ORLANDO, Fla., June 27, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amid a colorful background of music and balloon sculptures, the 83rd Annual LULAC Convention opened its doors to a free Expo today at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort & Convention Center. Organizers anticipate 20,000 will attend the Expo which is free and open to the public today through Friday.
While the National LULAC Convention convenes leaders from across the country, thousands of Central Floridians can seek job opportunities, get advice on college applications and financial aid, take advantage of free health screenings, and medical advice or simply have fun and meet Latino celebrities at the free Expo.
LULAC National President, Margaret Moran, LULAC Executive Director, Brent Wilkes, Diana Bolivar, incoming President, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, Roger Guzman, Wal-Mart Senior Manager Corporate Affairs, and Marlin Hutchens, Market Vice President, Walgreens, presided at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
"We chose Orlando for this year's convention because Central Florida is now home to more than half a million Latinos," said LULAC Executive Director Brent Wilkes. "We encourage everyone in the community to take part in this great event and visit our career center, health fair and corporate and federal agency exhibits."
The Convention is the nation's premier Latino gathering and brings together leaders in government, business, labor, and the community for a week filled with renowned speakers and important seminars addressing the issues that affect Latino communities most, from immigration reform and education to health care and civil rights. Separate tracks for youth and young adults provide emerging Latino leaders with workshops on community service, leadership development, career opportunities and advocacy training.
"We focus on the most serious issues that affect our community," stated LULAC President Margaret Moran. "At the same time, we celebrate our culture and our ties. This year, we are hosting a free concert, open to the public, featuring Tito Nieves and Jesse & Joy."
Tickets for the free concert, scheduled for Saturday, June 30, at the Coronado Resort and Convention Center, are available at corporate sponsored booths at the Expo, including Miller Coors, Wal-Mart, Comcast/NBC/Universal/Telemundo, Caesars Entertainment, and P &G.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 900 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC's programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.lulac.org.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=12386