Hispanic business leaders vow to prioritize small business agenda for 2008 presidential elections

Washington, DC--(HISPANIC PR WIRE)--November 27, 2007--The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), the nation's largest advocate for over 2.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses, is calling on all Presidential candidates to address the needs of small business owners. USHCC is particularly interested in each candidate’s agenda for the growth of minority- and women-owned enterprises.

USHCC Board Chair David C. Lizárraga said, “To date, the candidates have focused more on issues that will hurt small business than on those that will grow small business. We hear more about tax hikes, limiting trade policies and the imposition of draconian immigration laws rather than plans and policies that will strengthen the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit. The 2008 Presidential candidates cannot continue to ignore the small business community, particularly the Hispanic business community. As a major generator of jobs, small business is the backbone of America and a strong factor in the economic growth and stability of the U.S. The presidential candidates and their respective political parties are committing a disservice to all Americans by failing to outline their agendas for entrepreneurs.”

U.S. Census data shows that there are 26.8 million businesses in the United States. It is projected that, in 2008, there will be 2.7 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the U.S. generating more than $388 billion in annual revenue. By 2010, Hispanic-owned firms will represent 1 out of 10 businesses in the U.S. and generate over $465 billion a year in revenue.

“Small businesses employ 51% of all Americans and, over the past decade, small businesses created 60 to 80 percent of the net new jobs,” said Michael L. Barrera, USHCC President and CEO. “Small business is the engine that keeps jobs in the U.S. and helps the U.S. compete in a global economy. Ninety-seven percent of all small businesses have under 20 employees and are family-owned or self-employed. As such, the failure to recognize the contributions that small businesses make to the U.S. ignores a vital segment of our economy. As the fastest growing business segment in the U.S., Hispanic business owners are going to hold candidates accountable for their small business agenda.”

In 2004, Presidential front-runners courted small business owners through targeted campaigns in battleground and swing states. Business-focused agenda items during the last Presidential campaign included less regulation, tax relief, lower health care costs, and litigation reform.

About the United States Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of more than 2.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that generate more than $380 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia and Uruguay.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information about the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, please visit the USHCC Web page at http://www.ushcc.com/about on USHCC’s information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of release, but may have since changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact USHCC’s Communications Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.ushcc.com/contact.html.