WASHINGTON, March 24, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation and Wells Fargo announced the award of $100,000 in funds to the USHCC Foundation's local chamber grant program. Seven grants were awarded to local chambers nationwide in anticipation of the 2014 USHCC Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. These funds will support a variety of programs, ranging from empowering Latina entrepreneurs, promoting "green" energy, and advancing diversity and inclusion within the larger American business community.
"As the founding sponsor of the Chamber Training Institute, and a longstanding supporter of our association, Wells Fargo has contributed generously to advancing opportunities for our nation's thriving Hispanic businesses and the local economies they serve," said Javier Palomarez USHCC President & CEO. "These grants are a rededication to our Foundation's critical programs – every dollar of which goes directly toward fostering small business growth. We are grateful for Wells Fargo's continued support of these critically important programs, and look forward to celebrating the success our local chambers enjoy by virtue of Well Fargo's strong alliance with the USHCC."
Multiple grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 were awarded to local chambers who continue to serve their members and local business communities. Grant recipients include:
- The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for its Latina Roundtable Seminars initiative;
- The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando for its HCCMO Supplier Diversity Program;
- The Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for its NXLevel Business Academy;
- The Utah Hispanic Chamber for its Acceso Technology Series;
- The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber for its Bilingual Business Development Certificate Program;
- The North Carolina Hispanic Chamber for its Emprendedores NCHCC program; and
- The Latino Entrepreneurial Network of SE Wisconsin, INC. for its Green Entrepreneurial Boot Camp.
"At Wells Fargo we recognize the economic value Hispanic small businesses bring to local communities across the country," said Greg Winegardner, Regional President for Wells Fargo and USHCC Board of Director. "It's our commitment to support Latino entrepreneurs and small businesses that are creating jobs among strong, vibrant communities. We want to do our part to make sure that entrepreneurs continue to be a vital presence in our communities, and this grant is an example of our commitment."
In addition to the local chamber grants, Wells Fargo and the USHCC Foundation offer the Chamber Training Institute (CTI) to chamber leaders throughout the year. CTI was created to provide unique educational opportunities to foster the growth and prosperity of Hispanic-owned businesses and the wider small business community. In collaboration with the University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business, the USHCC Foundation's CTI initiative offers a customized training program with curriculum to deepen levels of engagement and advance business leadership skills.
About the USHCC
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of our nation's entrepreneurs. The USHCC advocates on behalf of nearly 3.2 million Hispanic-owned businesses, that together contribute in excess of $468 billion to the American economy, each year. As the leading organization of its kind, the USHCC serves as an umbrella to more than 200 local chambers and business associations across the nation, and partners with more than 220 major corporations. For more information, visit www.ushcc.com . Follow us on Twitter @USHCC
About the USHCC Foundation
The mission of the USHCC Foundation is to enrich experiences of 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. Please visit www.ushccfoundation.org for more information on the USHCC Foundation.
About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC ) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.5 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 locations, 12,000 ATMs, and the internet ( wellsfargo.com ), and has offices in 36 countries to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. Wells Fargo loans more money to America's small businesses than any other bank (2002-2012 Community Reinvestment Act government data) and is a leading lender to women- and diverse-owned businesses. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 25 on Fortune's 2013 rankings of America's largest corporations. Wells Fargo's vision is to satisfy all our customers' financial needs and help them succeed financially. In 2013, the Company invested $275.5 million in grants to 18,500 nonprofits, and team members contributed more than 1.69 million volunteer hours around the country. For more information, please visit: www.wellsfargo.com/about/csr . Wells Fargo perspectives are also available at blogs.wellsfargo.com .
Valentina Pereda USHCC Director of Communications 202-489-2932
