorating marketplace. GWHCC serves as a bridge to connect Hispanic and non-Hispanic owned businesses together to conduct business. The Business Expo creates those crucial connections.”
Local and national business leaders, influencers, and government officials will lead keynote speeches, interactive seminars, and business development activities to guide participants in every aspect of their business, from how to establish and market their products and services to securing government and corporate procurement contracts. New this year is the Executive Luncheon with Keynote speaker, Nina Vaca, Chairman & CEO of Pinnacle Group. Ms. Vaca has been named one of the most influential Latinos in the U.S. for the past 7 years, and named one of the country's 100 most intriguing entrepreneurs by Goldman Sachs. The day will conclude with a business reception with lively music, libations, and food from supporting restaurants.
Roger Campos, Maryland's historic first business ombudsman, recently spoke about the Chamber and the Expo value: “The work of government is enhanced by the quality of our engaged citizens. The GWHCC, and the upcoming Expo, build on my efforts to engage and educate our constituents as we seek to provide information and referral opportunities to local businesses. Our partners are an important gateway for us to communicate the local business community’s real life experiences to the governor and lawmakers.”
According to Geoscape, there are 4 million Hispanic-owned businesses nationally generating $661 billion in revenue (28% increase since 2012). And a recent US Census survey reports that in the DC region alone, the most affluent and diverse Hispanic market in the nation, there are almost 66,000 Hispanic-owned businesses.
Recently named Chamber of the Year by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, GWHCC initiatives continue to focus on driving economic growth in the DC Metro region and fostering economic relations in Latin America. As a membership driven organization, the GWHCC consists of businesses and individuals that represent all segments of commerce in the Greater Washington area. The members’ diversity mirrors the growing local Hispanic and minority business market.
When: Tuesday, March 15, 2016, 9:00 am to 7:30 pm
Where: The Walter E. Washington Convention Center located at 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW, Washington, DC
For more information on GWHCC’s 7th Annual Business Expo, go to: www.gwhcc.org/expo
Sponsors for the Business Expo as of March 1st: Presenting Sponsors - Exelon, Pepco, GWHCC Foundation; Presenting Partner - DC Health Link; Presenting Media -El Zol, Latina Style, Telemundo; Gold - Events DC, Kaiser Permanente; Silver - Bank of America, Latino Magazine, Verizon, WAMU; Executive Luncheon - Respira Medical; Partners - Freddie Mac, BizLaunch, DMPED, MOLA, OHR, DHCD, PGEDC; Health & Wellness – Walmart; Contractor’s Row – Sprint; International Row – UPS; Workforce & Education - Don Bosco/Cristo Rey High School and Corporate Work Study Abroad Program; Business Reception - M&T, WSSC; Marketing - LiMon LLC, Socially Ahead; Sign - Gelberg Signs; Million Dollar Panel – Paychex; Corporate – AARP; Media - Armand Hugon, Asi es mi Gente, Bisnow, El Tiempo Latino, La Mega, El Pregonero, La Mera Mera, Latin Opinion, Latino Connection, Hispanos Sin Fronteras, NTN24, Mundo Latino, Univision, Washington Business Journal, Washington Hispanic.
About the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a 501(C) 6 membership driven organization, founded in 1976, that supports the economic development of the Greater Washington metropolitan area. The Chamber facilitates the success of Hispanic and other minority-owned businesses and the communities they serve through networking, advocacy, education and access to capital. Every year more than 1,500 businesses and organizations participate in chamber events, from startups that are just launching to established ones that have been operating for years. Members range from the Washington region's largest corporations to one-person companies. For additional information visit our website www.gwhcc.org.