United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation Names McAllen Students Finalists to Compete in 2011 BizFest National Competition

- Texas Youth to Compete in National BizFest Competition at USHCC 32nd Annual National Convention in Miami Beach, Sept. 18 – 21, 2011 -

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation, in partnership with the Ford Motor Company Fund and Visa, congratulates six outstanding students from McAllen, Texas, as the winners of the 2011 BizFest Youth Entrepreneurship Competition, which was hosted in McAllen on July 29 – 31, 2011, by the University of Texas-Pan American and the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (RGVHCC).

BizFest, a signature initiative of the USHCC Foundation, is an innovative and intensive entrepreneurial training program where Hispanic high school juniors and seniors learn how to turn their hobbies into profitable business ventures. The six finalists will go on to compete against their peers at the National BizFest Competition, which will take place at the USHCC 32nd Annual National Convention & Business Expo in Miami Beach from September 18-21, 2011.  

The six finalists selected to compete in Miami include:
Jesus Gonzalez (La Joya High School) – "Eco Sun Ride"
Oscar Paz (Weslaco East High School) – "Graffiti Cleanup"
Denise Graham (Rowe High School) – "Plaza Play Place"
Sara Bennack (Lyford High School) –"SaraLisa Online," Business with the Most Potential
Tyler Scott (Business, Education, Technology Academy) – "On Target Laser Tag," Most Entrepreneurial
Aranza Garza (J. Economedes High School) – "Home Cookin," Most Innovative

"BizFest was an experience that not only coached me on how to effectively execute my thoughts and ideas, but also inspired me to lead with confidence and dignity. I cannot wait for the national competition in Miami, and the opportunity to meet and present in front of many successful business entrepreneurs," says Tyler Scott, student finalist from Business, Education Technology Academy who was selected for "Most Entrepreneurial."

Over 30 students participated in the BizFest Competition in McAllen, representing 14 area high schools. The students were addressed by Texas State Representative Sergio Munoz, Jr. from House District 36 and UTPA President, Robert Nelson, acted as a judge.

"The USHCC joins the Ford Motor Company Fund and Visa in congratulating these young men and women who will compete nationally as representatives of the Rio Grande Valley," says Javier Palomarez, President and CEO of the USHCC. "The BizFest Program exemplifies the core values of the USHCC by nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit that exists in many young people. I am so happy for these students and am eager to see them succeed in this competition and in all of their future endeavors."

The six finalists from McAllen will compete against BizFest 2011 Finalists from San Diego.

About the 32nd Annual National Convention & Business Expo
The 32nd Annual National Convention & Business Expo is the largest gathering of Hispanic business leaders in America. Join the USHCC, Fortune 500 companies, Hispanic Business Enterprises (HBEs) and local Chambers of Commerce in Miami to connect, strategize and grow. The National Convention takes place September 18th – 21st at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach. For more information about the Convention and a full schedule of events, please visit www.ushccconvention.com.

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 generate nearly $400 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States and Puerto Rico.

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.

About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services
Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services is a community relations and philanthropic non-profit funded by Ford Motor Company. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2009, Ford Fund supports initiatives and institutions that foster and promote innovation in education, greater automotive safety and American heritage and diversity. National programs include Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies (Ford PAS), which provides 21st century skills-based curriculum to more than 40,000 high school students; and Ford Driving Skills for Life, which has taught safe driving skills to more than 337,000 young drivers. In addition, the Ford Volunteer Corps, established in 2005, enlists the help of thousands of Ford employees and retirees who volunteer their time to continue Ford's legacy of community service worldwide.

SOURCE United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce