The Latino Coalition's Chairman Hector V. Barreto Appointed to U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors

USA - English

• Latin America - español

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Latino Coalition (TLC) applauds the appointment of its Chairman, Hector V. Barreto, by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to their Board of Directors.

"As the former head of the SBA, Hector understands the uncertainty facing small businesses today," said U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue.  "He also comprehends that by taking steps such as passing the pending trade agreements, creating a competitive tax environment, or improving the process by which regulations are enacted, there is a lot Washington can do to level the playing field for American businesses.  The Chamber will benefit from his experience in public service."

"I am honored for this great privilege and look forward to helping the Chamber shape policies that will create jobs, improve our economy and create an environment that helps the small business sector continue growing," said Mr. Barreto.  "Tom Donohue is a great advocate for business in America with a proven track record of success. I look forward to supporting his efforts as a Chamber Board member."

Mr. Barreto served five years as the Administrator of the U. S. Small Business Administration after being appointed by President George W. Bush and unanimously approved by the United States Senate on July 25, 2001. During his stewardship, the SBA exceeded all previous records in small business loans, women and minority owned business support, disaster relief and private-public sector procurement opportunities.  Barreto directed the delivery of financial and business development programs to America's entrepreneurs from a portfolio of direct, guaranteed and disaster loans totaling more than $45 billion.

As the Chairman of The Latino Coalition, Mr. Barreto helps oversee a national organization that represents Latino interests with senior executives of many Fortune 500 companies and government agencies both federal and local.  

The U.S. Chamber's board membership is as diverse as the nation's business community itself, with more than 100 corporate and small business leaders serving from all sectors and sizes of business, and from all regions of the country.

"Having a leader from the Hispanic business community like Hector Barreto on the U.S. Chamber Board is clearly the vision his late father, Hector Barreto Sr., a legendary Hispanic Business leader, envisioned and I know that he would be very proud of this tremendous honor and responsibility; the U.S. Chamber will have a great Small Business advocate on their Board," says Manuel Rosales, a member of TLC's Board of Directors.

The TLC agenda of building communities for a stronger America continues across the country. Their next conference will be the West Coast Economic Summit taking place October 7th & 8th in Los Angeles, CA.

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 was established to address policy issues that directly affect the well-being of Hispanics in the United States. The coalition's mission is to develop initiatives and partnerships that will foster economic equivalency and enhance overall business, economic and social development of Latinos. TLC is a non-profit nationwide organization with offices in Washington D.C., California and Guadalajara, Mexico.

SOURCE The Latino Coalition