[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23254]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE STATEWIDE HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF NEW JERSEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 7, 2004

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Statewide 
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCC), an organization that 
has contributed greatly to the development of the Hispanic business 
community. New Jersey's Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be holding 
its 14th Annual Convention & Expo on October 8, 2004, at the Newark 
Airport Marriott Hotel in Newark, New Jersey.
  For 15 years, the SHCC has been instrumental in the development and 
support of small businesses within the state. As the Hispanic market 
continues to be the fastest-growing sector in the United States, the 
SHCC plays a pivotal role in supporting Hispanic business owners and 
providing resources that help them succeed. Over the past ten years, 
the number of Hispanic-owned businesses in New Jersey has increased to 
more than 45,000, generating thousands of jobs and billions of dollars 
in sales.
  At this year's convention, the SHCC will host a career fair for 
students and inner-city residents, informing them of internships and 
job opportunities. The convention will offer a variety of workshops on 
issues such as financial literacy and home ownership, and will provide 
government officials and business leaders the opportunity to attend 
luncheons and networking receptions to help build relationships and 
strengthen the community of small business owners.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Statewide 
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey for its 15 years of service 
working to establish and promote Hispanic businesses, leaders and 
develop New Jersey's economy.

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