Advocacy, Empowerment & Education for California’s Emerging Businesses

The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC), will host its 30th Annual State Convention on August 19-22, 2009.  This year’s convention will take place at the U.S. Grant Hotel, San Diego, CA.

The CHCC serves as the leading Hispanic statewide business and professional organization promoting the interests of more than 720,000 Hispanic businesses and over 65 local Hispanic chambers in California. The goal of the CHCC's Annual Convention is to elevate discussion and participation among Hispanic business owners, corporate business leaders, community leaders, and government officials to address issues of relevance to the Hispanic business community.

The CHCC State Convention is the premier minority/ethnic business convention in California, offering participants the opportunity to learn the latest trends in business development, network with outstanding business professionals, and gain insights into growing and maintaining a successful business. Throughout the convention, participants have the opportunity to celebrate the educational, political, and economic success of the Hispanic community.

Convention participants will be exposed to some of the most dynamic, enterprising and informative speakers discussing current issues pertinent to the economic growth and development of California business and our communities. Past convention speakers include: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California; California Attorney General Jerry Brown; Former Governors Gray Davis and Pete Wilson; Former SBA Administrator Hector Barreto; Oscar, Grammy and Tony Award winning Actress Rita Moreno; Linda Alvarado, owner of the Colorado Rockies; and many more.

 
This year, the CHCC convention will feature business procurement/matchmaking sessions designed to bring business owners together with corporate and state procurement officers.  Unlike standard business procurement sessions, the matchmaking approach brings together businesses that can truly meet a need and increase their chances for contracting. The CHCC convention has featured the matchmaking session at previous conventions and has proven to be an extremely effective and successful tool for expanding business opportunities in the Hispanic and minority business community. 
 

Also being featured is the CHCC’s Access to Business Capital (ABC) program.  Through this innovative program, the CHCC helps companies receive private investment or equity financing beyond the traditional financial institutions.  Additionally, the ABC program provides the business owner with practical tools and training.

Conference participants are invited to join in and engage in the various convention activities, including: