Businesses in Puerto Rico Recognized by USHCC Foundation in National Green Builds Business Program

Business owners to receive free training sessions with top sustainability expert -

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation announced today that five Puerto Rico business owners will receive a combined 24 hours of one-on-one green coaching for their outstanding performance in the Foundation's national Green Builds Business Program.

This program, underwritten by Walmart, is a two-day training course that encourages business owners to incorporate sustainability measures into their overall business plans by teaching best practices for lowering operating costs, increasing revenues and motivating works with green initiatives. The program took place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on October 19-20, 2011 and was co-hosted by the local Hispanic chamber of commerce, United Retailers Association.

"Puerto Rico is known for both the diversity and the delicacy of its ecosystems, including El Yunque rainforest and La Selva beach. While communities work to preserve nature, it is crucial that our business leaders actively encourage environmental awareness and conservation," says USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez. "As our largest chamber member, we know that United Retailers Association is making a lasting impact on the island, and we are confident that the Green Builds Business program has provided those business leaders with the training they need to lead Puerto Rico toward a more sustainable business landscape."

United Retailers Association is led by Chamber President and USHCC Board Regional Chair VI Ignacio Veloz who says he has seen the positive effect that Green Builds Business has had on cities throughout the country and is excited to experience, firsthand, how individuals take this training and bring it to life in their communities. "It is gratifying to be recognized as leaders in the American business landscape, and it is through this type of advanced training and education that we can truly demonstrate that leadership position," Veloz adds.

The winners from the 2011 Green Builds Business program in Puerto Rico include:

• Axel Y. Ortiz of CIRO Energy who would like to make solar energy systems available to all representatives who sell CIRO Energy's Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) programs.  A PPA is a long-term agreement to buy power from a company that produces electricity, and serves as an alternative to financing and owning the system. This program would also aid in making alliances with sectors and associations such as Australian Equipment Lessors Association whose principal objective is to provide a forum and focus for all matters affecting the lease and equipment finance industry, its regulatory framework and market structure.
• Angel D. Ortega of CIRO Energy who hopes to develop a campaign educating homeowners and small business owners about the realities and misconceptions of the costs associated with moving to solar energy.
• Moises Almansa would like to develop a green team within his company to aid in making necessary changes to become green certified. In an effort to start the process as well as cut costs, Moises will work on certain aspects such as re-lighting his facility and creating a water collection product to make the space/building more energy efficient.
• Mercie Martinez of Pleamar Marine Woodcraft who hopes to encourage local businesses to incorporate recycling and composting into everyday practices.
• Maribel Liberal of Econet Solutions who would like to sell compost soil and wood, with optimal packaging and, ultimately, lower fuel costs.

These five winners will receive a combined 24 hours of one-on-one green coaching with Bill Roth, Green Business Coach for Entrepreneur.com and Founder of Earth 2017. Roth will help the winners formulate a green business plan or implement a green project that holds the potential of creating jobs, growing profits and reducing emissions this year.

About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that combined to generate in excess of $420 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers and business associations in the United States and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.ushcc.com.

About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The USHCC Foundation is committed to giving Hispanic entrepreneurs alternatives for life preparation and life-long learning by developing and implementing initiatives and educational campaigns to awaken and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit. The Foundation leverages corporate and public support to ensure that existing and aspiring Latino entrepreneurs gain access and achieve success in the world of business. Please visit www.ushccfoundation.org for more information on the USHCC Foundation.

SOURCE United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce