Event Spotlight: United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 32nd Annual National Convention

An inside look at the largest gathering of Hispanic Business Owners in the country…

By Caroline Knecht

Hispanic Americans are starting businesses at a faster rate than other demographics in the United States, resulting in major driving economic growth and job creation across the board. The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) is the leading advocacy group for Hispanic entrepreneurs and focuses on networking and procurement opportunities, professional education and advocacy in Washington. Each year, the USHCC hosts its National Convention and Business Expo as its marquee event. The 32nd such occasion is scheduled for September 18 – 21 in Miami and promises to be the best and most important convention to date.

Primarily, the USHCC Convention provides a platform for learning best practices on how to engage Hispanic firms and consumers. It provides several opportunities for meaningful dialogue between contractors, suppliers, corporations and Hispanic business enterprise (HBE) leaders in order to determine strategies that will keep them competitive as the business landscape changes and grows.

The USHCC Convention is the largest gathering of Hispanic business owners and leaders in the country. Proof of the growing number of Hispanic business owners and their dedication can be found in the most recent Convention. “Last year, our Convention in Dallas sold out the first day and had record-breaking attendance which was a great milestone in the history of the USHCC,” says USHCC President Javier Palomarez.

Events at the USHCC Convention focus on sessions and discussions on business development, chamber training, innovative business trends and solutions, as well as a focus on current issues that impact the Hispanic entrepreneur. Events on the agenda include an International Opening Reception, HBE Elite Luncheon, CEO Circle and Business Expo. A very special award will be presented to Gloria Estefan during the Ultimate Latina Luncheon. “Trends indicate that Latinas are leading the way and opening businesses at a faster rate than their male counterparts. The USHCC ‘Ultimate Latina’ Award pays tribute to the women who embody success, drive inspiration and elevate the Hispanic community through their work, and contributions to the community,” says Palomarez. New events have also been added to the schedule, such as the Perfect Match Reception and Green Builds Business seminar.

Henry Fleches is the CEO of United Data Technology, a minority-owned IT company based in southern Florida, which is serving as the HBE Chair for the USHCC Convention. “As a co-chair, our role is to represent the more than 3 million HBE’s throughout the nation who will be attending, presenting and networking during the convention,” says Fleches.

Javier Palomarez sees the Convention as a must-attend event for all Hispanic business owners. “Our business community is thriving and growing faster than any other and the USHCC Convention offers opportunities to our businesses in supporting that growth,” says Palmorez. “We have a stellar group of the most respected leaders and policymakers who will address our convention attendees on various issues that affect Hispanic businesses, now and in the future.”

Like all small businesses, HBEs face many challenges to achieve and maintain success. “As an HBE, UDT has overcome many obstacles to reach its current level of success. However,
success is not a destination, but a continuous pursuit of excellence in everything that we do,” says Fleches. Representing the millions of HBEs in the United States is a large responsibility, but a role that UDT is proud to fulfill. “We are committed to our country’s economic advancement and growth through the pursuit of diversity, innovation, intellectual capital, and productivity. UDT is proud to serve as the public face for these entrepreneurial leaders and represent their intrepid spirit of success.”

Obtaining the level of success of UDT and other large HBEs can be a challenge, but Fleches offers this wisdom: “If I had one piece of advice for other HBE’s at this time, it would be to shift their focus on how they do business and really emphasize their core capabilities in a way that brings unprecedented value to their clients,” says Fleches. Big business deals are often made during the convention, as many Fortune 1000 companies are represented and honored during the convention, making corporate participation a critical component of the Convention. “Today, working with Hispanic firms represents huge opportunity for corporate America and the federal government,” says Palomarez.

JPMorgan Chase has been named as the Corporate Chair for the USHCC Convention, a role which the financial institution takes very seriously because of its continued dedication to HBEs. JPMorgan Chase is the largest SBA lender in the country and utilizes many resources from the program to help HBEs grow and prosper. The company continues to expand, especially in states with large Hispanic populations.

Peter Villegas is the Vice President and Senior Manager Office of Corporate Responsibility at JPMorgan Chase and an enthusiastic supporter of the USHCC. “Our partnership helps us utilize the USHCC’s network of over 200 chamber chapters across the country to help us understand the specific issues in each specific market, help us promote our products that can serve that market,” says Villegas. “We want to prove that we are a local company working with key stakeholders to meet the needs of these various markets in which we operate.

We have to be at the table to be a part of the discussion to be a part of the issues that these companies face.”

Small businesses have noticed and appreciate the dedication and hard-work of companies like JPMorgan Chase and will reward that dedication during the convention. “We look forward to welcoming some of the most recognized CEOs in their field during the CEO Circle. And, we are excited as well to be awarding top honors to corporate vendors who are leading the way with supplier diversity by providing over $25 million or more in business to Hispanic-owned firms during the Million Dollar Club Breakfast,” says Fleches.

The final component in the success of the convention: the Miami location, and not just because of the famous weather. “The USHCC Convention celebrates America’s entrepreneurial spirit. Miami exemplifies this spirit, not only as the ‘Gateway to the Americas’ but also with a robust and thriving community of Hispanic business leaders and entrepreneurs,” says
Palomarez. Businesses have also taken notice of the area, as Peter Villegas notes, “Florida is an expanding market with room for lots of growth especially among its growing Hispanic population.”

The annual convention is just one of the many important functions of the USHCC. “The USHCC’s growing strength in advocating for Hispanic-owned businesses has emerged as a voice of wleadership amongst local, national, multi-national, and international corporations,” says Fleches. “I urge all Hispanic-owned businesses to strongly consider the impactful benefit of membership to their own organization.” The USHCC often adds new programs and benefits for its member, as noted by Javier Palomarez, “The USHCC Foundation conducts many programs throughout the year, including educational training for local Hispanic chambers in partnership with Notre Dame University through our Chamber Training Institute. Earlier this year, USHCC in collaboration with Walmart announced Green Builds Business, a program that educates Hispanic business owners on best practices for lowering operating costs, increasing revenues and motivating workers by incorporating green sustainable efforts into their overall business plans.”

Thanks to fervent corporate support, successful HBEs and successful planning and leadership, the 32nd USHCC Convention is on track to raise the bar for HBE success yet again.

For more information about the USHCC Convention, visit: