WASHINGTON, May 5, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) applauds NBA commissioner Adam Silver for taking swift and bold action against former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling. Last week, an audiotape was discovered that contained a number of racist statements attributed to Mr. Sterling. Shortly after the story broke, Commissioner Silver imposed a $2.5 million fine on Mr. Sterling – the maximum amount allowed by the NBA – and banned him from the league for life.
"The USHCC praises Commissioner Adam Silver and the NBA for taking strong disciplinary action against Mr. Sterling. His words, misguided and offensive as they were, have galvanized leaders across the spectrum to join the debate with commendable unity and denounce racism with one voice," said USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez. "We urge the NBA and its owners to seize this opportunity to honor the NBA's diverse pedigree of athletes, fans and investors by including Hispanics as part of the new ownership of the LA Clippers."
Los Angeles County continues to be one of the most diverse areas in the nation. According to the US Census, 49% of the region's population is of Hispanic descent. And a recent Nielson study revealed that Hispanic consumers spend 10% more per family outing than the general market and have a collective annual buying power of $1.4 trillion dollars, the largest of any ethnic minority group in America.
"As the nation's leading voice for 3.2 million Hispanic-owned businesses, that together contribute over $468 billion to the American economy, the USHCC encourages all national sports leagues to include Hispanic investors into the ownership of their teams. In doing so, not only will these associations better represent the nation's fastest growing demographic, they also garner the loyalty of heavily sought-after Hispanic consumers," Mr. Palomarez added.
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 .
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Ammar Campa-Najjar USHCC Communications Manager 619-721-5148
