LATIN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION'S LATINO BUSINESS EXPO BRINGS TOGETHER OVER 6,000 KEY BUSINESS DECISION MAKERS
- GATEWAY FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS -

Latino entrepreneurs are the fastest growing sector in the national economy and are key access to $580 billion Hispanic purchasing power LOS ANGELES - September 19, 2002 - The Latin Business Association (LBA), which represents the single largest pocket of Latino-owned businesses in the United States, released information about its two-day Latino Business Expo. Scheduled for October 15 and 16 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the Expo is the largest Latino business-to-business event in the nation and is expected to attract over 6,000 people.

“This Expo and the LBA represent the gateway to the fastest growing sector in the national economy and to the fastest growing consumer market in the nation,” said Ruth Lopez Williams, LBA Chairman of the Board. “For any national and international business to grow and prosper, they need access to the booming Latino market. This Expo is a venue to reach those very important consumers and businesses.”

The 7th Annual Expo, part of Latino Business Week as designated by Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn, includes a trade show floor with over 500 exhibitors; a Loan Pavilion for businesses seeking start-up or expansion capital; a Procurement Pavilion for vendors to meet corporate buyers; Business Seminars featuring two key LBA Institute Management Education Programs; a Technology Pavilion with live internet access and free web site consultations; an Artist Alcove displaying artwork from top Latino artists; the LBA business luncheon and Luncheon Honoring Latina Entrepreneurs; and more.

“One of the features of the Expo is the first International Trade Forum, a two-hour introductory session with a panel of experts who will cover key aspects of importing products to the United States,” said Martha Montoya, Chair of the Expo. “This session will benefit companies who want to get their products and services to the $580 billion Latino market, and complements the trade missions the LBA has made to Mexico and El Salvador.”

Two surveys will be unveiled during the Latino Business Expo: the Online Research Study commissioned by the LBA to identify the attitudes, current uses, and future technology needs among Latino business owners; and a live interactive poll using hand held devices that will be conducted during the Luncheon Honoring Latina Entrepreneurs. It will focus on the demographic profile of Latina businesses and current needs and challenges facing the fastest growing segment of the small business market. Results will flash instantly on large screens and copies of the poll results will be available at the Expo. The poll is being sponsored in part by Blue Cross of Southern California.

With almost 1.2 million businesses nationwide, the number of Hispanic-owned businesses grew thirty percent from 1992 to 1997; the number of all U.S. businesses grew seven percent. In Los Angeles County alone one of every two start-ups is Latino owned. The 2002 Latino Business Expo is presented by the Latin Business Association and made possible by Wells Fargo, Tenet California, The Latin Business Association Institute, Newsweek en Espanol, among others. For more details and registration information visit The Latin Business Association (LBA).

Established in 1976, it is the nation's largest organization representing the issues and concerns of Latino business owners. The primary purpose of the LBA is to promote the growth of Latino-owned businesses by fostering development opportunities, providing educational workshops, and formulating effective advocacy programs.