WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) has announced BP America – America's largest energy investor – as the corporate chair of its 2015 National Convention, set to take place September 20-22, 2015 in Houston, Texas. The annual convention is a premier event for America's small business community, convening thousands of Hispanic entrepreneurs, national and international corporate executives, top government officials, and representatives from local chambers and business associations throughout the country.
Each year, the USHCC National Convention is held at a destination that is renowned for its economic prowess, pro-business environment, and embrace of diversity. The USHCC National Convention is the largest gathering of its kind, and through its nearly 6,000 attendees each year, produces a surge in economic activity and business contracting for the host city. To learn more, visit www.ushccconvention.com/2015 .
"The USHCC is thrilled to have BP America serve as the corporate chair of our 2015 National Convention in Houston. Through its robust supplier diversity initiatives, BP America has given minority-owned firms tremendous opportunities for growth - in Houston and across the Gulf Coast as well as throughout the United States," said USHCC President &CEO Javier Palomarez. "What this company, our association, and Hispanic business owners hold in common is our quintessentially American stories - built on hard work, accountability, and a positive vision for the future. Industry leaders like BP America have positioned the United States to lead the world through the 21st century, and we look forward to bringing these commercial opportunities to Houston next year."
BP America, headquartered in Houston, spent over $650 million with minority-owned businesses in 2011 alone, and continues to spend hundreds of millions of dollars within its diverse supply chain. Earlier this year, the USHCC commended BP America for making the most substantial investment toward environmental restoration in history following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. In total, the company has spent over $26 billion in government claims and clean-up, committed $1 billion to restoration, and has allocated $500 million for independent scientific research over the next decade.
"BP America is proud to serve as the corporate chair of the U.S.H.C.C 2015 convention. We're equally proud that the Chamber has chosen our U.S. hometown of Houston as the convention site," said BP America Chairman and President John Mingé. "BP and the Chamber share a commitment to growing the American economy and embracing diversity and no U.S. city reflects those ideals more than Houston, Texas."
Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States and the largest city in Texas, with a thriving half-trillion dollar economy, an estimated 150,000 Hispanic-owned firms, and a diverse business community operating across a broad spectrum of industries. Houston is one of the most affordable cities in America, and the no. 1 job-creating city in the country, with an unemployment rate significantly below the national level. According to the U.S. Census, over one-third of Houstonians identify as being Hispanic.
"BP America is the ideal corporate chair for our 2015 National Convention in Houston. Not only has BP America witnessed the city's economy flourish, but through its US headquarters in Houston, the company has directly contributed to the city's commercial prosperity," said USHCC Chairman Marc Rodriguez. "With BP America serving at the helm, our 2015 convention is poised to be an historic gathering of Hispanic business leaders, corporate executives, government officials, and cultural icons -- all of whom share a common cause toward advancing America's business future."
About BP America
Over the past five years, BP has invested nearly $50 billion in the US – more than any other energy company. BP is a leading producer of oil and gas and provides enough energy annually to light nearly the entire country for a year. Employing approximately 20,000 people in all 50 states, BP supports more than 260,000 jobs total through all of its business activities. For more information, go to www.bp.com/us .
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 Associate Director of Communications 619-721-5148
