[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26584]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



IN HONOR OF THE STATEWIDE HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF NEW JERSEY ON 
                       ITS ``DECADE OF SUCCESS''

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 21, 1999

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Statewide 
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey on a ``Decade of Success'' 
in the State of New Jersey on this occasion, its 9th Annual Convention 
and Expo.
  Starting out with just a handful of volunteers in 1989, the Statewide 
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey has become the flagship 
organization for New Jersey's small business community. Today, the SHCC 
is an organization committed to serving the needs of the Hispanic 
business community, while working closely with the U.S. Hispanic 
Chamber of Commerce to provide leadership and to promote the continued 
growth and development of New Jersey's economy.
  Championing the needs of Hispanic businesses in the State of New 
Jersey, the SHCC is a voluntary network of individuals, businesses, 
Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, and regional professional associations. 
The network is responsible for expanding business opportunities, 
forging a mutually beneficial relationship between the public and 
private sectors, advocating businesses in the political arena, and 
promoting trade between New Jersey businesses and their national and 
international counterparts.
  The SHCC encourages growth through technical assistance and regional 
conferences for area businesses, professional associations, and 
entrepreneurs. Also, the SHCC provides strong leadership for New Jersey 
in the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, as well as in programs such 
as Education NOW for future business leaders.
  Nationwide, Hispanic businesses are thriving. With 30,000 Hispanic-
owned businesses supporting 128,000 jobs and generating $7.5 billion in 
sales nationwide, the Hispanic market is the fastest growing sector in 
the United States. In the State of New Jersey alone, this booming 
market has experienced an 87% increase in less than ten years. The 
efforts of groups such as the SHCC have been instrumental in fostering 
this growth.
  For its commitment to the survival and prosperity of Hispanic-owned 
businesses, as well as its unwavering leadership, I ask my colleagues 
to join me in commending the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of 
New Jersey.

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