WASHINGTON, June 11, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) applauds Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel for his deep, ongoing commitment to support the city's Hispanic and minority-owned business communities.
Today, Mayor Emanuel met with IHCC President & CEO Omar Duque and 25 members of the IHCC to discuss key initiatives, the state of Hispanic business in Chicago, and areas of opportunity for commercial growth and job creation. The 25 IHCC businesses that met with Mayor Emanuel today have a combined workforce of more than 5,000 and, combined, generate more than $833,000,000 in annual revenue.
"The USHCC is thrilled to see Mayor Rahm Emanuel continue to engage the Hispanic business community and our local chamber leaders. Under Omar's leadership, the IHCC continues to soar, representing more than 70,000 business that contribute more than $15 billion to the state's economy and provide more than 100,000 jobs in Illinois," said USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez. "Mayor Rahm Emanuel understands that Chicago's economic future is inextricably bound to the success of Hispanic and immigrant entrepreneurs. We applaud today's collaborative meeting between the Mayor and IHCC, and lend our full support toward their efforts."
Last September, Mayor Rahm Emanuel addressed the nation's leading Hispanic business leaders during the USHCC's 2014 National Convention in Chicago, IL. Recognizing the prevalence of Hispanic immigrants in his city, Mayor Emanuel noted, "You can't be pro-business if you're anti-immigrant, and you can't be anti-immigrant if you're pro-business."
"We appreciate our ongoing collaboration with Mayor Emanuel. Today's meeting was yet another opportunity to outline our priorities and work with the Mayor and his administration to enact solutions to help our businesses continue to grow and strive," Duque said. "I thank Javier Palomarez and the USHCC for supporting our chamber and for hosting more than 6,000 business leaders in Chicago during last year's annual conference. Chicago continues to benefit from that momentum and we will continue to work with our partners across the country."
About the IHCC
The Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC) is the leading Hispanic business, networking, advocacy and development organization in the state of Illinois. IHCC works with business owners, providing unique and strategic one-on-one services designed to help businesses thrive and grow, while also regularly hosting networking and public policy events. To learn more about the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, please visit: www.ihccbusiness.net. Like us at facebook.com/ihccbusiness and follow us on Twitter @Ilhischambr
About the USHCC
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of our nation's entrepreneurs. The USHCC advocates on behalf of nearly 3.2 million Hispanic-owned businesses, that together contribute in excess of $468 billion to the American economy, each year. As the leading organization of its kind, the USHCC serves as an umbrella to more than 200 local chambers and business associations across the nation, and partners with more than 220 major corporations.
For more information, visit www.ushcc.com
Follow us on Twitter @USHCC