News (Noticias) Tagged ‘Business 500’

Hispanic Business Magazine named nine Hispanic-owned Chrysler LLC dealers to its 2008 annual “Top 500″ U.S. Hispanic-owned companies list. Dealers made the list based on the following criteria: Revenue dollars; Hispanic ownership of at least 51 percent; and fully operational for the 2007 calendar year.
Hispanic Business Magazine’s list included three Chrysler dealers in the top 10. The top dealer, ranked No. 3, was Lloyd Chavez Jr. of the Burt Automotive Network in Centennial, Colo., which includes Burt Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Parker, Colo., and other franchises. The dealership group boasted $2.12 billion in revenue last year. The second dealer was Ernesto Ancira Jr. of Ancira Enterprises Inc., which was ranked No. 7 and grossed $691.26 million. Ancira Enterprises includes Ancira 281 North Chrysler Jeep; Ancira Dodge; and Ancira Motor Co., among its many franchises. Also on the list was Frank Rodriguez of Greenway Ford Inc., at No. 9, which grossed $520.13 million. Rodriguez’s franchises include Greenway Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Orlando, Fla.; and Atlanta Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Atlanta.
In total, the nine dealers grossed more than $4 billion* last year.
“Chrysler’s Hispanic dealers are an economic force in this country,” said Cecil Ward, Senior Manager - Network Diversity and Dealer Development. “This ranking is significant to Chrysler because it demonstrates the strength of our minority dealer network and also is a testament to the hard work that many people have put into these dealerships.”
The Hispanic Business Magazine “Top 500″ list is widely recognized as the most respected measure of Hispanic-owned business performance. The entire list totaled $36.1 billion in revenues last year.
This is the 26th year of the Hispanic Business Magazine “Top 500.” The dealers that made the “Top 500″ list are:

* Dealer’s revenues also included sales from other automotive dealerships.

3 The Burt Automotive Parker, Colo. Lloyd Chavez Jr. $2.12 billion
Network

7 Ancira Enterprises San Antonio, Ernesto Ancira Jr. $691.26 million
Texas

9 Greenway/Atlanta Orlando, Fla. Frank Rodriguez$520.13 million
Chrysler Jeep Dodge

24 Gonzales Automotive South Gate,Silvestre Gonzales $274.60 million
GroupCalif.

41 Elder Automotive Troy, Mich.Irma Elder $159.56 million
Group

76 A&D Automotive Dothan, Ala. Dino Velaquez $93 million

101 Varela Auto Palestine, Fernando Varela$61.54 million
GroupTexas

103 Tamiami Automotive Miami, Fla.Carlos Planas $60.99 million
Group

105 Love Chrysler, Inc. Corpus Marion Luna Brem $57.50 million
Christi,
Texas
“

Essco Wholesale Electric Inc. and Sun Eagle Corp. are the two highest-ranking Arizona companies on the Hispanic Business 500 list this month.

This marks Sun Eagle’s 20th appearance on the list, and Essco’s last. “*

Central Florida has some of the top Hispanic-owned companies in the nation, according to the latest national ranking by California-based Hispanic Business magazine.

Florida also has the most top-ranked Hispanic businesses in the nation, with 124 companies generating $12.8 billion in revenue last year.

The findings are part of the magazine’s directory of the “500 Largest U.S. Hispanic-owned Companies,” a yearly listing of top performers published this month.”*

Zia Engineering & Environmental Consultants of Las Cruces was recently named to Hispanic Business magazine’s Hispanic 500. The list represents the largest Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States.

According to Hispanic Business, Zia Engineering moved from No. 454 on the list last year to No. 418 this year and had a revenue in 2007 of $9.12 million.”*

Pan-American Life Insurance Company has excelled for the third straight year ranking first among Hispanic companies in the state of Louisiana according to Hispanic Business 500, the magazine’s annual business directory.

In the June issue, the magazine ranked Pan-American Life as 23rd among all Hispanic businesses in the nation and second among the top 10 companies in the finance sector.

“Pan-American Life’s growth mirrors our distinctive competitive advantages; a multicultural management team, strong brand recognition in Latin America and an understanding of the complex multicultural nature of the U.S. Hispanic population,” said Chairman of the Board and CEO Jose Suquet. “In terms of insurance, we are the bridge between Hispanics working here in the U.S. and their extended families back home.”

Since January 2008, Suquet has enlisted four new senior managers to reposition the company in the Americas. Today, 50 percent of the company’s senior management, more than 39 percent of its home office employees, 76 percent of the overall company employees and 60 percent of its policyholders are Hispanics.

Pan-American Life had a 4.9 percent increase in revenues, growing from $262.43 million in 2006 to $275.21 million in 2007, while total assets reached $2.1 billion and total capital of $331 million, an all-time high.

For more than two decades, the Hispanic Business 500 has served as a barometer of the U.S. Hispanic economy.

About Pan-American Life

Founded in 1911, New Orleans-based Pan-American Life Insurance Company is a leading international insurance company, employing more than 700 worldwide, providing top-rated life and health insurance, worksite benefits and financial services in 46 states, the District of Columbia (DC) and Puerto Rico. Its international operations, offering individual and group life and health insurance throughout Latin America, includes affiliates in Panama, Guatemala and Colombia, and branch offices in Ecuador, El Salvador and Honduras. For more information, visit the Pan-American Life Web site at www.panamericanlife.com.

Pan-American Life Insurance Company is a member of Pan-American Life Insurance Group. The Group is comprised of a number of insurance and reinsurance companies serving nearly half a million customers throughout the Americas. “*

This year, for the first time, Hispanic Business magazine is tracking the top Hispanic-owned ‘green’ businesses, while keeping a finger on the pulse of this rapidly evolving industry. Of the Hispanic Business 500 companies, at least 13 are significantly involved with environmental restoration, cleanup, engineering, or management of some other type of green enterprise.”*

Twelve Arizona companies made the cut as Hispanic Business magazine’s June issue features its annual Hispanic Business 500.

Essco Wholesale Electric of Chandler ranked highest among Arizona companies landing at No. 34 on the list, up from 42 in 2007.”*

Engineering Services Network Inc. (ESN), a trusted leader in engineering and technology solution, has climbed the 2008 Hispanic Business 500, one of only 18 Virginia companies to make the list.
ESN ranked No. 238 overall, up from No. 243 in 2007. The small, service-disabled veteran-owned (SDVO) company based in Arlington, is the 12th largest Virginia firm on the annual list. The list can be found at: www.hispanicbusiness.com/hb500/
“This is an exciting time of growth and opportunity at ESN, and we are honored that our achievements are recognized by the Hispanic Business 500,” ESN CEO and President Raymond F. Lopez Jr. said. “This honor really belongs to ESN’s employees and partners, who together make us a strong team dedicated to serving our nation and our men and women in uniform.”
ESN is an IT and business consulting company specializing in military and government contracts.
For 26 years, the HB 500 has been a barometer of the U.S. Hispanic economy. The annual directory of Hispanic-owned firms tells a story of consistently improving weather. Since first appearing with only 400 companies in 1983, its tally of revenues has increased seven-fold and only twice have the numbers dipped from the previous year.
Last year, market conditions proved especially bearish for U.S. Hispanic companies. Revenues for this year’s HB 500 slid backward 0.6 percent to $36.1 billion, and more than 41 percent of CEOs cited market conditions as the top barriers to growth in 2007.
Despite the turbulent economic times, ESN has thrived and grown. Under Lopez’ leadership, ESN has grown from its first $25,000 task order in 1995 to a technology leader with more than $22 million in revenue in 2007, on track to earn more than $50 million by 2011.
Lopez served his country for more than 29 years before retiring from the Navy and becoming president and CEO of ESN. He has focused on building ESN to more than 170 employees and offices throughout the U.S. and worldwide.
ESN (Engineering Services Network, Inc.) is a trusted leader in engineering and technology solutions. For more than a decade, we have been proudly standing shoulder to shoulder with our military and government customers, delivering critical services for missions that matter. ESN provides services in five key areas: engineering and technical support; strategic and program management; testing and evaluation; operations support; and information technology.
Based in Arlington, VA, ESN has regional and field offices throughout the U.S. and worldwide. Founded in 1995, ESN has achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification. ESN customers include the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Military Sealift Command, Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies. Visit us at esncc.com. ESN is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB).”

Hispanic Business Inc. ranked five local companies among the top 100 Hispanic-owned companies on this year’s Hispanic Business 500, an annual list that gives a snapshot of the U.S. Hispanic economy each year.

On the list were: Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Properties LLC in Germantown (No. 38); MVM Inc. in Vienna (No. 42); The Centech Group Inc. in Arlington (No. 45); Geologics Corp. in Alexandria (No. 88); and Tessada & Associates Inc. in Springfield (No. 91).”*

Pacer Health Corporation (OTCBB:PHLH), a Miami-based provider of financial and operational management to distressed businesses in several market segments, has been ranked in the top 500 Hispanic businesses in this year’s Hispanic Business 500 list for the third consecutive year. According to the magazine, the annual directory has served as a barometer of the U.S. Hispanic economy for more than two decades.

Pacer Health Corporation’s rank of 116, up from the previous rankings of 185 in 2007 and 330 in 2006, is a sign of strong corporate and financial growth which further shows a maturation of the company.

“Pacer Health Corporation made a significant move this year on our top 500 list, more so than many of the other companies ranked,” said Michael Bowker, managing editor of Hispanic Business. “This is an indicator of the substantial financial growth happening within the company.”

“We are pleased by the acknowledgment of being one of the top 500 Hispanic businesses in the country,” said Rainier Gonzalez, chairman and CEO of Pacer Health Corporation. “This achievement demonstrates the success of Pacer Health Corporation’s evolving business model and further exemplifies our growth and achievement as a company.”

Hispanic Business, a monthly magazine written for affluent Hispanic business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals, is an industry staple focusing on business, finance and trends and forecasts within the Hispanic business sector. The methodology behind the annual listing of the 500 largest Hispanic-owned businesses is based on company data and requirements established by the Hispanic Business research staff. To be considered, companies must show at least fifty-one percent ownership by Hispanic U.S. citizens and must maintain headquarters in the continental United States.”*

Nine San Antonio businesses have earned spots on the Hispanic Business 500, the listing of the top 500 largest U.S. Hispanic owned companies.

Ancira Enterprises Inc. is the city’s largest Hispanic owned business, coming in at No. 7 in the Hispanic Business 500. The new and used automotive dealership holding company closed out 2007 with $691.26 million in revenue. The company was founded in 1983 and today has 710 employees.”*

Twelve metro Atlanta businesses have landed on the Hispanic Business 500, the listing of the top 500 largest U.S. Hispanic owned companies.

Lou Sobh Automotive in Duluth, Ga., is the area’s largest Hispanic-owned business, coming in at 15th place on the list with 567 employees and $415.3 million in revenue in 2007.”*

The Hispanic Business 500 have endured turbulent economic times before, but market conditions proved especially bearish for U.S. Hispanic companies in 2007. Revenues for this year’s HB 500 slid backwards 0.6 percent to $36.1 billion. It is the first such dip since 2002, and only the third in the directory’s 26-year history. It should come as no surprise that more than 41 percent of CEOs cited market conditions as the top barriers to growth in 2007, according to a survey by our HispanTelligence unit.

How and why did this happen after five years of impressive growth? The answer lies in large part in the makeup of the HB 500. Economic contraction was concentrated in the automotive, wholesale, and construction sectors, which combined represent a heft y 59 percent of the directory’s total revenues. The contraction stems to some degree from an economic slowdown in these sectors. Auto sales recently slipped to their lowest annual count in a decade. Prices for industrial commodities, like copper, tin, and steel, are skyrocketing, and home building has been on a steady decline since 2006.”*

The June 2008 issue of Hispanic Business magazine will feature the 26th annual Hispanic Business 500(R), the 500 largest Hispanic-owned companies in the United States.

The annual Hispanic Business 500 directory is widely recognized as the barometer of the U.S. Hispanic Economy. We would like to include you for consideration in not only the HB500 but also for the publication of the 100 Fastest Growing and the Top 50 Exporters lists.

Previous companies, ranging from $1 million to over $3 billion have been included.

In order to make participation as convenient as possible, here is the link for nomination directions along with a direct electronic link to the 2008 survey form:

www.hispanicbusiness.com/research/500/nomination.asp www.hispanicbusiness.com/_client/pdf/500_Survey_2008.pdf

The deadline for submission is Friday, March 14th, 2008. Please let us know if you have any questions. Thank you for your time.

Regards, “Don’t Miss Your Chance to be in the Hispanic Business 500″ Michael Caplinger Research Supervisor Michael.Caplinger@hbinc.com 805-964-4554 ext. 605 Frankie Rey de Perea Business Economist Frankie.Rey.de.Perea@hbinc.com 805-964-4554 ext. 212 About Hispanic Business Inc.”

Al Borde finished off its groundbreaking series of free intimate concerts (known collectively as the Al Borde Acoustic Sessions) last Friday night with one of the year’s great live performances, delivered by up-and-coming Spanish rock group Enjambre. Close to 200 fans from across Southern California gathered at Al Borde’s lounge to support the talented group, known for its melodic sound as well as its charming yet humorously dark original lyrics.

Al Borde, the ten-year-old Spanish-language entertainment publication, is one of the only print publications dedicated to the Latin alternative/Spanish rock music scene today. In early 2006, Al Borde transformed into a multi-media organization that also offers mobile services, a newly re-designed website containing exclusive concert footage and a calendar listing of the coolest, hard-to-find events, and of course free or low-cost concerts.

Fans were more than pleased by the flawless performance given by Enjambre, who were fresh off their Mexican tour. “With events such as this one, we provide a fun-filled, exciting and free gathering that also showcases such amazing talent as Enjambre,” declared Martha de la Torre, publisher of Al Borde. “This is what we are all about: giving exposure to bands that rarely get airplay anywhere else.”

The final 2007 Al Borde Acoustic Sessions concert also featured a special guest appearance by Lalo Alcaraz – the renowned cartoonist of “La Cucaracha” and co-host of Pacifica Radio’s weekly “Pocho Hour of Power” show which airs every Friday.

The concert included a great art exhibit featuring the artwork of David Saucedo, and the signature guest DJ for the December concert was Frank Leopold, whose spinning kept the crowd dancing before and after Enjambre’s feature set.

Jack Daniel’s and Monster Energy Drink were proud “repeat” sponsors of the Acoustic Sessions concert, returning for the fourth and third time, respectively. Al Borde plans to continue the successful Acoustic Sessions Concert formula in 2008, with the next performance tentatively scheduled for February.

Al Borde (www.alborde.com) is a free publication that reaches young and trend-setting 18- to 34-year-old Hispanics. The publication is owned and published by El Clasificado – an Hispanic Business 500 multimedia company – and is rapidly becoming a leading Latin Alternative multiplatform company that offers advertising opportunities through sponsored events, section sponsorships, street team promotions, web sites, and mobile services.”*

The Los Angeles Business Journal one of the leading business publications in Los Angeles, recently revealed its list of the 100 fastest-growing privately held companies, and 90th on the list was El Clasificado — one of the few Hispanic-owned businesses recognized on the list.

Almost 20 years since the Spanish-language classifieds weekly publication was established, the organization continues to experience an increase in circulation and revenue, despite the trend of declining revenues faced by major newspapers and other Spanish print media nationwide. Associated Press recently revealed that total advertising revenue for newspapers in the third quarter of 2007 slid 7.4% from the previous year, while revenues for El Clasificado increased by almost 24% during the same period, following what seems to be now a regular pattern.

“We are very proud that our efforts have been so notably recognized this year by such premier organizations as the Los Angeles Business Journal,” exclaimed Martha de la Torre, founder and publisher of El Clasificado. “These honors, more than anything, are a testament to the hard work demonstrated daily by our wonderful team of employees. They are truly positioning El Clasificado as a leading multiplatform organization that in addition to print advertising solutions also offers grassroots community events, free classifieds online and mobile downloads.”

The Los Angeles Business Journal is not the first organization to honor El Clasificado’s growth. The publication was also included this year in the Inc 5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in America, and El Clasificado has been on the Hispanic Business 500 list each consecutive year since 2004. Moreover, in 2007 El Clasificado’s founders were recognized by Ernst & Young as finalists in the Greater Los Angeles area for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

The Los Angeles Business Journal is one of Los Angeles’s premier weekly business publications examining the many ways that the L.A. economy operates, and has published the list of 100 Fastest Growing private companies in Los Angeles for 11 years.

El Clasificado is a multi-media publication and advertising solutions company with solid advertising platforms in print, online and grassroots events. More than 1 million readers utilize the free Spanish-language publication every week as a source of information on everything from health and education to consumer alerts and real estate. El Clasificado is a verified publication with a weekly circulation of over 310,000, and is distributed in over 150 cities in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.”*

Al Borde celebrated the Day of the Dead with its third annual Día de los Muertos Music and Arts Fest last Friday, November 2nd, in East Los Angeles’s El Gallo Plaza – the famed cultural café better known among locals for its former longstanding operation as a mortuary.

In spite of several other Day of the Dead events concurrently taking place, hundreds of fans came to show their support for Al Borde — who also secured a live performance by none other than LA’s Very Be Careful who added a kick to the already festive cultural celebration.

Fernando Reyes was the winner of Al Borde’s art contest, beating out more than 15 contestants to receive exclusive coverage in Al Borde, as well as his very own exhibit at the famed Casita del Pueblo Art Gallery in Uptown Whittier. The unique art festival also consisted of Day of the Dead altars whose connotations spoke volumes, ranging from political to personal, and of course artistic. The winner was The National Foundation of Independent Artists, who received $500 cash.

“We think the great turnout at our event is largely due to Al Borde’s commitment to our community and supporting the arts, not to mention the free tamales, hot chocolate, and coffee we provide for all who attend year after year,” affirmed Adriana Hernandez-Fernandez, Sr. Manager of Events and Promotions, and creator of Al Borde’s Día de los Muertos event. “There are not many opportunities for local artists in our community to publicly display their work, and Al Borde is thrilled to be that platform.”

The US Army, Wells Fargo, Casita del Pueblo, Monster Energy, Manzanita Sol and El Clasificado are this year’s proud sponsors who joined Al Borde in their unique cultural celebration.

Al Borde’s “Día de los Muertos” Concert and Arts Festival is a community-oriented celebration of music and culture. Community groups and local artists are invited to submit an original work of art for the Day of the Dead-themed art and altar contests, for a chance to win $500 and a personalized art exhibition. Every year a surprise musical guest chosen from the Latin Alternative rock music scene is invited for a special performance.

Al Borde (www.alborde.com) is a free bi-weekly publication that reaches young and trend-setting 18- to 34-year-old Hispanics. The publication is owned and published by El Clasificado – an Hispanic Business 500 and Inc 5,000 multimedia company – and is rapidly becoming a leading Latin Alternative multiplatform company that offers advertising opportunities through sponsored events, section sponsorships, street team promotions, web sites, and mobile services. Since it was founded in 1997, Al Borde has maintained a high standard in design and content quality, and was named “Best of Show” this year by the Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP).

For photos or additional information, please contact Maria Elena Aguilar. “*

“Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology Association (LISTA) announced today that it is presenting R Marcelo Claure, CEO and Chairman of BrightStar Communications, with the 2007 LISTA Chief Executive Officer of the Year Award. Mr. Claure earned the honor for his long-standing commitment to technology for the advancement of the Latino community, his philanthropic and diversity initiatives.

LISTA will honor top Latino industry executives, from across the country including Mr. R Marcelo Claure and the BrightStar Communications Corporation at its 2007 National Latino Technology Achievers Gala Awards Dinner sponsored by Nielsen Media Research, State Farm, PTG, Cisco, Prudential Financial, Pinnacle, NBC, Google, I Hispano, Bast Services, Pharma, Telemundo, HITN, Staples, Lehman Brothers and many others which will be held on Thursday October 25th at 6 p.m. at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington D.C.
In selecting Mr. R Marcelo Claure for its Chief Executive Officer of the Year, LISTA noted his support of programs that expand opportunities for youth in the areas of literacy, computer technology, scholarships and internships all around the world.

Mr. R Marcelo Claure as a CEO has run a very successful business with his company rising to the top of Hispanic Business 500 with revenues over $3.6 billion and earning the title of the largest Hispanic-owned business in the United States. However as great a businessman he is it is small in comparison to what he does best which is to be instrumental in helping young people secure future success through education and leadership development and empowering them to understand the power of technology for 21st Century jobs.

He is a strong advocate that all communities especially the underserved communities and small businesses have access to emerging broadband technologies, resources and capital.
Mr. R Marcelo Claure ‘ dedication to empowering the Hispanic community reflects the consummate values that are inherent within LISTA’s mission.

“His hard work through the years has opened the doors for many Latino Professionals in the technology industry and he has been instrumental in strengthening corporate America’s involvement in the education of Latino youth in technology,” said Jose A. Marquez-Leon, President and Chief Executive Officer, LISTA. “Mr. Claure continues to amaze us as his company continues to grow but it is what he does in his community that really impressed the selection committee.”

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by LISTA as CEO of the Year. I firmly believe in the mission of LISTA, which seeks to promote and advocate for the advancement of Latino’s in the field of technology. At Brightstar, we seek to bring advanced telecommunications technology to markets all over the world and our success, in many ways, is due to the talented and experienced technical and engineering teams we employ in the US., in Latin America and around the world.” said R. Marcelo Claure, founder, president, CEO & chairman of Brightstar Corp. “Now, we are using our global team to bring technology to the masses in a partnership with the One Laptop Per Child organization which seeks to put a free laptop in the hands of disadvantaged children throughout the world. Brightstar has been tapped to be the global sales and distribution provider for this program, allowing us to give back in one of the most significant ways possible - by providing access to technology.”

About Latino in Information Sciences and Technology Association (LISTA)

LISTA (www.a-lista.org) promotes the utilization of the technology sectors for the empowerment of the Latino community. LISTA Mission is to educate, motivate and encourage the use of technology in the Latino community LISTA is committed to bringing various elements of Technology, Science, and Math under one central hub to facilitate our partners, members and the community with the leverage and education they need to succeed in a highly advanced technologically driven society. Their Mission is to Educate, Motivate and Encourage the use of technology to empower the Latino Community

About BrightStar Communications

Based in Miami, Florida, BrightStar Corporation (www.brightstarcorp.com) is the largest and fastest growing wireless distribution and supply chain solutions company in the world. They accelerate products to market through strategic relationships with select manufacturer partners and their vast collective reach Brightstar is committees to good corporate citizenship, supporting the communities where they work and live. Together, Brightstar and its employees have donated millions of dollars and thousands of hours to a number of causes. They support the community in three key areas: Education, Entrepreneurship and Social empowerment. This year for the first time Brightstar Corp. was recognized as one of the largest and most profitable Hispanic businesses in the United States.

Event Information:

LATINOS IN INFORMATION SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION’S

NATIONAL LATINOS TECHNOLOGY ACHIEVERS AWARDS GALA DINNER
Date: October 25th, 2007
Time: 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Location: Fairmont Hotel Washington DC
2401 M Street, NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20037 “

“Al Borde, Los Angeles’s leading Latin Alternative entertainment news source, celebrates its ten-year anniversary by offering fans a unique concert known as the “Rock N Bliss Fest.” The event will take place on Friday, October 12 at the Ford Amphitheatre and will feature Guadalajara’s very own Porter, who will play for the first time in the United States for this show only as well as Guadalajara’s Sussie 4, who are stopping at “Rock N Bliss Fest” for their only U. S. appearance.

Local Spanish rock quartet Curanderos will also take part in what promises to be one of Al Borde’s most ambitious undertakings to date as it flies in two of today’s hottest rock acts from Mexico for a historic, one-time only presentation.

Al Borde is glad to continue providing its solid fan base with inimitable events that few other Latin alternative media offer. “The Rock N Bliss concert is undoubtedly one of our most ambitious tasks, but it is also one of the more exciting!” stated Adriana Hernandez-Fernandez, Senior Manager of Events and Promotions at Al Borde. “We are thrilled to allow fans here in Los Angeles the opportunity to catch a live performance by some of their favorite groups, who also happen to be making history as they perform in the U. S. for the first time. The Rock N Bliss Fest is certainly going to be as rewarding for us to present it as it will be for our fans to enjoy.”

The Rock N Bliss Fest is the second of a two-part soiree that celebrates the publication’s anniversary: Al Borde will host a special “Best of 2007” awards ceremony at the exclusive Al Borde Lounge the night before the concert. The awards will pay tribute to an eclectic mix of 10 local bands that have shaped the Los Angeles Latin alternative scene.

Monster Beverage Company has once again teamed up with Al Borde as presenting sponsor of the Rock N Bliss Fest, as well as Bulova and Virgin. Media Partners for the Rock N Bliss Fest are Mun2 and LATV. Tickets for the concert are on sale now at the

Ford Amphitheatre box office (www.fordamphitheatre.com).

Al Borde (www.alborde.com) is a free bi-weekly publication that reaches young and trend-setting 18- to 34-year-old Hispanics. The publication is owned and published by El Clasificado – an Hispanic Business 500 and Inc 5,000 multimedia company – and is rapidly becoming a leading Latin Alternative multiplatform company that offers advertising opportunities through sponsored events, section sponsorships, street team promotions, web sites, and mobile services. Since it was founded in 1997, Al Borde has maintained a high standard in design and content quality, and was named “Best of Show” this year by the Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP).”

“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. “

“International Bancshares Corp., which has expanded to include 38 IBC Bank offices in the greater Houston area, has been named one of the top 10 Hispanic businesses in the United States.

Laredo-based IBC NASDAQ: IBOC is ranked No. 7 on Hispanic Business magazines Hispanic Business 500 list with 2006 revenue of $786 million, down from No. 6 a year earlier.”

“Productivity was down for most of the sectors in this years Hispanic Business 500®, but retail served as a glaring exception.

The top Hispanic-owned retailers who returned surveys combined for an 84 percent spike in productivity – from $114,782 per employee in 2005 to $211,327 in 2006. The only other sectors reporting increases were manufacturing 9.3 percent and finance 9.1.”

“Brightstar Corp., which in June topped the Hispanic Business 500 list of the nations largest Hispanic-owned companies, has traded a significant portion of itself in exchange for the capital to continue its rapid growth.

The wireless equipment seller announced Monday that Lindsay Goldberg, a New York-based investment partnership, has provided $283 million in equity financing. According to Brightstar, this infusion will allow Brightstar to continue to fund its global infrastructure expansion. “

“Twelve Fairfax County-based companies, including 11 in technology fields, are among the 500 largest Hispanic-owned businesses in the nation, according to the June issue of Hispanic Business magazine.

Twelve Fairfax County companies were on the 2006 list, but this years list includes two firms that werent on it last year: SCI Consulting Services Inc. and MicroTech LLC.

The Fairfax County companies are among 19 from Virginia and are more than the number of companies from Maryland seven and the District of Columbia four combined. Virginia is fifth in the number of Hispanic businesses in the top 500.

“Our Fairfax County location is critical to our success,” said Jose “Pepe” Figueroa, founder and president of Priority One Services Inc., which provides facility management, transportation and animal science projects. “Even in the Internet age, a business needs to be located near clients and near amenities that are attractive to employees. Fairfax County provides this kind of combination for our company.”

Ranked by revenue, here are the 12 Fairfax County companies on the 2007 Hispanic Business 500 and their location in the county:

36. MVM Inc., Vienna

91. Geologics Inc., Alexandria

99. Tessada & Associates, Springfield

137. Preferred Systems Solutions Inc., Fairfax

142. Priority One Services Inc., Alexandria

172. Kemron Environmental Services Inc., Vienna

173. COmputing TechnologieS Inc., Fairfax

309. Engineering Management & Integration Inc., Herndon

337. Cairo Corporation now Citizant, Chantilly

442. SCI Consulting Services Inc., Vienna

461. MAC Aerospace Corporation, Chantilly

479. MicroTech LLC, Vienna

“The number and type of Fairfax County companies on the Hispanic Business list every year underscore the diversity of the business community here and our economy,” said Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority FCEDA.

Business growth helps Fairfax County, just outside Washington, D.C., fund public services such as a top-ranked public school system and library, public safety, social services and park systems that improve the quality of life. Fairfax County will host the 2007 National Conference on the Creative Economy www.creativeeconomies.org in October.

The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org promotes Fairfax County as a business and technology center. The FCEDA maintains marketing offices in Silicon Valley, Bangalore, Frankfurt, London, Seoul and Tel Aviv. “

“Inktel Direct, a leading outsource provider of direct marketing services, has been included in Hispanic Business magazines 2007 list of the 500 largest Hispanic-owned businesses in the U.S..

“It is an honor to have Inktel Directs growth celebrated and recognized by such a prestigious publication,” said Ricky Arriola, President of Inktel Direct. “We are proud to be a representative of the Hispanic communitys success.”

The Hispanic Business magazine is particularly honoring its members on this years list. The June issue celebrates the magazines 25th anniversary and commemorates many of the companies for being on the list for several years — this is Inktel Directs 7th year named to the list. Inktel Direct is ranked #208 and serves as an example of the explosive growth of Hispanic-owned businesses across the country.

About Inktel Direct
Inktel Direct, a leading outsourced provider of direct marketing services, was founded in 1997 and services several Fortune 500 companies and leading brands. Inktel Direct provides Fulfillment, Contact Center, Direct Mail/Lettershop and eCommerce solutions. Inktel Direct is headquartered in Miami, FL with additional operations in Chicago, Dallas, and Ft. Lauderdale. Company news and background information are available at www.inktel.com or call 305-523-1110.”