USHCC Responds to President Bush Appointing Santanu “Sandy” Baruah as Director of the Small Business Administration

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the national representative for 2.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses, today reacted to President Bush’s announcement of the appointment of Santanu “Sandy” Baruah, formerly the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, to head the Small Business Administration (SBA).

“Acting Administrator Jovita Carranza has been a good friend to the Hispanic business community,” said David C. Lizárraga, Chairman of the USHCC. “We look forward to working with Administrator Baruah as we continue collaborating with the SBA to expand opportunities for Hispanic-owned businesses.”

The USHCC is a national advocate for minority and small enterprises, and is therefore deeply interested in the functioning of the SBA. The USHCC had anticipated a Congressional review and approval of the nomination through which Administrator Baruah could outline his plans for turning around the troubled agency. This recess appointment installs Santanu Baruah as Administrator effective Monday, August 18th.

“There is a lot of time left for this Administration to help reform SBA programs and promote the cause of minority entrepreneurship,” said Augustine Martinez, President & CEO of the USHCC. “While a recess appointment may not be ideal, and may even be challenged, as stakeholders we will meet with Administrator Baruah and take on the responsibility of informing him about our business community’s needs and priorities.”

Before joining the Bush Administration in 2001, Baruah spent seven years with Performance Consulting Group, a Portland, Oregon-based corporate management consulting firm. His clients included Walt Disney World, Intel, Key Bank and Citizens Bank. As Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, Santanu Baruah led and managed the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, the Department’s domestic economic development arm.

About the United States Hispanic 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 nearly $400 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.

Press only:
Dale Crowell for USHCC, (202) 842-1212, dcrowell@ushcc.com
Erica Baca for USHCC, (202) 842-1212, ebaca@ushcc.com “

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