The Latino Coalition Annual Small Business Summit Historic Success

With Over 350 Procurement Appointments, Highest Number of Sponsorships and New Partnership Agreements, the Event Sets New Standards

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Latino Coalition (TLC) concluded the 2011 Small Business Summit in Washington D.C.  The event kicked off May 23 and attracted over 750 small business owners, Fortune 500 procurement officers, government officials and a first-class list of keynote speakers.

Breakout sessions brought together the best and the brightest to discuss everything from social media and contracts to regulations and international trade.  On Wednesday, May 25, following the 'Rally on the Hill', The Latino Coalition sponsored a luncheon to provide a bi-partisan platform for political leaders to address the current issues facing small and medium-sized Latino business owners. Speakers included:

Congressmen Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Francisco Canseco (R–TX), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Sean Duffy (R-WI), Kevin McCarthy, Majority Whip (R), Mike Pence (R-IN), David Rivera (R-FL) and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).

In addition, The Latino Coalition presented their prestigious "Tributo Award" to the Honorable Xavier Becerra, in recognition of significant contributions to the Latino Community and their "Leadership Award" to Senator John Cornyn, in recognition of his contributions and outreach to the Latino Community and for years of exemplary public service to this country.

"The Small Business Summit was a phenomenal event that reinforces the actionable value we receive from the Latino Coalition," said Martha de la Torre, small business owner and member of The Latino Coalition.  "To not only hear from peers about their business challenges and solutions, but to interact with political leaders and procurement professionals was invaluable to all of us."

The attendees heard inspiring words from this year's summit sponsors who discussed the private and public sector goals and the valuable tools they will provide to minority small and medium-sized business. Speakers included:

Silvia R. Aldana, Manager, Government Relations, PG&E, Joan Woodard, Executive Vice President for Public Policy, Travelers and Lisa Rickard, Executive Vice President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for Legal Reform.

The Latino Coalition continues to be laser-focused on growing and meeting the needs of their members and capitalized on the networking and the contracting opportunities at the event.  TLC expanded its relationships with Travelers and the Institute for Legal Reform and signed Memorandums of Understanding onsite with the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, Ibero American Business Council and Festibanda USA.

"We are thrilled to facilitate these important partnerships for all of the small business attendees from across the country who participated this year.  The TLC summit clearly provides tangible results to everyone involved, including sponsors, procurement officers and especially our members," said Hector V. Barreto, TLC's Chairman and former Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (2001-2006).

"It is clear small businesses are the engine that create jobs and will lead the way out of the economic challenges our U.S. economy still faces. The Latino Coalition continues to grow exponentially and through these types of events and other initiatives we will empower and provide business opportunities on both the local and national levels," added Barreto.

About the Latino Coalition

The Latino Coalition (TLC) was founded in 1995 by a group of Hispanic business owners from across the country to research and develop policies relevant to Latinos.  TLC is a non-profit nationwide organization based in CA, with offices in Washington, DC and Guadalajara, Mexico. TLC was established to address policy issues that directly affect the well-being of Hispanics in the United States. TLC's agenda is to develop initiatives and partnerships that will foster economic equivalency and enhance overall business, economic and social development of Latinos. Visit: www.thelatinocoalition.com

SOURCE The Latino Coalition