Latino Business Leaders and Millennial Entrepreneurs Join Forces

SACRAMENTO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC), the premier organization promoting the development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and emerging Hispanic businesses in California, kicks off the 2016 Annual Convention in Riverside, CA, September 21^st to 23^rd at the Riverside Convention Center.

Innovation Starts Here is the theme of the 37th Annual Conference. The three day convention will focus on new innovations sparking the creativity of entrepreneurs throughout California, technologies transforming industries, and recognizing Hispanic millennials and Latinas who are forging their own paths in business.

During the weeklong convention, the CHCC is tackling issues impacting not only Hispanic-owned businesses, but the livelihood and success of businesses throughout California.

“We are shifting to a proactive approach, and addressing the tough problems in our communities such as the drought, energy costs, and excessive regulation, jeopardizing the growth and sustainability of small and mid-size businesses,” said Juan P. Garcia, Deputy Director of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. “We are constructing comprehensive solutions that benefit businesses and our Hispanic community,” added Garcia.

Hispanics are now the majority in California, and with that comes an added responsibly for the CHCC to advocate for our business community. According to 2015 U.S. Census data, there are more than 815,000 Hispanic-owned businesses in California, generating more than $98 million in revenue, and creating 500,000 jobs.

“As a small business owner, I know the challenges Hispanic small businesses in California face. As an organization that represents the interest of businesses statewide, we will continue to be their voice and provide them with the tools, information, and resources they need to succeed, “said Frank Montes, Chairman of the CHCC Board of Directors.

Collaboration has opened new doors of opportunity, and created new partnerships within the government and private sector for the CHCC and its members.

The continued success of the organization would not be possible without corporate partners that include this year’s Title sponsor Wells Fargo, and new business ally, Frontier Communications.

“Wells Fargo is happy to advance the mission of CHCC, supporting their important advocacy and education work for Hispanic businesses across the state. We know that businesses are the engines that drive local economies – creating jobs and helping to spur fiscal recovery, and we recognize the success, growth and leadership of Hispanic business owners,” said Area President, Inland Empire, Community Bank, Wells Fargo & Company, Evelin Martinez.

“The success of Hispanic entrepreneurs and emerging Latino businesses is a key to the economic vitality of California today and essential to creating a strong future for all our communities,” said Frontier Communications Senior Vice President Trent Anderson. “Frontier Communications is proud to support the important work of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and their mission to promote, support and encourage the advancement and development of Hispanic and other diverse-owned businesses in our state.”

Among the new initiatives launched this year by the CHCC:

• The Business Leadership Institute: A partnership with John F. Kennedy University
• The Millennial Project: Engages Hispanic Millennials to inject new ideas into the public and private sector
• New collaborative opportunities with our LGBT and Veteran communities

“Latinos care about our community, our ‘familia,’ as business owners, we are concerned for the livelihood of all businesses throughout the state,” said Montes. “Hispanic millennials are behind innovative ideas and solutions that are bringing new life to our family owned businesses, and generating new solutions in the private and public sector to address tough problems like the drought and energy needs,” added Montes.

This year’s CHCC Convention will include informative workshops for small and mid-sized businesses, networking, procurement opportunities with decision makers from the corporate and government sectors, a business and innovation expo, and the popular “Hispanic Shark Tank” competition.

For more information about the 37^th Annual Convention visit our website: www.chccconvention.com

The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) has a network of over 45 Hispanic chambers and business associations throughout the State of California. Through its network of Hispanic chambers and business associations, the CHCC represents the interest of over 800,000 Hispanic business owners in California. The CHCC is the premier and largest regional ethnic business organization in the nation that promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and California’s Emerging Businesses. For more information, please visit our website at www.cahcc.com.