U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to Honor Congress Members Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Nydia Velazquez with 2008 Legislative Awards

The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), representing the nation’s 2.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses, announced today that it will present its 2008 Legislative Awards to Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) at the organization’s 18th Annual Legislative Awards Dinner on March 13, 2008. Speaker Pelosi will deliver the dinner’s keynote address.

“We have selected two outstanding public servants who have supported the interests of our Hispanic business community,” said David C. Lizarraga, USHCC Board Chairman. “These legislators have been specifically instrumental in advancing those policy positions that help foster economic growth in our community and among all small businesses. Their work serves as an example and inspiration to the millions of Hispanic entrepreneurs throughout our nation.”

The President’s Achievement Award is conferred upon an outstanding public servant who has demonstrated continued commitment, service, and dedication to the Hispanic community throughout their distinguished career. The Chair’s Award is granted to a public servant who best exemplifies the mission and goals of the USHCC and whose proven leadership and dedication to the Hispanic community has resulted in the growth, expansion and empowerment of Hispanic influence in the realms of business and government.

President’s Achievement Award – Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL)

The first Hispanic woman elected to Congress, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is the Ranking Member on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen has been a powerful advocate for the promotion of democratic values in Latin America and expansion of hemispheric trade. This marks her long involvement in foreign affairs, including previous service as a senior member on the International Relations Committee; Chair of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia; member on the Subcommittee on Africa and the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights; and Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.

Chairman’s Award – Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY)

Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez has made history several times during her tenure in Congress. In 1992, she was the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. In February of 1998, she was named Ranking Democratic Member on the House Small Business Committee, making her the first Hispanic woman in the history of the House to serve as Ranking Member on a full committee. Most recently, in 2006, she was named Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, making her the first Latina to ever chair a full congressional committee.

“The USHCC is privileged to honor two of the nation’s leading Latinas with our prestigious 2008 Legislative Awards,” said Augustine Martinez, USHCC President and CEO. “Latinas are leading the growth in Hispanic-owned businesses and are also leading the U.S. Congress in small business and international trade policy. This year’s honorees are a source of inspiration for Hispanic entrepreneurs and Americans across our nation.”

The Legislative Awards Dinner will draw Hispanic entrepreneurs and Chamber leaders from across the nation, as well as key representatives from Corporate America and top-level members of Congress and the Administration.

For a complete list of major events at the 2008 USHCC Legislative Conference, or for more news on the lineup of speakers and dignitaries, special events and registration information, visit www.ushcc.com, the interactive source for all Legislative Conference information.

Note to journalists:

General press and analyst registration is available at www.ushcc.com/news-legislative18th.html. Journalists are encouraged to submit their media credential applications by Friday, March 7 to take advantage of all the Legislative Conference press events.”*

*From: http://sev.prnewswire.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

• The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of East Tennessee and the YWCA Knoxville said Tuesday they have received a federal grant to provide services to victims of violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.
• Ricardo Salinas Breaks Ground for What Will Be the Most Modern Television Studio in Latin America – Mexico City
• Brazil replaces Mexico as China’s top market in Latin America and boosts its surplus as well.
• Ana Isabelle de Puerto Rico is chosen ¡Viva el Sueño! Latin music superstar
• It is Better to “Spic”? When Were Ricans Ever the Model Minority?
• LatAm Immigrants Are Changing Spain, Sociologist Says
• Health Care Reform: Communicating Policy With Hispanic Media
• Efrain’s Corner: A Response to….”Puerto Ricans in New York Struggling…Still” Comment
• Puerto Ricans in New York Struggling…Still – Puerto Ricans are some of the most prominent figures in New York politics and culture, so some people are surprised when they hear that, overall, Puerto Ricans are among the poorest and least educated New Yorkers. Almost a third in New York are living in poverty.
• The current global crisis will cause the number of poor people in Latin America to rise by 9 million to 189 million this year, the U.N. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean said in a report presented on Thursday.
• Celebrate Puerto Rican Heritage at the Comité Noviembre Puerto Rican Artisans & Health Fair – Saturday, Nov. 23 – Bronx, NYC
• The leader of Wal-Mart Stores Inc.’s Latin American division, Vicente Trius, is leaving the company after having served less than five months in the position.
• Beginning with the 2009-2010 season, Terra will stream select games live throughout Latin America, in both Spanish and Portuguese
• Puerto Rican, Latino Clergy, Theology Professors, Community Members To Condemn Brutal Hate Killing of Gay Puerto Rican Man
• The Tulare-Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will name standouts in the community Saturday while raising money to help local businesses. – CA
• Local Latinos were honored for their achievements in business and politics Wednesday. – The Massachusetts Latino Chamber of Commerce hosted an event at the Essence Restaurant in Springfield Wednesday night to recognize these individuals for their success.
• The Associated Press on Wednesday announced changes in its Latin America and Caribbean operations, closing a service limited to Puerto Rican news within Puerto Rico while adding editors and reporters elsewhere for the expanding Spanish market in the Americas.
• Money Transfer Service to Latin America – ATMCASH launches online and over the phone money transfer service to Latin America
• Reviewed: Gringo: A Coming-of-Age in Latin America, by Chesa Boudin
• Trend Toward Smaller Families in Latin America – The number of people per household in Latin America will fall by 18 percent by 2020, according to a study released in this capital Tuesday by consulting firm Euromonitor International.