2001 Ron Paul 101:1
Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I want today to address
my resolution, H. Con. Res. 277 to recognize
the important contributions of the Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Speaker,
the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
was founded in New Mexico in 1979.
Headquartered in Washington, DC the Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce currently has a
network of more than 200 chapters in the
United States and its territories. One of those
active chapters is in my district, in fact the San
Marcos Hispanic Chamber of Commerce just
held its successful Turkey Trot Golf Tournament
during our Thanksgiving break.
2001 Ron Paul 101:2
The importance of this national organization
cannot be overstated, Hispanics have an annual
purchasing power of approximately $500
billion and the Chamber effectively represents
the more than 1 million Hispanic-owned businesses.
The organization’s recent growth has
shown its influence in communities not traditionally
considered centers for Latino development,
locations such as Richmond, Virginia;
Charlotte, North Carolina and Minnesota’s
Twin Cities area.
2001 Ron Paul 101:3
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce provides
important recognition to its members
and supporters through an annual awards program.
Moreover, the organization furnishes its
membership with a host of critical services,
ably guided by the leadership of its President
and CEO George Herrera, Chair Ms. Elizabeth
Lisboa-Farrow, who also chairs the DC Chamber
of Commerce; and Vice Chairman J.R.
Gonzales, President of a communications firm
in Austin, Texas.
2001 Ron Paul 101:4
Importantly, the Chamber has maintained
international trade as one of its top long term
priorities, even maintaining an office in Mexico
City. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
provides and promotes the kind of private sector
trade initiatives and assistance that I believe
all of us can support.
2001 Ron Paul 101:5
Mr. Speaker, I am gratified to be able to
bring to the Floor today this resolution to recognize
the important contributions of the
United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
and ask for the support of members in
passing this item.
