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OPA News Release: [09/25/2003]
Contact Name: Mina Nguyen
Phone Number: (202) 693-6158

Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Co-hosts Conference to Strengthen Economic Development of Minority Communities

Opportunities Conference 2003 to Assist Asian Pacific and Hispanic American Communities

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Mel Martinez are co-hosting the two-day Opportunities Conference 2003 on strengthening the economic development of the Asian Pacific and the Hispanic American communities, the two fastest growing segments of the 21st century workforce. The Sept. 24-25 conference is designed for small business owners, non-profit organizations and community leaders.

In her keynote speech today, Secretary Chao pointed out, “Together, Asian Pacific and Hispanic Americans make up the fastest growing share of entrepreneurs in our country, opening record numbers of small and medium-size businesses, creating new jobs and generating billions in revenues every year. We all have a tremendous stake in ensuring that the Hispanic and Asian Pacific communities are vibrant, prosperous and become even more integral to the U.S. workforce.”

The conference emphasizes key components of economic development including minority homeownership, job training and understanding procurement opportunities. Scheduled workshop topics include small business development, accessing capital, doing business with the government, opportunities for faith-based and community organizations, assistance to limited English proficiency workers and job opportunities in high growth professions.

As with other small and medium-size minority business operations, Asian Pacific and Hispanic entrepreneurs face particular challenges to growth, long-term viability and financial health.

Some of the other conference partners include U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders, the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce.

All sessions are being held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, 2660 Woodley Park Rd., N.W. Full information and schedule are available at www.opportunitiesconference.gov.

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