[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1825]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF THE STATEWIDE HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF NEW JERSEY 
 FOR YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE HISPANIC BUSINESS COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, September 28, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, an organization 
dedicated to promoting the continued development of New Jersey's 
economy by strengthening and expanding the network of Hispanic and 
professional businesses throughout the State. On October 23-24, 1996, 
the organization will host their 6th Annual Convention and Exhibition. 
The 2-day event recognizes the many individuals and business 
organizations that have contributed in assisting the Hispanic community 
navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing economy.
  The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce [SHCC] is a voluntary 
membership network of 17 Hispanic chambers of commerce and professional 
business associations across New Jersey and the Philadelphia area. The 
organization aims to identify and communicate the needs of the Hispanic 
business community by increasing relations with the corporate sector, 
influencing legislation, policies, and programs that have a positive 
impact on the business community, providing leadership and support for 
excellence in education for future business leaders, and supplying 
technical assistance to Hispanic businesses, professional associations, 
and entrepreneurs through regional meetings, seminars, conferences, and 
annual State conventions.
  The 6th Annual Convention and Exhibition will recognize the efforts 
and contributions of business owners, CEO's, and other top management 
from large and small Hispanic businesses throughout the State. Since 
the Hispanic market is the fastest growing business sector in the 
country, with an estimated $30 billion of buying power, it is 
reassuring to know that organizations like SHCC continue to foster 
growth and provide leadership to Hispanic businesses as we approach the 
21st century.
  This year's convention and exhibition, will honor eight outstanding 
professionals for their contributions to the Hispanic business 
community: Freddy Rosado, Chamber of the Year; Pilar S. Howe, Sanchez 
to Sanchez to Smith; Argentina Ramirez, Volunteer of the Year; Olga 
Melendez, Diego Leiva, and Leila Perez Ross as Business People of the 
Year; and Dave Barger, Corporate Advocate of the Year; and Fred Davila, 
Presidents Award
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the outstanding work of 
the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and those being honored at 
its annual convention. I commend their accomplishments and all that 
they have done for Hispanic businesses throughout New Jersey.

                          ____________________