EVENTS & SPEAKERS
Event Descriptions
Plenary – Wednesday, 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.
Daniel McDermott
Head of U.S. Government Relations
Visa Inc.
Head of U.S. Government Relations
Visa Inc.
Workshops – Wednesday, 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.
Jim Wiseman
Group Vice President & Chief Communications Officer
Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
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Group Vice President & Chief Communications Officer
Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
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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 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 are all examples of initiatives and legislation that will relieve the economic stress of accessing capital felt by small business owners.
Martin Cabrera
CEO
Cabrera Capital Markets (Moderator)
CEO
Cabrera Capital Markets (Moderator)
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.
Bill Roth
Founder
Earth 2017 (Moderator)
Founder
Earth 2017 (Moderator)
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. Millions of Hispanics work on America's farms and ranches, in food processing facilities, and the groceries and restaurants that feed the country. The future of the food economy rests in the hands of the Hispanic community, which needs to figure out the best ways to support the next generation of food entrepreneurs.
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. Millions of Hispanics work on America's farms and ranches, in food processing facilities, and the groceries and restaurants that feed the country. The future of the food economy rests in the hands of the Hispanic community, which needs to figure out the best ways to support the next generation of food entrepreneurs.
The Role of Television in Hispanic Business Growth
Since the digital television transition (DTV) in 2009, innovations, in TV have created a booming television market and new technology has allowed millions of Hispanic business owners, consumers and viewers to experience better-than-ever quality in culturally relevant and in-language programming. The way that local television stations deliver diverse content to Hispanic communities is affected by an issue known as retransmission consent, which allows local television broadcasters to negotiate with pay-TV providers for use of their signals. Recently, pay-TV providers have increased their calls for changes to the system. This panel will provide a holistic perspective on both the historical and future role of this issue and on its impact on growing Hispanic businesses.
Since the digital television transition (DTV) in 2009, innovations, in TV have created a booming television market and new technology has allowed millions of Hispanic business owners, consumers and viewers to experience better-than-ever quality in culturally relevant and in-language programming. The way that local television stations deliver diverse content to Hispanic communities is affected by an issue known as retransmission consent, which allows local television broadcasters to negotiate with pay-TV providers for use of their signals. Recently, pay-TV providers have increased their calls for changes to the system. This panel will provide a holistic perspective on both the historical and future role of this issue and on its impact on growing Hispanic businesses.
Fernando Laguarda
Vice President
External Affairs & Public Policy Counselor, Time Warner Cable
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Vice President
External Affairs & Public Policy Counselor, Time Warner Cable
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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.
Tim Hill
Deputy Director of Center for Consumer Information & Insurance Oversight
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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Deputy Director of Center for Consumer Information & Insurance Oversight
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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Matthew Wiggin
Head of Business Communications
Aetna Inc.
Head of Business Communications
Aetna Inc.
Events – Wednesday, 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. As Hispanic entrepreneurs play a larger role in the federal marketplace, it is critically important that the U.S. defense community ensure all talented people are engaged in the defense of our country. The importance of support for a strong national defense will also be an important theme.
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. As Hispanic entrepreneurs play a larger role in the federal marketplace, it is critically important that the U.S. defense community ensure all talented people are engaged in the defense of our country. The importance of support for a strong national defense will also be an important theme.
The Honorable Rafael Borras
Under Secretary for Management
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
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Under Secretary for Management
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
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Viviana Hurtado
Host
Hispanic Business Today: American Success Stories (Master of Ceremonies)
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Host
Hispanic Business Today: American Success Stories (Master of Ceremonies)
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Hispanic Business Luncheon
The USHCC works well with political leaders from both sides of the aisle, and this year we want to make sure that both parties are given the opportunity to fairly and accurately discuss the work they have done to support Hispanic businesses. To build the economy we must also ensure that more and more Hispanics enter the middle class and achieve success in the marketplace. This luncheon will feature leading Democratic leaders, who will discuss some of the efforts they have made to build the economy and create jobs.
The USHCC works well with political leaders from both sides of the aisle, and this year we want to make sure that both parties are given the opportunity to fairly and accurately discuss the work they have done to support Hispanic businesses. To build the economy we must also ensure that more and more Hispanics enter the middle class and achieve success in the marketplace. This luncheon will feature leading Democratic leaders, who will discuss some of the efforts they have made to build the economy and create jobs.
The Honorable Steny Hoyer (D-MD)
Minority Whip
U.S. House of Representatives
Minority Whip
U.S. House of Representatives
The Honorable Charles Gonzalez (D-TX)
Chairman, Congressional Hispanic Caucus
U.S. House of Representatives
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Chairman, Congressional Hispanic Caucus
U.S. House of Representatives
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Cecilia Muñoz
Director
White House Domestic Policy Council
(INVITED)
Director
White House Domestic Policy Council
(INVITED)
Emilio Gonzalez
Vice President for Wireless Public Policy & Strategic Alliances
Verizon Communications
Vice President for Wireless Public Policy & Strategic Alliances
Verizon Communications
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 policy shapers. At the Leadership for America's Future Reception, invitees will network with fellow chamber members, executives, corporate partners, and government officials. 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 policy shapers. At the Leadership for America's Future Reception, invitees will network with fellow chamber members, executives, corporate partners, and government officials. 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.
The Honorable Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)
Member
U.S. House of Representatives & Chair of the Democratic National Committee
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Member
U.S. House of Representatives & Chair of the Democratic National Committee
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Ron Perry
President
National 8(a) Association
President
National 8(a) Association
Events – Thursday, March 22
Breakfast on the Hill
Now more than ever, Congress has the responsibility of facilitating economic growth. By addressing issues such as entitlement reform, tax structure, deregulation, and federal funding, the Hispanic business community needs Congress to act with urgency. Boosting economic growth and job creation will happen as a result of policies that incentivize Hispanic entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and continue new ventures at a rapid pace. At the Breakfast on the Hill, Republican Members of Congress will highlight their work to promote an environment that is friendly to Hispanic small business owners and promotes economic equality and prosperity.
Now more than ever, Congress has the responsibility of facilitating economic growth. By addressing issues such as entitlement reform, tax structure, deregulation, and federal funding, the Hispanic business community needs Congress to act with urgency. Boosting economic growth and job creation will happen as a result of policies that incentivize Hispanic entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and continue new ventures at a rapid pace. At the Breakfast on the Hill, Republican Members of Congress will highlight their work to promote an environment that is friendly to Hispanic small business owners and promotes economic equality and prosperity.
The Honorable Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)
Chairman
Congressional Hispanic Conference, U.S. House of Representatives
Chairman
Congressional Hispanic Conference, U.S. House of Representatives
The Honorable Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA)
Member
U.S. House of Representatives
Member
U.S. House of Representatives
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.
Parking available across the street at GreenCity Parking. Phone: (202) 986-5900
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.
Parking available across the street at GreenCity Parking. Phone: (202) 986-5900
Anna Maria Chávez
Chief Executive Officer
Girls Scouts of the U.S.A
Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA) Representative
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Chief Executive Officer
Girls Scouts of the U.S.A
Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA) Representative
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