DEar readers:

For small companies, landing a contract as a supplier for a large corporation can mean the difference between success and going out of business. For startup companies in particular, those that are successful not only increase their revenues quickly but enhance their reputation and ability to attract other customers. For those seeking such connections, a good place to start is our annual listing of the top 50 companies for supplier diversity (p. 30). These companies have demonstrated a commitment to creating relationships with minority owned companies.
We also take a look at the new breed of Internet companies, the so-called Web 2.0. (p. 40). Among these are several Hispanic-owned websites producing great results and securing substantial investments. With all the changes brought by the Internet, it is likely that you have been invited to participate in a web-based conference, or webinar. For those who want to keep ahead and perhaps explore how to leverage this trend as a marketing tool, we discuss the organization and setup of webinars in our technology section (p. 20).
With all the emphasis on politics given the upcoming presidential election, you might be interested in the observations of Nancy Pelosi, the first female Speaker of the House. She shares her insights about immigration, small business, politics, the war in Iraq, and the challenges facing the next Commander in Chief (p. 26).
This year Michael Barrera stepped down as president and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Augustine “Augie” Martinez, the general manager of the chamber’s Hispanics Today television show (p. 54), was named interim president and CEO. We couldn’t think of anyone better to take over the job permanently than successful businessman and philanthropist David Lizárraga, CEO of TELACU. David embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of Hispanics and I am excited to have him as a contributor to the pages of Hispanic Enterprise (p. 28). I hope you enjoy the issue.

Best regards,

Carlos A. Alfaro
EDITOR
calfaro@hisp.com