Albuquerque Journal

Hispanic Businesses Spotlighted
Journal Staff Report

The Anderson School of Management and Albuquerque Hispano Chamber will host Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Day on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Paul R. Jackson Student Center at the school.
   
This event, which is expected to become a yearly one, will allow Anderson students and the UNM college community to learn first-hand from some of New Mexico's most prominent Hispanic business leaders as they share their individual stories of business successes and failures.
   
"We have waited for a long time for an opportunity to partner with the Hispano Chamber and to develop natural synergies between our two organizations," Anderson Professor Raul de Gouvea said in a news release.
   
Chamber President Alex Romero will be a featured presenter along with Carlo Lucero, president/owner of Sparkle Maintenance Inc., Maria Estela de Rios, executive vice president and co-owner of ORION, ORION IT, and ORION TR, and John Avila, managing partner at Avila Retail Development and Management.
   
Hispanic-owned businesses will be the fastest growing component of the business end-user market in the United States— their rate of growth is expected to be in the 8 percent range— almost three times the rate of overall U.S. firms, according to the U.S. Latino-Business Barometer.
   
"We are ready to educate and foster the next generation of business entrepreneurs," Romero said.
   
Several student organizations will provide information and networking opportunities for undergraduate business students and others interested in starting their own businesses.
   
Admission is free and light refreshments will be provided.
   
Parking is available free on a first-come, first-served basis. To R.S.V.P. go to www.mgt.unm.edu/students/rsvp.asp or for more information call (505) 277-0717.