Recognizing the week of September 18th through the 25th as Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Week and further recognizing and honoring the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on having their 27Th Annual National Convention in the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will hold its 27th Annual National Convention in the City of Philadelphia from September 20 through September 23, 2006; and

WHEREAS, In 1979, several dedicated Hispanic leaders realized the enormous potential of the Hispanic business community in the US and envisioned the need for a national organization to represent its interests before the public and private sectors; and

WHEREAS, Later that year, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) was incorporated in the state of New Mexico, creating a structured organization aimed at developing a business network that would provide the Hispanic community with cohesion and strength; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia’s Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was established in 1990; and

WHEREAS, The USHCC has worked towards bringing the issues and concerns of the nation’s more than 2 million Hispanic-owned businesses to the forefront of the national economic agenda; and

WHEREAS, The USHCC has enjoyed outstanding working relationships with international Heads of State, Members of Congress and the current White House Administration; and

WHEREAS, The USHCC has helped in implementing and strengthening national programs that assist the economic development of Hispanic firms; and

WHEREAS, The USHCC has continued to increase business relationships and partnerships between the corporate sector and Hispanic-owned businesses; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia is proud to welcome the many thousands of Hispanic Businesses, Chamber Members, Corporate Executives and Legislators who will descend upon the City of Philadelphia during this National Conference; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize the week of September 18th through the 25th as Hispanic Chamber of Commerce week and further recognize and honor the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on having their 27th Annual National Convention in the City of Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Michael L. Barrera, President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as an expression of the sincere admiration of this legislative body.

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