SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet to Provide Remarks at USHCC
National Convention
SALT LAKE CITY -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) is proud
to announce Maria Contreras-Sweet, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA), will provide remarks at the Women in Business and Leadership
Luncheon during the USHCC National Convention on September 22, 2014 in Salt Lake City,
Utah. The luncheon will honor high-achieving women in the world of business, government,
philanthropy, education, and beyond, who have been at the forefront of our nation's
progress. Sponsors of the luncheon include Wells Fargo, BMW North America, LLC, The
Kauffman Foundation, E&Y, Facebook, Doral Bank, Google and Cosmo Latina.
“The USHCC is proud to have Administrator Contreras-Sweet speak at this year’s National
Convention. Since the Administrator’s nomination, our association has worked tirelessly to
support her in this important role,” said USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez. “In her
first 100 days, the Administrator has persistently engaged the banking and small business
communities, listening to their needs and responding with pragmatic policies that will
increase the flow of capital, incentivize responsible lending, and energize our entrepreneurdriven economy. Contreras-Sweet is making a measurable difference in the lives of millions
of small business owners, and our association is delighted she will be addressing our
members.”
Nominated by President Barack Obama in January of 2014, Maria Contreras-Sweet is the
24th Administrator of the SBA and the first Hispanic woman to assume the role since it
became a full cabinet-level position. Prior to joining the President’s cabinet, Maria
Contreras-Sweet was the executive chairwoman and founder of ProAmérica bank, which
specializes in services for small business owners in Southern California. Contreras-Sweet is
also the former Cabinet Secretary of the California Business, Transportation, and Housing
Agency, and has been actively involved in business development programs across the
country.
“The USHCC National Convention will be an extraordinary opportunity to network with
Hispanic business leaders, engage in corporate supply chain opportunities and influence
public policy makers. Javier Palomarez is one of our nation’s most valuable business
advocates, and the SBA applauds his organization’s commitment to empowering America’s
largest job creators – the small business community. The new SBA stands for Smart, Bold
and Accessible, and we rely on strong partners like the USHCC to ensure our country’s
entrepreneurs are receiving the requisite capital, expanding their market prospects, and
receiving valuable training to open and scale their businesses,” said SBA Administrator
Maria Contreras-Sweet. She added, “The USHCC’s efforts to empower Latina entrepreneurs
are commendable. With a start-up rate six times the national average, the SBA offers
valuable capital and necessary resources for this highly-entrepreneurial segment to thrive.
Latina entrepreneurs and their businesses contribute greatly to the growth and prosperity of
America’s economy.”
“We look forward to hosting Administrator Contreras-Sweet, one of our country’s most
accomplished Hispanic businesswomen, as she shares her professional expertise and
personal experiences at our National Convention,” said USHCC Chairman Marc Rodriguez.
“As an immigrant who has reached the highest echelons of the business and political world,
Contreras-Sweet’s story is one that resonates deeply with our members, and we are excited
to hear from her at our Women in Business and Leadership Luncheon.”
The USHCC National Convention is a premier event for America's small business
community, convening thousands of Hispanic business owners, corporate executives,
elected officials, and representatives from local chambers and business associations
throughout the country. For more information, visit www.ushcc.com/convention.
About the USHCC
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of
our nation's entrepreneurs. The USHCC advocates on behalf of nearly 3.2 million Hispanicowned businesses, that together contribute in excess of $468 billion to the American
economy, each year. As the leading organization of its kind, the USHCC serves as an
umbrella to more than 200 local chambers and business associations across the nation, and
partners with more than 220 major corporations.
For more information, visit www.ushcc.com.
Follow us on Twitter @USHCC
CONTACT:
Ammar Campa-Najjar
Associate Director of Communications
Anajjar@ushcc.com 619-721-5148