SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 20, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) is proud to announce the featured speakers for its 2014 National Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, September 21-23, 2014. The USHCC National Convention is the largest gathering of Hispanic business leaders in America, serving as a premier event for major U.S. corporate executives, public officials, chamber leaders and entrepreneurs seeking to establish strategic, long-lasting partnerships with the Hispanic business community.
"When the USHCC convenes an event of this caliber, we like to set the stage for meaningful dialogue. This year's convention will serve as an opportunity for leaders from the private and public sectors to discuss the most important issues of our time," said USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez. "I am excited to have forward-thinking leaders such as Secretary Julian Castro, American icons such as Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, results-driven public servants such as Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet, and our country's leading CEOs at this year's National Convention."
Signature events of the USHCC National Convention include the Million Dollar Club (MDC), which recognizes companies that invest $25 million to $1 billion in Hispanic-owned businesses; the HBE Elite Luncheon, which pays tribute to the largest Hispanic Business Enterprises (HBE) in America; the ERG Summit, the only event of its kind which brings together the Employee Resource Groups (ERG) of over 100 corporations looking to increase diversity, develop talent, and recruit the best and brightest employees; and the CEO Panel, a candid, revealing, and informative discussion about management style, leadership philosophy and the economic outlook in today's global market.
"The future of the American economy is closely tied to the economic prosperity of the Hispanic community, and the USHCC fosters an entrepreneurial spirit that is helping to create opportunities for Hispanic-owned businesses throughout the country," said HUD Secretary Julián Castro. "HUD is the department of opportunity, and we're working with the business community to empower families and neighborhoods with the tools to compete economically."
"It is a sincere privilege and humble honor to serve as the recipient for the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's (USHCC) 2014 'Excellence in Leadership Award.' For nearly four decades, the USHCC has stood as a tireless champion for Hispanic business owners and as staunch advocate for economic vitality and sustainable prosperity throughout the country. And as the first woman Speaker, it makes me proud to witness Latina entrepreneurs spearheading the economic growth by starting up companies at six times the national average. But progress must continue," said Leader Pelosi. "With our When Women Succeed, America Succeeds agenda, we will provide economic opportunities for families and women – including Latina – entrepreneurs, unleashing their full potential and achieving greater economic success. And to keep our families united and strengthen our economy, we must, once and for all, pass bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform."
"The USHCC National Convention will be an extraordinary opportunity to network with Hispanic business leaders, engage in corporate supply chain opportunities and influence public policy makers. Javier Palomarez is one of our nation's most valuable business advocates, and the SBA applauds his organization's commitment to empowering America's largest job creators – the small business community. The new SBA stands for Smart, Bold and Accessible, and we rely on strong partners like the USHCC to ensure our country's entrepreneurs are receiving the requisite capital, expanding their market prospects, and receiving valuable training to open and scale their businesses," said SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet. She added, "The USHCC's efforts to empower Latina entrepreneurs are commendable. With a start-up rate six times the national average, the SBA offers valuable capital and necessary resources for this highly-entrepreneurial segment to thrive. Latina entrepreneurs and their businesses contribute greatly to the growth and prosperity of America's economy."
"The USHCC is proud to see leaders across every sector come together and celebrate the unprecedented accomplishments of the Hispanic business community in Utah, a state with a growing Hispanic business community and pro-business environment," said USHCC Chairman Marc Rodriguez. "The experience and perspective shared by of our Convention guests is sure to benefit our constituency, and we look forward to making history in Salt Lake City."
This year's National Convention attendees will hear from CEOs, business executives, Congressional leaders, Presidential cabinet members, and more. Featured speakers include:
THE HONORABLE NANCY PELOSI
Democratic Leader, U.S. House of Representatives
THE HONORABLE JULIAN CASTRO
Secretary, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
THE HONORABLE MARIA CONTRERAS-SWEET
Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
THE HONORABLE GARY HERBERT
Governor of Utah
THE HONORABLE SEAN REYES
Utah Attorney General
STEVE CLEMONS
Steve C. Clemons, Washington Editor-At-Large, The Atlantic (Moderator)
JOSEPH ALVARADO
Chairman, President & CEO, Commercial Metals Company
SCOTT ANDERSON
President & CEO, Zions Bank
JONATHAN JOHNSON
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Overstock.com
REYMUNDO OCEANAS
EVP, Director, Corporate Responsibility & Reputation, BBVA
DAVE THOMAS
CEO & Problem Solver, ThomasARTS
GREG WINEGARDNER
Utah Regional president, Wells Fargo
TIM RIOS
Senior Vice President, Community Development Manager, Wells Fargo
DON SALAZAR
President & CEO, CTI Construction
MARC RODRIGUEZ
Principle, Office of Marc A. Rodriguez, Chairman of the Board of Directors, USHCC
ELDER D. TODD CHRSTOFFERSON
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
OLGA DE LA CRUZ
Olga de la Cruz, President, Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
JENNY BACKUS
Senior Policy Advisor, Head of Strategic Outreach & Engagement, Google, Inc.
EDUARDO PEREZ
Eduardo Perez, Head of Americas Risk, Visa, Inc
ANDREW BONILLO
Andrew Bonillo, Director, Cyber Security and Public Safety, Verizon Communication, Inc.
RAMI LEVI
Rami Levi, Cybersecurity Expert- Founder and CEO, Konfidas Ltd. – Cybersecurity Strategy Solutions
NINA VACA
Chairman & CEO, Pinnacle Technical Resources, Foundation Chair, USHCC Foundation, Chairman Emeritus, USHCC
REGINA EDWARD
Senior Vice President, Head of Supplier Diversity, Wells Fargo
MOLLY STOCKLEY
Vice President of Hospital Growth, Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA)
ANN MARIA DIAS-LEBRUN
Corporate Counsel, BMW of North America, LLC
JANET ZABLOCK
Janet Zablock, Head Global Small Business, Visa, Inc.
FERDENAND FERNANDEZ
Vice President, Global Marketing, American Airlines
JOSE MAS
President & CEO, MasTec, Inc.
KATHLEEN MARTINEZ
Senior Director, Strategic Relationships, BP America, Inc.
CRAIG ZOLLINGER
Utah Market President, JPMorgan Chase
MARIA CARDONA
Principal, Dewey Square Group, CNN Contributor
THE HONORABLE MICKEY IBARRA
President and Founder, Ibarra Strategy Group
ELIGIO CEDENO
President, V-me, Inc,
MONICA LOZANO
Chair of the Board, US Hispanic Media, Inc.
FATHER NATHANIAL HASLEM
Invocation
CARL HOLSHOUSER
Dr. Director, US Government Relations, Visa, Inc.
IGNACIO VELOZ
President, Inmobiliaria Nuestro Servicio Inc.
FELIPE BAYON
Senior Vice President BP America, Head of Global Deepwater Response, BP America, Inc.
With more than 6,000 guests each year, the USHCC National Convention serves as a premier networking venue, bringing together major U.S. corporate executives, public officials, chamber leaders and entrepreneurs seeking to establish strategic, long-lasting partnerships with the Hispanic business community. To learn more about the 2014 National Convention, visit www.ushcc.com/convention .
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
Ammar Campa-Najjar Associate Director of Communications 619-721-5148
