July/August Issue of Hispanic Business Magazine Spotlights Fastest Growing and Top Exporters among U.S. Hispanic-Owned Companies

“The U.S. Hispanic business community continues to contribute explosive growth to the nations economy, and the companies leading this trend are the focus of the July/August double issue of Hispanic Business magazine. In addition to a directory and a story on the 100 Fastest-Growing Hispanic Companies, this months issue also reveals the 50 Top Exporters among Hispanic-owned businesses – and where their exports are bound. While Latin America remains a prime destination, Hispanic-owned exporters are increasingly global players, and not just regional ones.

FASTEST GROWING: Liberty Power Corp., an independent supplier of retail electricity based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., ranks No. 1 on the 2007 Hispanic Business 100 Fastest-Growing CompaniesR list. This years list finds the explosive growth in the Hispanic marketplace is more diverse both geographically and industry-wise than in past years. Liberty Powers sales increased from $806,215 in 2002 to $119.71 million in 2006, while the companys workforce grew ten-fold, from six to 60 people. Other Hispanic-owned companies near the top of the list are Force3 Inc., a network infrastructure developer in Maryland, and J2 Engineering, a Florida-based environmental and construction services company.

TOP EXPORTERS: Hispanic-owned companies are meeting the demands of the global market, and no one is doing it better than Brightstar Corp. The telecom supplier and cell phone distributor is the top-ranked company on the Hispanic Business Top 50 Exporters list with more than $3 billion in export sales in 2006. Brightstar Corp. also topped the Hispanic Business 500 in the June issue. Like Brightstar, Hispanic-owned companies are increasingly exporting their products and services to Europe, Africa and the Middle East, rather than focusing solely on Latin America and the Caribbean.

Other featured stories in the July/August issue of Hispanic Business magazine include:

SECURING THE BORDER: Hector Holguin, a technology entrepreneur from El Paso, Texas, came out of retirement in following 9/11 to start a company that helps smooth out international shipping woes at the U.S.-Mexico border. His SecureOrigins company has developed a model that uses tracking devices and satellite surveillance to help routine shipments avoid getting bogged down by inspections. Exporters and importers whose good behavior has been guaranteed sail through, while shipments where concerns might be well founded get the scrutiny they deserve. SecureOrigins’ model is drawing interest among border states in the U.S. and Mexico; Texas has announced intent to invest in the company.

MAKE MINE A MILLION: The Make Mine a Million $ Business program aims to give women entrepreneurs in the United States the tools they need to boost their company’s sales, with the goal of reaching $1 million or more in revenues each year. Created by Count Me In, a nonprofit micro-lender, and American Express OPEN, a small-business outreach from the financial giant, Make Mine a Million $ Business gives women business owners with revenues of $200,000 or more the chance to win a free year of mentoring, marketing and technology assistance, and a $50,000 line of credit.

Q&A WITH TEXAS REP. SILVESTRE REYES: As the head of the House Intelligence Committee, a Vietnam veteran, and a former U.S. Border Patrol officer, Rep. Silvestre Reyes D-TX has a lot to say about immigration reform and the Iraq war. The six-term congressman tells Hispanic Business about his vote against placing a fence at the U.S.-Mexico border, his push for an “earned legalization program,” and challenges the U.S. intelligence agencies face in the current global political climate. He also discusses his love of public service and his future plans.

About Hispanic BusinessR
For over a quarter of a century, Hispanic Business Media has been the source for the latest trends, research and reporting that drive growth for Hispanic-owned companies. Hispanic Business magazine, our award-winning publication, and HispanicBusiness.com, provide readers in the United States and around the world with the most relevant and data-driven news on the U.S. Hispanic marketplace. Hispanic Business Media properties include Hispanic Business magazine, HispanicBusiness.com, Hispanic Business Events – including Hispanic Business magazine EOYR Awards, Woman of the Year WOY Awards – as well as HireDiversity.comR HispanTelligenceR is the research division of the company. “

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