United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

In 1979, several dedicated Hispanic leaders realized the enormous potential of the Hispanic business community in the United States and envisioned the need for a national organization to represent its interests before the public and private sectors. Later that year, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) was incorporated in the state of New Mexico, creating a structured organization aimed at developing a business network that would provide the Hispanic community with cohesion and strength. Since its inception, the USHCC has worked towards bringing the issues and concerns of the nation’s more than 2.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses to the forefront of the national economic agenda. Throughout its nearly 30-year history, the Chamber has enjoyed outstanding working relationships with international Heads of State, Members of Congress and the current White House Administration. Through its network of more than 200 local Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and Hispanic business organizations, the USHCC effectively communicates the needs and potential of Hispanic enterprise to the public and private sector in several ways including:

- Implementing and strengthening national programs that assist the economic development of Hispanic firms;

- Increasing business relationships and partnerships between the corporate sector and Hispanic-owned businesses;

- Promoting international trade between Hispanic businesses in the United States and Latin America;

- Monitoring legislation, policies and programs that affect the Hispanic business community; and Providing technical assistance to Hispanic business associations and entrepreneurs.

Annual National Convention. Each year the USHCC hosts its National Convention and Business Expo featuring hundreds of exhibitors from the United States and abroad. The convention is the country’s largest networking venue for Hispanic businesses and Fortune 1000 corporations interested in the Hispanic market. Over four-days, the national convention affords Hispanic vendors and corporate buyers the opportunity to establish partnerships where business opportunities can flourish. In addition, the convention offers various 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.

Annual Legislative Conference. Each year during the session of the United States Congress, the USHCC hosts its annual Legislative Conference. The conference provides chamber members, Hispanic business leaders, and corporate executives the opportunity to discuss legislative policy issues that impact the small business community. Hispanic chamber executives also utilize this opportunity to meet with their Congressional representatives. In addition, every two years, the USHCC issues its Legislative Policy and Priorities to the White House and Congress.

Hispanics Today Television Show. Hispanics Today is an award-winning English-language television show that highlights the largest and fastest growing segment of the U.S. population—the Latino market—and their impact on American business, politics and culture. Since 1999, the Hispanics Today television series has reached 84% of Hispanic television households in the U.S. and presently continues to grow and reflect the growth and diversity of our business community.