WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) honored 51 exceptional Hispanic Business Enterprises (HBEs) during its 2013 USHCC National Convention, held at the iconic Hilton Chicago.
Hispanic entrepreneurs are America's business future, growing at more than twice the rate of the national average. The USHCC and its HBE partner Geoscape, one of the nation's leading business intelligence firms, co-published a comprehensive report chronicling the progress of Hispanic-owned businesses.
"Geoscape's report was released at the most opportune time – during this year's National Convention, which convened the greatest gathering of Hispanic business leaders, corporate executives, and national leaders to date," said USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez. "As our report highlights, Hispanic-owned businesses doubled in the past 11 years to approximately 3.2 million. Together, these businesses will contribute in excess of $468 billion to the American economy this year. The HBE Elite Luncheon celebrates these achievements, honoring those who represent the fastest-growing business segment in the nation."
The 2013 Businesswoman of the Year Award was presented to Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, Founder and Chief Merchandising Officer of Gilt Groupe, Inc., an online shopping company with more than 6 million customers.
"As a Cuban-American entrepreneur, this award is a tremendous honor for me," said Alexandra Wikis Wilson, Founder and CMO of Gilt Groupe. "I sincerely thank the USHCC for this recognition and will continue to encourage others, especially women and Hispanics to consider entrepreneurship."
President and CEO David Hernandez of Liberty Power, the nation's largest independent retail electric supplier, received the 2013 Businessman of the Year Award.
"It's an honor to be recognized as a leader in the Hispanic industry. This award is confirmation of all the hard work and effort of the Liberty Power team," said David Hernandez, CEO and co-founder. "The USHCC will continue to receive our support and commitment in promoting the growth of Hispanic businesses."
"For years, the importance of advertising to Hispanic consumers has been heavily covered by the media. Now, Hispanic industry leaders and job creators like David Hernandez and Alexandra Wilson are being recognized for their critical economic contributions," said USHCC Chairman of the Board Marc Rodriguez. "The USHCC's mission is to mainstream the rapid growth of Hispanic businesses. With a total population of 53 million, a purchasing power of $1.3 trillion and over 3 million businesses, the Hispanic community has become a central pillar at the foundation of our new American economy."
The following 51 HBEs were honored at thus year's Luncheon:
- Actualidad Radio
- Altura Capital
- The Alamo Travel Group
- Argent Associates
- Azteca
- Brightstar Corporation
- BVK Meka
- Cabrera Capital Markets
- Cano Container Corporation
- CFO Services Group
- Continental Food and Beverage (Inca Kola)
- CTI Construction
- David Gomez & Associates
- Deval LLC.
- Diverse Staffing Solutions
- Dominion Technologies International
- El Clasificado Hispanic Media
- Elephantik
- Elite Global Events
- Geoscape
- Goodman Networks
- Group O Inc.
- Infante Zumpano
- InGenesis
- Interblock Studios
- Investar Financial
- Technical Services
- Jelena Group
- Liberty Power Corp. LLC
- Lopez Negrete Communications
- LUZ
- MasTec
- The Meruelo Group
- MicroTech
- The Offices of Marc A. Rodriguez
- Paris Caterers
- Patino & Associates
- Pinnacle Technical Resources
- Project Enhancement Corporation
- Reliance Wire & Cable
- República
- Respira Medical
- Ruiz Strategies
- SDI International Corporation
- Think-Outside-The-Book Publishing
- Treco Services, Inc.
- United Data Technologies (UDT)
- Vi-Da Global
- VisionIT
- V-me Media
- Yerba Buena Engineering & Construction
About the USHCC
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of over 3.1 million Hispanic owned businesses across the United States that contribute in excess of $468 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
Valentina Pereda USHCC Director of Communications 202-489-2932
