Coming Together to Reach New Heights

Tragically, April 16, 2007 will always be remembered as a dark day for the United States and for most of the world. A depressed and demented individual needlessly took the lives of 32 college students and faculty members at Virginia Tech University. What impacted me the most was how random the vicious attacks were, as people from all demographic groups and backgrounds were attacked and killed. This included two Hispanics—one from Peru and one from Puerto Rico. Nations pulled together to offer their prayers and support for the families and friends of the victims. Though the students represented segments of this country and many other nations, they were all brought together by their desires for a better education and life. Their native countries understood that and united to overcome the sadness. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the affected families and the Virginia Tech community.

What I love about this country is that we all come from different nations and backgrounds but can be united in our desires for growth and success.
I have had the opportunity to travel to various states and countries and tell people and organizations about our upcoming 28th Annual Convention, Business Expo and International Pavilion in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This year’s convention is themed “Bridging Commerce Among the Americas,” and I have seen how the bridging of so many different people, businesses and nations can be so beneficial, not only for the global economy but for the global community. In today’s world it’s impossible for a business to succeed by attempting to work alone. No, today you must work with other businesses and entrepreneurs to understand and ultimately reach the myriad market opportunities that exist.

The primary goal of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce convention in Puerto Rico is to welcome anyone with an interest in growing their business and expanding their reach in the global marketplace. This convention will be one of the largest gatherings of Hispanic businesses in the Western Hemisphere, and its impact will be felt across the globe. Puerto Rico hosts 55 companies on the Fortune 100 list, a clear indication that Corporate America recognizes Puerto Rico as a prime location for business growth and a perfect bridge to Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. Puerto Rico already is the largest per capita consumer of U.S. goods, acquiring more goods than larger economies such as China, Italy, Russia, Brazil and Australia. Now is the right time for this type of convention and Puerto Rico is the perfect place to do this type of business.

I invite you all to remember the power in coming together to grow and expand our businesses and communities. I hope to see you all in San Juan this September 19 to 22, 2007. Until then, visit www.ushcc.com to learn more about the convention and how to participate. Don’t miss out on this historic event!