EVENTS & SPEAKERS
Event Descriptions
Plenary – Tuesday, March 21
Hispanic Business & Job Creation
The fastest growing segment of minority enterprise, Hispanic-owned business will play a decisive role in America’s economic recovery. These businesses contribute in excess of $420 billion per year, and Hispanics start new ventures at a rate three times greater than the general population. With nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the country, it will be crucial to support policies that not only encourage entrepreneurship, but also encourage the growth of firms to become sustainable and strong contributors to the American economy.
The fastest growing segment of minority enterprise, Hispanic-owned business will play a decisive role in America’s economic recovery. These businesses contribute in excess of $420 billion per year, and Hispanics start new ventures at a rate three times greater than the general population. With nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the country, it will be crucial to support policies that not only encourage entrepreneurship, but also encourage the growth of firms to become sustainable and strong contributors to the American economy.
Workshops – Tuesday, March 21
Manufacturing in the 21st Century
America became the world’s global economic leader through the expansion of a diverse and resilient manufacturing sector. Today, the manufacturing sector faces increasingly fierce foreign competition. Yet in September 2011, American manufacturers saw requests for machinery that exceeded $32 billion, the highest since July 2008. As manufacturing continues to evolve with technological advancements and green initiatives, it is imperative to equip Hispanic entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact within the manufacturing sector.
America became the world’s global economic leader through the expansion of a diverse and resilient manufacturing sector. Today, the manufacturing sector faces increasingly fierce foreign competition. Yet in September 2011, American manufacturers saw requests for machinery that exceeded $32 billion, the highest since July 2008. As manufacturing continues to evolve with technological advancements and green initiatives, it is imperative to equip Hispanic entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact within the manufacturing sector.
Improving Access to Capital
The USHCC has continuously advocated for increased access to capital in order to expand the reach of small business and to ensure that good ideas get realized in the marketplace. Over the past year, we have seen Congress and the Administration take steps in the right direction to ensure small businesses have the necessary resources to compete in a challenging economy. The Small Business Lending Fund, the Small Company Capital Formation Act of 2011, and free trade agreements with Panama, Korea, and Colombia are all examples of initiatives and legislation that will relieve the economic stress of accessing capital felt by small business owners.
The USHCC has continuously advocated for increased access to capital in order to expand the reach of small business and to ensure that good ideas get realized in the marketplace. Over the past year, we have seen Congress and the Administration take steps in the right direction to ensure small businesses have the necessary resources to compete in a challenging economy. The Small Business Lending Fund, the Small Company Capital Formation Act of 2011, and free trade agreements with Panama, Korea, and Colombia are all examples of initiatives and legislation that will relieve the economic stress of accessing capital felt by small business owners.
America’s Energy Future
America’s well-being depends on ever increasing reliance on pervasive, affordable energy, and its national security relies on continued access to foreign energy sources. As policymakers re-make the energy economy, it is critical that consumers not assume an undue burden for new energy supplies. In order for small businesses to continue the trend of driving economic growth, they must be able to access resources for renewable and energy efficient projects that ultimately create jobs. Hispanic participation should be at the forefront of that effort.
America’s well-being depends on ever increasing reliance on pervasive, affordable energy, and its national security relies on continued access to foreign energy sources. As policymakers re-make the energy economy, it is critical that consumers not assume an undue burden for new energy supplies. In order for small businesses to continue the trend of driving economic growth, they must be able to access resources for renewable and energy efficient projects that ultimately create jobs. Hispanic participation should be at the forefront of that effort.
U.S. Leadership in the Global Food Economy
The U.S. has the largest and most innovative food market in the world. The average supermarket carries about 50,000 food products from all corners of the planet, and this food remains safe and affordable only through an enormous effort that includes coordination between business and government. Innovations in production, processing, and marketing have helped create a trade surplus of $22.5 billion for the U.S. economy and a boom in the food economy. Hispanics have a large role to play in growing this important sector of the economy.
The U.S. has the largest and most innovative food market in the world. The average supermarket carries about 50,000 food products from all corners of the planet, and this food remains safe and affordable only through an enormous effort that includes coordination between business and government. Innovations in production, processing, and marketing have helped create a trade surplus of $22.5 billion for the U.S. economy and a boom in the food economy. Hispanics have a large role to play in growing this important sector of the economy.
Innovation in Communications Technology
The American people are constantly connecting to each other in new and important ways. Innovations in television, mobile telephony, and internet technology have allowed millions access to education, business opportunities, and crucial market information. Hispanics continue to face disparities in the adoption and use of these technologies. How Hispanic business may best benefit from these crucial technologies remains a key question for policy makers.
The American people are constantly connecting to each other in new and important ways. Innovations in television, mobile telephony, and internet technology have allowed millions access to education, business opportunities, and crucial market information. Hispanics continue to face disparities in the adoption and use of these technologies. How Hispanic business may best benefit from these crucial technologies remains a key question for policy makers.
The Next Generation of Healthcare: Affordability, Simplicity, Choice
Since being signed into law, various provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 are now in effect or in various stages of implementation. Small businesses are currently able to earn tax credits when providing healthcare coverage, and further changes will be seen throughout the year as states and the federal government continue to create the rules and regulations that will govern the marketplace in 2014 and beyond. Some of the law's major requirements, such as the Individual Mandate and Insurance Exchanges, have yet to be introduced to the American public. We are at a unique moment where we can look back as well as forward in discussing this landmark legislation - come examine the Affordable Care Act and what it means for small business owners, their employees and their families, and what we need to consider to improve affordability, simplicity and choice for people across the country.
Since being signed into law, various provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 are now in effect or in various stages of implementation. Small businesses are currently able to earn tax credits when providing healthcare coverage, and further changes will be seen throughout the year as states and the federal government continue to create the rules and regulations that will govern the marketplace in 2014 and beyond. Some of the law's major requirements, such as the Individual Mandate and Insurance Exchanges, have yet to be introduced to the American public. We are at a unique moment where we can look back as well as forward in discussing this landmark legislation - come examine the Affordable Care Act and what it means for small business owners, their employees and their families, and what we need to consider to improve affordability, simplicity and choice for people across the country.
Meal Events – Tuesday, March 21
Welcome Breakfast
As it has done in the past, the USHCC will continue to work with federal policy makers to support initiatives and create resources that lead to the advancement of Hispanic-owned businesses. Both the public and private sectors benefit from increasing the federal marketplace acumen of minority owned businesses. The USHCC applauds various federal departments and agencies for meeting and exceeding their minority procurement goals. As Hispanic entrepreneurs play a larger role in the federal marketplace, it is critically important for national defense that the U.S. defense community ensure that all people of talent are engaged in the defense of our country. The contributions and ingenuity of the Hispanic community must be a part of this effort.
As it has done in the past, the USHCC will continue to work with federal policy makers to support initiatives and create resources that lead to the advancement of Hispanic-owned businesses. Both the public and private sectors benefit from increasing the federal marketplace acumen of minority owned businesses. The USHCC applauds various federal departments and agencies for meeting and exceeding their minority procurement goals. As Hispanic entrepreneurs play a larger role in the federal marketplace, it is critically important for national defense that the U.S. defense community ensure that all people of talent are engaged in the defense of our country. The contributions and ingenuity of the Hispanic community must be a part of this effort.
The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, invites you to the Hispanic Business Luncheon, where Democratic Members of Congress and leading Hispanic business leaders will share their thoughts on job creation and deliberate on the present and future of Hispanic enterprise. Don't miss this opportunity to meet with Hispanic Chamber leaders, business leaders, and corporate executives to strengthen America's small business community.
Leadership for America’s Future Reception
Among the most important goals of the USHCC Legislative Summit is direct interaction with some of Washington’s most influential shapers of policy. At the Leadership for America’s Future Reception, invitees will gather with fellow chamber members, executives, corporate partners, and government officials for drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Members of Congress and Administration officials will address those in attendance to spark a constructive conversation over Hispanic business in America and provide insight on how to proceed for a more strengthened, vibrant, and prosperous economy.
Among the most important goals of the USHCC Legislative Summit is direct interaction with some of Washington’s most influential shapers of policy. At the Leadership for America’s Future Reception, invitees will gather with fellow chamber members, executives, corporate partners, and government officials for drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Members of Congress and Administration officials will address those in attendance to spark a constructive conversation over Hispanic business in America and provide insight on how to proceed for a more strengthened, vibrant, and prosperous economy.
Meal Event – Wednesday, March 22
Breakfast on the Hill
The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Congressional Hispanic Conference are proudly hosting Breakfast on the Hill, where Republican Members of Congress and leading Hispanic business leaders will share their thoughts on job creation and deliberate on the present and future of Hispanic enterprise. Don't miss this opportunity to meet with Hispanic Chamber leaders, business leaders, and corporate executives to strengthen America's small business community.
The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Congressional Hispanic Conference are proudly hosting Breakfast on the Hill, where Republican Members of Congress and leading Hispanic business leaders will share their thoughts on job creation and deliberate on the present and future of Hispanic enterprise. Don't miss this opportunity to meet with Hispanic Chamber leaders, business leaders, and corporate executives to strengthen America's small business community.
A Celebration of Women Entrepreneurship in America Gala
The main event of the USHCC Legislative Summit is the Chairman’s Gala, and this year the USHCC will honor the impact of the Hispanic businesswoman in America. Hispanic women now own 36% of all companies owned by minority women in the country, and the number of Latina owned businesses has increased 46% over a five year period to generate over $55 billion annually, according to the most recent U.S. Census. This celebration of women entrepreneurs will feature high-profile speakers and attendees, as well as a ceremony for the recipient of the 2012 Chairman’s Award.
The main event of the USHCC Legislative Summit is the Chairman’s Gala, and this year the USHCC will honor the impact of the Hispanic businesswoman in America. Hispanic women now own 36% of all companies owned by minority women in the country, and the number of Latina owned businesses has increased 46% over a five year period to generate over $55 billion annually, according to the most recent U.S. Census. This celebration of women entrepreneurs will feature high-profile speakers and attendees, as well as a ceremony for the recipient of the 2012 Chairman’s Award.
CONFIRMED SPEAKERS
Welcome Breakfast
Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic
Assistant Secretary General Public Diplomacy
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
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Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic
Assistant Secretary General Public Diplomacy
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
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Welcome Breakfast
Rafael Borras
Under Secretary for Management
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
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Rafael Borras
Under Secretary for Management
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
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Hispanic Business & Job Creation Plenary
Freddy Vaca
Senior Vice President
Pinnacle Technical Resources, Inc.
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Freddy Vaca
Senior Vice President
Pinnacle Technical Resources, Inc.
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Improving Access to Capital Workshop
Neal Wolin
Deputy Secretary
U.S. Department of the Treasury
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Neal Wolin
Deputy Secretary
U.S. Department of the Treasury
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Improving Access to Capital Workshop
Veronica Cool
Vice President Business Banking
Wells Fargo
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Veronica Cool
Vice President Business Banking
Wells Fargo
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America's Energy Future Workshop
Ben Luján
U.S. Representative
U.S. House of Representatives (D-NM)
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Ben Luján
U.S. Representative
U.S. House of Representatives (D-NM)
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U.S. Leadership in the Global Food Economy Workshop
Liz Lopez
Attorney
Barnes & Thornburg LLP - Food Industry Practice Group
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Liz Lopez
Attorney
Barnes & Thornburg LLP - Food Industry Practice Group
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A Celebration of Women Entrepreneurship in America Gala
Anna Maria Chávez
Chief Executive Officer
Girls Scouts of the U.S.A
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Anna Maria Chávez
Chief Executive Officer
Girls Scouts of the U.S.A
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